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A

STUDY
IN

American
Based
AND upon

Freemasonry
"

Pike's

Morals

and

Dogma
"

of

the

Ancient

Accepted

Scottish
"The
AND

Rite,"
Encyclopedia Other

Mackey's
of

Masonic
masonry," Free-

Ritualist,"

American

Masonic

Standard

Works

EDITED

BY

ARTHUR
Editor
of

PREUSS

the

Catholic

Fortnightly Review

SECOND

EDITION

ST.

LOUIS,
by

MO., B.
Broadway

1908
Herder

Published
17 South
FREIBURG

(BADEN)
HERDER

LONDON

AND

EDINBURGH

B.

SANDS

"

CO.

NIHIL

OBSTAT.

F.

G.

HOLWBCK,

Censor

lAbrorum.

S.

Ludovici,

die

12.

Maji,

1908.

f /i
.

f'^a

IMPRIMATUR.

^1

Joannes

J.

Glbnnon,

Archiepiscopus
S.

SH.

Ludovici,

Ludovici,

die

13.

Maji,

1908.

Copyright,

1908,

by

Joseph

Gummersbach.

PREFACE

TO

THE

SECOND

EDITION

So

soon

has that minor


to
our
we

new

edition
content

of

this

volume with
as

become
ing correct-

necessary
such

must

ourselves
errors

(typographical)
notice.
to

have

been

brought
It is
a

pleasure
so

be

able

to

say

that

the

reviews in

of

this
in

Study,
South

published, in this and in Europe, America,


Catholics have
hailed

far

country,
have the
been book

Canada,

uniformly
as

vorable. fa-

and

useful

publication.
to

Even its writer

Freemasons

necessary have been calmness cal Histori-

constrained of
tone.

acknowledge
a

objectivity and
in the Missouri

Thus

Masonic

Review^
"

says:

Study
Pike's
'

in American Morals
and

upon

Freemasonry of the Dogma works,


is written It

is based
...

Ancient
and

and

cepted Ac-

Scottish of other Masonic

Rite,' Mackey's
writers.

publications
a

in for
no

calm,
all the

gumentative ar-

manner,

giving
author

authorities
so

legation al-

that

the while

makes,

that
he

offense
see

is felt the
take mis-

by

Mason of
the

reading it,though
in the conclusion
"

may

given by him." critic specifies as follows This mistake : our the York American Masons of adopt majority the Blue through of Masonry Lodge leading from of Knights the to Templar. Commandery Chapter
author
"

"

The Rite
the In the

the

Scottish

Rite there

leading
is
more

from of

the

same

Lodge

to

33rd
Masons in

degree
would

philosophic
any
are

reply

to

the

assertions

neither

branch
or

is there

taught
that

philosophy
in

science, but
or

these

teaching, but of the author, that concealed religion, all fully set forth
the esoteric and
sonry Manot
a

the

monitorial

exoteric the
to

Masonry,
of monitorial
79-

being changing or
iVol.

merely
addition
I

forms the

initiation

part."

Ill, No.

(Oct.

1908),
i

p.

ii

PREFACE

TO

SECOND

EDITION

The

writer
one
"

of of

this the

criticism
"

is and

probably
Fork contention

an

exoteric
or

Freemason,
best
a

Knife
^

degree,"
is
so

at

Bright

Mason."

His
the

oughly thorwe

refuted
need admit
"

throughout
into
must
an

present
here. the
"

volume Once

"

that Masons of
we

not

enter

argument
admit of

as

they
the leave
to

authenticity
citations,
reader the

our

sources

and

genuineness
the
of

our

can

tranquilly
as

unprejudiced
our

judgment
are

to

the but

validity
flow

conclusions,
from these

which

not

forced,

spontaneously

premises.

Arthur St.

Preuss.

Louis,

Nov.

I,

1908.

Vide
of

infra,
this

pp.

6,
see

9,

28

sq. p.

For

our

opinion

of

exoteric

Masons
'

class
pp.

infra,
12

16. 18
sqq.

See

especially

10,

sqq.,

INTRODUCTION

Among
in

the

varied

influences

that and all

are

ceaselessly molding
be

gaged en-

shaping prominent by
our

American
must,

ideas in Its

can Americeded con-

life, Freemasonry
a

fairness,
are

place. daily
theme
of
our

principles
its labors and

scattered

broadcast
are

press;

for pen;
our

humanity
its
bers mem-

the
are,

constant

tongue

in great
even

part,

lawgivers,
of
our our

judges,
in school

our

rulers its

the the
are

presidents
educators often of

republic openly join youth


and and ape
to
crown

ranks;

university
among and

its

adherents,
which young To its the of

encourage its secrecy its

their

pupils
and in

societies the life.


are

methods

prepare after

become

zealous

partisans
and
that

tant all, Protesand cates, advoof


our

ministers
so

bishops
not
even

initiates

often

only
those and

corner

stones

public buildings, but


are

Protestant

churches,
its

laid

by
To
fact if
we

its officers

consecrated
among
us,

by

mystic
be
to

rites.

deny

its

influence than
to

would

deny
And of

plainer
are

the believe
we
"

light
the

of

day.
protestations grudge
"

open
not

American
or

Freemasonry,
its power.

should

it its

numbers

It

is," it asserts,
there is

purely
harm.

benevolent
It admits No love and be

association,
all

in
in
a

which

no

religions
can

spiritof universal
It the It for teaches

tolerance.

atheist
and the

be

member.

brotherly
of
a man

universal

benevolence,
of
man.

fatherhood

God
to

brotherhood enforces

requires

moral;

respect
iii

authority;

assists

its

iv associates
better

INTRODUCTION

in

life, and

when
to

death
dust

calls them
with

to

sphere, consigns dust


and the the and and

appropriate
care

ceremonies widow

provides with orphan." If


whole

solicitous this be

for

the sonry, Ma-

American

of American

Masonry;

if there all these

be and

behind concealed nothing objectionable masked to American by these, opposition


to

Masonry

is hard Yet

be conceived. is

Freemasonry, oppositionto American and which, if strong opposition,in a quarter from should least sincere, we are Masonry's assurances from it; oppositionand condemnation expect to meet
a
"

there

ignorance on her part? Is it prejudice and bigotry? Is it the pettinessof wounded pride at findinga powerful competitor in the field? Is it priestly fluence inwill suffer no tyranny which for good, if dissevered from its own? even The present Study will,we hope, throw lightupon all these points,which but interest the inquisitive cannot
mind.

for its own remarkable power the Catholic Is it Church.

deeds

of benevolence

guides," it will be asked, are we to in our follow to Study ? Guides, we answer, whom no exceptioncan be taken ; guides who certainly know of what will speak they speak; guides who in all sincerity, since they do not speak for us, but for the instruction of those of whom they are the We shall use acknowledged and accepted teachers.
But what
" "
"

"

standard of such

works

of American Masonic Albert


are

the Freemasonr-y,

works

celebrated
and that

authorities
Pike.

as

Bro.

Albert

G.

Mackey
To show of Mason
our

Bro.
we

not

exaggerating
indeed
no

the

ticity authencan Ameri-

sources,

which
a

educated

would

for

moment

deny, our

readers

will

INTRODUCTION

permit
a
"

us

to

give,in

the words

of

Masonic

Brother,

brief notice of their Masonic


It is in

life and Bro. C. T.

Hterary labors.
McCIenachan
for the ternity, Fra-

Masonry,"
of

says

in his Memoir

Dr.

"that for celebrity,


the
to

Dr.

Mackey, written Mackey attained


its kindred
He

his

greatest
he voted de-

that and

sciences
was

best years of his life. passed, and raised to the sublime Mason in

initiated,
Master
10,
at

1841, in St. Andrew's Charleston,S. C. ; immediatelyafterwards


with
in

degree of Lodge, No.


the
same

he affiliated and city, In

Solomon's

Lodge,
1842,
March,
of
was

No.

i, of

December,
and in

elected
was

Master
elected

thereof. Grand

the

following year, 1843, he


Lodge
continued South

tary, Secreof the

1845, Grand
Carolina.

Lecturer In both

Grand
was

offices he

until 1866, combining uninterruptedly with the duties of the Secretariat that of preparing the Reports on Foreign Correspondence. In the Grand of South lina, CaroChapter of the Royal Arch Masons elected Grand Lecturer Dr. Mackey was in 1845,

Deputy Grand
year,

High
until

Priest in

1847, and

in each

cessive suc-

Grand he was made 1854, when ous High Priest,in which positionhe served, by continure-elections,until 1867. Upon the organization, Council of in i860, in South Carolina of a Grand elected Grand Select Masters, he was Royal and Master. During the period he filled these important in the Grand Chapter, and Lodge, Grand positions,

Grand

Council

of

South

Carolina, he
over

exercised

Masonry of from a under his fostering care that State, which grew of great prosperity. of weakness condition to one His Annual Reports on Foreign Correspondence, and
and potential

beneficial influence

the

his instructive lectures and

addresses, gave

him

rep-

vi

INTRODUCTION

utation In

which the

was

shared

by

the Bodies Masons

he of

represented.
the
in

1859,
at

Royal
the

Arch

United

States,
elected

their
to

triennial

convocation

highest positionwithin office which that of General Grand an High Priest he held for six years. At an earlyperiod, Dr. Mackey struse took interest in Scottish Rite an Masonry, the abphilosophy of which he found congenial. In ultimate or 1844, he received the Thirty-third degree of that rite, became of the Supreme Council a member for the Southern of the United States, Jurisdiction and was immediately elected its Secretary-General, which he continuouslyoccupieduntil his death. [office]
him
"

Chicago, their gift,

For Rite the

he was the oldest member many years in the United States,in virtue of which of position Dean of the Council, and, that
as a

of he mark

the held of

respect and

Supreme Body, by special the office of Secretary-General, which enactment, made is usually the sixth in rank, the third office during his
esteem, life.
"

As

contributor Dr.

to

the

literature and
labors other than have

science been
more

of

Freemasonry,
extensive
in had than

Mackey's
of any

those

in this country
whom
no one

or

Europe.
better

Robert

Morris,
'

has

of judging, said in 1856, in opportunities his Reminiscences,that the character of Dr. Mackey as a profound and lucid historian and writer in all departments of Masonry is, we conceive, unequaled Dr. by any living writer, unless it be the venerable Oliver of sonry, England.' (Encyclopcedia of FreemaEd. of 1906, pp. 916-917.)
"

Not

content

with
"

this tribute Addendum


"

of
to

esteem, Dr.

Bro.

Mc-

Clenachan,

in his

cyclopcedia of Freemasonry (Preface, p.

Mackey's En92 1 ) adds :


,

INTRODUCTION
"

vii

As

the

young

student

or

older

devotee

looks

for,
work
to

and

is entitled to and

receive, the latest Masonic


derived
w^ith from research

tion informain
a

deductions

of

this class, I
on

have

diffidence
from
years

undertaken the

carry

the he

work

of the Doctor his

where

ceased word of

labors
or

ten

standpoint not by ago;

withdrawing a
but

from
a

the original, interpolating Addendum that

by
few

means

voluminous

replacing
the material

the

pages

of and in

supplement
which its relative
a

concluded of

original work,

consisted

cidenta in-

omitted

therefore, is
This

more

dition, position. This adcomplete compilation of

subsequent discoveries
Addendum,
an

and

opinions
as
no a

therefore, is offered author, who


to

loving

tribute to
successful

esteemed

endeavors

add

so

peer in his materiallyto the general

had

information We

of the Craft." is

tutelageof such a He he speaks, for besides knows whereof master. of the highest positions in the order, he some filling the accredited teacher of his Brethren for nearly was four decades, from He 1841 to his death, in 188 1. will tell us the truth, for he is writing for those whom
to

therefore,as may, in Masonic matters

evident, safelytrust
the

selves our-

he is anxious

to

instruct

and

is confident that his

ing mean-

"

will escape our grasp. The truth is,"he says in his


p.

masonry, Encyclopediaof Freeare

617,

"

that

men

who works.

not

Masons have
not
no

never

read

authentic
in the

Masonic

They
and could

terest in-

topicsdiscussed,
from
a

stand under-

them,
which
a

want

of the preparatory
can a

education
were

the

Lodge
to

alone trench

supply. Therefore,
little
arcana
on

writer

even

what
of

may

be

sidered con-

as

being reallythe

Masonry, there

viii
is
to

INTRODUCTION

no

danger of his thus making an improper persons." The Doctor for us fortunately
that
use we

improper
is in
error

revelation

when

he

asserts

do

not

read

authentic

Masonic

books.

We his

his Encyclopcediaof Freemasonry, freely Lexicon masonry, of Freemasonry, his Symbolism of Freehis Masonic and his Masonic Jurisprudence,
"

shall

Ritualist,
not

all He

standard is in
error

works also

of when

American he

masonry. Free-

imagines that
the We
venture

we

are

interested, and
his learned he is in
even

deeply interested, in
discuss.
as we

topicswhich to hope that


grasp his of

works also

error

to

our

to inability

meaning,
the

though
of

lack the useful is said

structi in-

lodge, for enough


the shadow
a

clearlyto
is

indicate,without
hinted

doubt, what
in
one

only

at; and
Bro. and

incomplete instruction
in another. Pike and

place is
classic,

fortunatelycompleted
Of
Morals Albert

his
Ancient
some

Masonic and
extracts account

Scottish

Rite
of

Dogma of the of Freemasonry,


work the and the continuator

Accepted
from of the Bro.

preface

the

brief

McClenachan,

of

Dr.

of Freemasonry,
"

will be

cyclopce Mackey's Encient. abundantly suffi-

The

following work,"
and of
"

Morals

Thirty-third [and Western] Jurisdiction Degree for the Southern of the United Commander States, by the Grand self] [himand is now It conpublished by its direction. tains the Lectures of the Ancient and tish Accepted ScotRite in that jurisdiction and is specially intended be and studied to read of that by the Brethren
obedience, in connection with
the Rituak of the

has Dogma, the Supreme Council

says been

Bro.

Pike

of the

his
thority au-

prepared by
of the

De-

INTRODUCTION

ix

grees. himself

It is with

hoped
a

and

expected
make

that each himself

will furnish
with

copy

and

familiar

it."
"

It not

felt at

being intended to make, liberty


of the

for the world from

at

he large,

has
a

all accessible sources, and and

compendium
remould

Morals

Dogma
add
to

of

the

Rite,
and
as

sentences,

change
with
to
to

words
use

phrases,combine if they were his


and for
so

them
own,
as

his own,

and
at

them

be dealt make

with

his
most

pleasure,
valuable

availed

of

the whole

the purposes
Albert

intended."
"

Bro.

Pike, says his biographer, was


29,

born
.

in

Boston,
a

Mass., December
in

1809.
he Little

After
.

sojourn
an

early life
and and

in Mexico, in

returned

to

the

United
as

States editor

settled

Rock,
to

Arkansas,
the
war

lawyer. Subsequent
he
in had
cast

of with

the the with the

rebellion,in which South, he located


ex-Senator
Robert his

his fortunes

Washington, D. C, uniting Johnson in the professionof


however,
the in
a

law, making
in library,

home,
and

Alexandria.

His

extent

selections,is
the

marvel,

pecially es-

in all that literature Bro.

pertainsto
is

wonders

in ancient

Sov[ereign] G[rand] the Southern of Council Commander Supreme A[ncient and] A[ccepted] Scottish Rite, having been is Prov[incial]G[rand] Master elected in 1859. He of Scotland of the G[rand] Lodge of the Royal Order
in the U.

Pike

S., and
author

an

honorary

member His

of

almost

every
a

Supreme

Council
and

in the world.

standing as
as
a

Masonic

historian, and

withal

poet,

zeal is without and his untiring distinguished, a parallel."{Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, pp. 992, 993.) Pike died in Washington, Apr. 2, 1891. allow American shall therefore We Freemasonry is most

INTRODUCTION

only at times speak for itself, regretting not clearlyand fully;and speak more must pardon us that the occasional fulness
to

that it will
our

readers
our

of

tations quofor

sometimes
we

introduces
a

extraneous

matter,
the its context

would

not

for
or

moment

lie under from

suspicion
and

of of

taking a word so changing


As the

phrase apart

its

meaning.
is written for for the
not

present work
must

ordinary

reader, the learned


certain stated

pardon
their

us

questionsin minuteness by
our

of detail.^
own

treating From ciples prinaided un-

they can make and we efforts,

deductions
to

shall be enabled

keep

our

Study within readable limits. it is as a mere contribution to information Finally, concerning American Freemasonry that we offer the
not
as an

present volume, and


that will leave themes interesting what
sources

exhaustive On
to

dissertation
a

nothing to
we

be desired.

number

of

shall

present
in remit

our

readers

American

Freemasonry
its initiates, and other

its most them

approved
for further

gives to
to

information The

authors.
of these has already chapters Review.

substance in The

of many

appeared
In the
some

Catholic

Fortnightly

presentingthe matter, however, in book form to public,it has been thought well to condense parts and to enlargeothers, hoping thus to meet
and
our
crown

better the needs


success

of many efforts,and the

wishes

readers.

Should nature, and

aim, the
be feel

and
more

the

tenets

of

American

Masonry
we

better

generally understood,
for the labor

shall

which

the

warded fully repreparation of this

volume
iThe

has entailed.
immediate
method

object of this book will also explain the literary of giving references, and employed, the mode a
to

few other features that may at first blush appear of scholarship or of scientific acumen.

indicate want

LIST UPON

OF

THE

CHIEF THIS

MASONIC STUDY IS

WORKS BASED

WHICH

1.

An

Encyclopedia
and

Sciences: Sciences

of Freemasonry and Comprising the Whole Range


as

dred its Kin-

of Arts,
tion. Institu-

Literature Albert
G. "

Connected M.D.

with

the

By
Louis
2.

Mackey,
1906.

Philadelphia:

H.

Everts

Co.

The

Symbolism
and York:

of Freemasonry:
and

Illustrating
its Legends, G.

and

Explaining Myths
New 33 East

its Science

Philosophy,
Albert "
Merrill

Symbols. Maynard,

By
Street.*

M.D.
and

Mackey, Co., 29, 31,


in

Nineteenth

(Copyrighted
or

1869.)
3.

Mackey'
Master.

Masonic

Ritualist:

Monitorial

structio Into

in the
Select

Degrees from
of
the

Entered

Apprentice
Fast

By A. G. Mackey,
Priest Gen.
"A

M.D.,
Lexicon
"

General

Grand United

High
"

Grand

Chapter of
Book York The

of of
:

the

States, Author
Manual
"

of

sonry," Freemathe

of the Lodge" Chapter," Cryptic Masonry," etc. " Co.* Merrill (Copyrighted
4.

New
in

nard, May-

1867.)
a

Lexicon

of Freemasonry:

Containing

tion Defini-

Terms, Notices of all its Communicable and Antiquities and an History, Traditions

of
Account

its

of

all the

Rites G.

and

Mysteries of
M.D.

the

Ancient

World. larged En-

By Albert
and

Mackey,

Fourteenth the Author.

Edition,
New

Improved
Merrill and

by
Co.*

York:

Maynard,
in
*

"

(Copyrighted successively

1852, 1855,
Some of of standard

1871.)
have
no

these

books works.

date, because

they

are

prints re-

xi

xii

BIBLIOGRAPHY

5.

Text
the

Book

of
and G.

Masonic

Jurisprudence,
Laws

trating Illus-

Written

Unwritten

of
Author

masonry. Free-

By
"

Albert

Mackey,
"

M.D.,
Book

of

Lexicon Seventh " 6. Co.*

of

Freemasonry,"
Edition.

of
:

the

Chapter,"
rill Mer-

etc.

New'
in

York

Maynard,

(Copyrighted
and

1859.)
the

Morals
Rite

Dogma
Freemasonry,

of

Ancient

and

Accepted
the preme Suthe lished Pubsonic Ma-

Scottish

of

Prepared Degree
States

for

Council
Southern

of

the

Thirty-Third of
the

for
and and Charleston:

Jurisdiction

United

by

its

Authority.
Co.,
34 Park

Macoy
Row,
Albert

Publishing
N. Y.

Supply
A
.'.

.".

s64i.t

[By

Pike.]

Some of

of

these

books works. read


Dr.

have

no

date,

because

they

are

prints re-

standard

t The

above is

date 1880-81.

is

Anno

Mundi

5641,
this
"'

which information Mundi.


Ancient
to year

in

our

putation com-

Mackey
p.

gives
71 used
:

in In

his the cepted Acera

Encyclopedia
year

of
the

Freemasonry,
The Rite: After found date

Anno the

of

World.

is

in

and

Scottish until because Thus +


1
=

by

adding
add
one

3760
one

the
more:

vulgar
this
in

September.
the
year

September
is the Hebrew
^

is

used i860

which and

begins
October

ber. Septem-|- 3760

July

3760

5620,

i860

5621."

CONTENTS

PAGE

Introduction Bibliography

iii xi

CHAPTER American Freemasons


and

I Freemasonry
.
.

American

CHAPTER Masonic Instruction

II i8

CHAPTER Means
of

HI

Instruction

in

American

Freemasonry
...

38

CHAPTER The Shock


of

IV
the

Entrance

and

Shock

of

ment Enlighten-

58

CHAPTER
Is

V
79

American

Masonry

Religion?

CHAPTER Additional Light


on

VI Freemasonry
as a

American

ligion Re94

CHAPTER American Freemasonry


and

VII Paganism
117

CHAPTER The God


of

VIII
141

American

Freemasonry

CHAPTER American Freemasonry


and the

IX
Kabbalistic

Jehovah
. .

170

CHAPTER American Freemasonry


and the

X
Human

Soul
....

200

xiv

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

XI
PAGE

American

Freemasonry

and

the

Bible

221

CHAPTER
American
AND

Xn
its

Freemasonry Christianity

in

Relation

to

Catholicity
249

CHAPTER Were
Benedict

Xni IX

XIV

and

Pius

Freemasons?
....

267

CHAPTER
A Peep Into
the

XIV
of an

Proceedings

American

Lodge
.
.

273

CHAPTER
Masonic Morality

XV
290

CHAPTER
Masonic Benevolence

XVI

316

CHAPTER
Masonic

XVII

History

346

CHAPTER
Is American Freemasonry

XVIII One
With European masonry? Free-

378

APPENDIX
The Index

Unity

of

Freemasonry

413 427

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY
knew these

aims

of

the

Masonic
no

Order.

That

they

aims, needs
that

they
the

have

stronger proof than the long years that they told us the lived as Masons;
to

truth, is witnessed
and

by

the

of integrity

their character

of their love." sincerity Against the praise lavished on have be


not
a

such

estimable
the
are

men

we

word

to

say.

How

common
we

type
that

may
to

among state; but

American
we
are

Freemasons,
We

unable

perfectly willing to believe


are

it is
to

by

no

means

uncommon.

of grant the sincerity pardon us, however, if we It may


seem

willing even informants; you must your question their knowledge.


the

to

you,
us

for do

moment,
we

rash you
to

and
to

sumptuous presider con-

for
our reasons.

to

so;
are

ask

only
be

We

content

judged by
candor you

them.
We and and

granted your would for we sincerity,


them. We the rule

have

Masonic avoid

friends'

offending both
submit them
to

would, however,

in all their

prescribedto dealings with those


in all Masonic

by
are

sideration your contheir Order

who

not

Masons.
in

It is contained

rituals and and

is found 249
:
"

Mackey's Masonic
"

Ritualist, pp. 248


in your

Behavior shall

in presence

of strangers words

not

Masons.

You

be

cautious

and

carriage,
be able to

that the most discover and


or

penetrating stranger
what is not

shall not
to be

find out

proper

intimated

age you shall divert a discourse,and manit prudently for the honor of the Worshipful Fraternity."

sometimes

Secrecy
essence

is after
"

all, remember,
The

the

very
^

of the

institution.

duty

of

an

Entered
and

Apprentice
1

is embraced
this
ours.

by

the virtues
where

of silence

Throughout
italics
are

volume,
In

except

the

this passage

they

are

expressly indicated, Mackey's.

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

secrecy,"we are the opening words


American for the
"

told

in the

same

volume, p. 30; and

of the

rite,viz:
The
two

9th or Highest Degree of the Select Master, p. 523, emphasize


the
same

in Masonry, proficient virtues the which

Masonic

tues. vir-

symbolicaldesign of
are

called the

and secrecy the cardinal virtues their

the particularly Select Master's culcate degree to insilence. They are, indeed, of
a

it is

Select

Master, because

is prominently set before practice the candidate in the legend, as well as in all the ceremonies of the degree. But these virtues constitute the very essence character;they are the of all Masonic safeguards of the institution, giving to it all its enforced and perpetuity, and are by frequent security the lowest in all the degrees, from admonitions to Entered the Apprentice begins his highest. The Masonic career by learning the duty of secrecy and it is appropriatethat in that degree Hence silence. is the consummation in which of initiation, the

of necessity

which whole

science is completed, the cycle of Masonic abstruse machinery of symbolism should be employed to impress the same important virtues on the mind of the neophyte If we turn our says Caleyes back to antiquity,' shall find that the old Egyptians had so we cott, great a regard for silence and secrecy in the mysteries of their rehgion that they set up the god Harpocrates and veneration; to whom they paid peculiar honor with the right hand placed near who represented was the heart, and the left down by the side,covered with a that of to signify skin before, full of eyes and ears; lished. things to be seen and heard few are to be pubmany
"
'

'

"

who Apuleius,

was

an

initiate in the

mysteriesof

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY
will peril the I be

Isis, says
to to

'

By
on

no

ever

compelled to
I have
"

close distrusted en-

the uninitiated
me

things

that

had

condition
at

of silence.'

It would when We

be

well the

least to of

ponder
your

on

these

things
friends.

weighing

words for the

Masonic waive

will, however,
of friends have

moment,

thjsallthat you have

important duty
your
as

Masonic been
as

secrecy, and open

and

suppose

candid

with

what Tell us in all sincerity, they you assert. of the Order. told you concerning the aim and purposes

Have

they
a mere

asserted

society for
of
care

tion? purely social organizagathering to promote goodfellowship? and the purely temporal advancement
that it is
a a mere

assistance
to

its members? for the

benevolent the

ciation asso-

orphan, and the That it has nothing to do with in distress? brethren or politics, party, or a man's religion? Are these the things that in all candor and sincerity they have told you ? If they are, we ask you to follow shall give you, in our from us thentic auStudy, for we Masonic American more light on sources, of these matters than your friends have deigned many
widow,
and
to

afford We

you. any

disclaim, however,
our own

desire

of

imposing
are

personalopinionsof
to

submit

our

We upon you. authorities and constitute of


our

tent con-

you

the

judge
in most And Masonic in

of the correctness
cases, now,

deductions, if,indeed,

deductions
as
a

be not

superfluous.
of your

practicaltest
let end
us

friends'
it is

knowledge, regard to the very


to

examine and

how

correct

For,

be
on

informed their this,

object of Freemasonry. admit that if they are fair, you must illand primary as a point so fundamental
is littleto be relied
on

information

in

more

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

5
the fact

abstruse sincere

and
as

recondite
may

matters.

Now
are

is,that
error;

they
Dr.

be, they
assures

in sincerely
us,

as although,

Mackey

those
a

that

shared

in the

error,

constituted

in his

days

large majority

of the Brotherhood.

"What,
asks
"

then, is the design of Freemasonry?" he

Symbolism of Freemasonry, pp. 301-302. A very large majority of its disciples," he answers, in the "looking only to its practical results,as seen every-day business of life, to the noble charities which it dispenses, of the widow to the tears which it has dried, to the cries of the orphans which it has of the destitute which it has suphushed, to the wants plied, arrive with too much at the conclusion rapidity and that, too, in its least exalted sense that Charity, of tion." eleemosynary aid, is the great design of the institu" "

in his

"Others,"
their

he

continues, "with

still more

tracted con-

view, remembering the


which
of

pleasant reunions
communications solemn

of

lodge banquets, the unreserved thus encouraged, and the are


trust

mutual

and
that

confidence
it
was

that

believe inculcated,
the

intended
cement

obligations are continually solelyto promote


the bonds of

social sentiments

and

friendship." The true object and aim of Masonry, American for it is of this that Dr. Mackey speaks Masonry neither is therefore mere mere sociabilitynor itself in the shows which eleemosynary benevolence form of material assistance to the poor, the aged and it is something higher,something vaster, in afflicted; the true Masonic idea; something immeasurably more In admitting, fore, thereworthy of the instructed Mason. of your Masonic have friends, we the sincerity
" " "

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

been
"

to- question their knowledge. forced, in justice,

Those

Masons,"
to

says

Bro.

McClenachan

in

his

masonry, Mackey's Encyclopcedia of Freewho take more freshments delight in the rep. 970, of the banquet than in the labors of the admire Lodge, and who Masonry only for its social said to be Members of the Knife aspect, are ironically first uttered by and Fork was Degree.' The sarcasm he said in his Ahiman Dermott, when Reson, p. 36, also thought expedient speaking of the Moderns, that it was of studying geometry to abolish the old custom in the Lodge; and some of the young brethren made it appear that a good knife and fork in the hands of dexterous a brother, over materials, would give proper to the rotundity of greater satisfaction and add more the Lodge than the best scale and compass in Europe.' But it may be that your friends are something more than deserve ranked this, and that they even to be be well Bright Masons." They among may acquainted with the ritual of the Order. They may have at their fingers' ends the forms of opening and be able closing a Lodge. to even They may go of initiation without take, misthrough all the ceremonies a and yet be only on the threshold of true Masonic knowledge. A Mason is said to be bright,' says Dr. Mackey in his Encyclopcedia, is well acquainted p. 130, "who with the ritual, the forms of opening and closing, and the ceremonies of initiation. This expression does Addendum Dr.
"
'

'

"

"

"

'

"

not, however,
the the

in its .technical of

sense,

superiorknowledge
Institution,and
not
some

the

appear history and Masons


;

to

include
of

science
are,
on

many learned necessarily learned Masons

bright
Masons
are

fore, theretrary, con-

and,

the

not

well

versed

in the

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

phraseologyof the ritual. The one knowledge the other is derived depends on a retentive memory, from It is scarcelynecessary to say deep research. kinds of knowledge is the more which of the two uable. valexact

The

Mason

whose
to
a

acquaintance
he learns from

with

the

stitutio In-

is confined ritual will have but

what

its esoteric and

limited

idea of its science

philosophy."
again in his Symbolism, pp. 310-31 1, "in repeatingwith fluency and precision the ordinary lectures,in complying with all the ceremonial of the ritual, or the requisitions the appointed modes giving, with sufficient accuracy of recognition, pertains only to the very rudiments of
consists,"he
says the
"

"

That

skill which

Masonic But

science.
is
a

there
"

far nobler

series of doctrines," he

continues,
which
in the
some

with been

which my

it has

Freemasonry is connected, and object,in this work, to present

constitute It is these which imperfectway. the philosophy of Freemasonry, and science and

it is these devotes

alone

which
to

will return

the

student reward

who for

himself

the

task,

sevenfold

his labor.

Freemasonry, viewed no longer,as too long it has has now assumed been, as a merely social institution, undoubted its original and position as a speculative ritual is still carefullyprethe mere While science. served,
"

as

the

casket

should

be

which

contains

so

bright a jewel ; while its charities are stilldispensedas the necessary though incidental result of its moral still cultivated teachings ; while its social tendencies are
as

the

tenacious

cement

which

is to

unite Masonic for

so

fair mind

fabric in symmetry

and

the strength, look

is

everywhere beginning to

and

ask

something

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

which, Hke
our

the

manna

in the

desert, shall feed

us,

in

universal The pilgrimage,with intellectual food. world, is for light;our cry, throughout the Masonic labor is to be to be schools ; our lodges are henceforth to be learning; the types and are study; our wages of the institution, symbols, the myths and allegories, to are beginning to be investigatedwith reference their ultimate traced meaning; our historyis now by zealous with antiquity; to its connection as inquiries that often and Freemasons now thoroughly understand that ity quoted definition, Masonry is a science of moralveiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.' Thus work and to do to learn Masonry is to know our
'

it well. task?" We friends that


even are

What

true

Mason

would

shrink

from

the

confident,kind
the terms which

reader, that
to

never

presented Masonry
Dr.

Masonic your in this light; you

Mackey uses are strange and new, and for the moment, perhaps,bewildering to If you will follow us step by step patiently you. ; not everything clear at once; not expectingus to make throw the subject can shutting off what light we upon before us, by trustingtoo much to your own perience, exwhich learn you
we

is

more

apparent
American

than

real:

you

will

much know
at

more

about

present ; for, not


what
not

Freemasonry than being bound by any oath,


friends, even
if

can

tell you

your
"

Masonic

they knew, dare


"

reveal.
us,

But," you
that

will ask

how
be

is it possible or

ible, cred-

in the Masonic years Order, and yet be ignorant of its real purposes ? " It is credible,we have because we it on the answer,

Masons

should

unimpeachable testimony of thoroughly informed sons persuch as Dr. Mackey. it is possibleis not How

lO

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

There
esoteric

are,

therefore, in
or or

American
of the

Masonry,
forms.
so.

the

Masons,

Masons Masons
are

inner

school; and
Both
are

exoteric Masons,
are

of the outer
not

Masons,

but

both of

equally
who who
were
"

They
the

like the scholars

Pythagoras,
were

esoteric and

exoteric ; the latter assemblies delivered alone


"

those

attended

lic pubwere

where the
sage

general
"

ethical former

instructions
were

by

the
true

those these

who alone

constituted

the

school, and
"

Pythagoras called," says Jamblichus, his companions and friends." (Cfr.Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, p. 622.) But that you may not fancy that this is an invention in explicit Bro. Pike tells us of our read what own, the members forceful words. He is instructing and of the 17th degree or Knights -of the East and West. This is the first of the Philosophical degrees of the Rite ;" he says, Ancient and Accepted Scottish and will of instruction which the beginning of a course fullyunveil to you the heart and inner mysteries of Do have often not despair because Masonry. you the inmost seemed the point of attaining and on light, have often been as disappointed. In all time, truth has been hidden under cession symbols and often under a sucveil after veil had of allegories to be : where before the true Light was reached, and the penetrated, essential truth stood revealed." {Morals and Dogma, p. 246.) For sixteen degrees,therefore, or half of the whole has the candidate been led on, ever imagining course, that he knows much, for he fancies that he is on the light;" whereas, in point of attainingthe inmost for he has yet to truth, he knows comparativelylittle, is to unveil to of instruction which begin the course
.

"

"

"

AMERICAN
him

FREEMASONRY

He would mysteriesof the Craft. repudiate the idea of being a mere Mason," and yet, such is his real condition in

the true

less doubt"

Parrot
the eyes

of his instructed A

Brethren. Dr.

Mason,
the

says

Mackey,
answers

"who

commits

to

memory attention
is is

questionsand
the formulas

of the catechetical but ritual,

and lectures,
to

of

the

historyand
called
a

pays no tion, philosophy of the Institu-

the

commonly

Parrot

Mason,^ because

he

supposed to repeat what he has learned without any conception of its true meaning. In former times, such Masons held by many in high repute, were superficial because of the facility with which they passed through the ceremonies of a reception, and they were generally But the progress of designated as Bright Masons.' requiressomething more Masonry as a science now than a mere knowledge of the lectures to constitute a scholar." (Encyclopcedia, rot ParMasonic p. 561.) A
'
"

Mason
never

"

is,therefore,
He
tell

one

of the exoteric brethren,


are

of the esoteric. He is

is talkative, they
us

tive. secre"

ready
so

to

all about

that he knows, him is sincere.

he says, and we are Perhaps, like the bird, his namesake, and

all Masonry willingto believe he

proud of his knowledge,


it.

is

But, like
has he

a
"

parrot, he
without

play ready to disis merely repeating


ever

what
true

he

heard,

any

conceptionof
of

its

meaning;"
are

is the possessor the

exoteric,not

esoteric

knowledge;
that indignant

heart, the inner


from his eyes.

Masonry
waxes

shrouded

mysteries of Dr. Mackey


be satisfied

such feast

brethren
on

should

with
"

the shell and

not

the kernel.
he
" confine their says, of the signsand the cere-

Too

many
a

of

them,"

to acquirements
1

knowledge

Italics Dr.

Mackey's.

12

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

monies

of

initiation.
no

There

they

cease

their

searches. re-

study of the philosophy and to Order. the They do not seem tended of recognitionare know that the modes simply inof security against imposition,and means as worth rites are that the ceremonial nothing without the symbolism of which they are only the external less senseMasonry for them is nerveless exponents. it is an meaning lifeless; empty voice without of splendid foliage,but without a tree single a fruit." {Encyclopaedia, p. 617.) But, perhaps, with Dr. Mackey, we are too hard on They make of the antiquities
" " "

the exoteric the the

brethren

; for

we

have

overlooked, in part,
with
we

of difficulty

their Blue that

lower,

"

or

They are engaged of Masonry, and Degrees


task.
"

fondly imagined
was ever

sincere

and

candid

instruction

it.

The the

to receive them, if they would consent ing testimony of Bro. Pike, however, in instruct-

open

to

"

Scottish
affairs.
"

Knight Kadosh," or Masonry, will reveal an


Blue

Thirtieth

Degree state interesting


are

of of

The
or

court
are

Degrees," he says, portico of the Temple.


to

"

but

the

outer

Part

of the

symbols
intended that
plication ex-

displayed there
misled

the

but he is intentionally Initiate, is


not

by

false

It interpretations.

that

he

shall understand

them; but it is intended


them.

he shall

imagine

he understands for the

Their

true

Adepts, the Princes of The whole dotal Masonry. body of the Royal and SacerArt was hidden centuries so since, in carefully, the High Degrees, as that it is even yet impossibleto of the enigmas which solve many It is they contain. well enough for the mass of those called Masons, to imagine that all is contained in the Blue Degrees ; and

is reserved

AMERICAN whoso
and
an

FREEMASONRY

13
will labor in

attempts
any

to

undeceive reward

them

vain,

without

true

violate his

Adept.
head

Masonry
sands

is the veritable

the

heaped round (Morals and Dogma, p. 819.) Do kind still, reader, place the same implicit you confidence in the Masonic knowledge of your Masonic friends? Do think that they are of even aware you how their Brethren in the Higher Degrees regard Do they fancy for a moment that the Order them? that they praiseso highly,purposely deceives them in it presents to the explanation of the symbols which them never intending that they should understand that they should imagine them, but intendingpositively so? Is this its sociability? this its that they do
"

in the

as obligations Sphinx, buried to it by the ages."

benevolence hold all about

even

towards

its own?

Do

the the

told opinion that your friends organization? Here is a sample of

you have

ously still seriyou how

Bro. deceived. It is taken from they themselves were Pike's book (pp. 104-105), where instruction is given The Master." for the Third Degree or that of Masonry," says Bro. Pike, like all the Religions, and Alchemy, conceals all the Mysteries,Hermeticism [the italics here are Pike's] its secrets from all except false the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses of its symbols to explanationsand misinterpretations deserve mislead those who ceal only to be misled; to conit calls Light, from the Truth, which them, and to
" "
"

draw
are

them

away
or

from

it.
to

Truth

is not

for those would

who vert per-

unworthy
it. So

unable

receive

it, or

men, by incapacitates many leads the colors, and color-blindness, to distinguish the the highest Truth, giving them from masses away of it as it is profitable to attain only so much power

God

Himself

14 them its
"

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

to to

to

know.

Every
even

age

has

had

religionsuited
goes the
no

"... capacity.

The
"

Teachers,
are,

of

to

say,

in

general, the
which

he Christianity," most ignorant of teach.


as

on

true

meaning
of who
"

of that
so

they

There Bible.
as

is

book
most

which read So

little is known
as

the

To

it,it is

incomprehensible
"

the

Sohar."

Masonry," he concludes, jealously conceals its secrets, and leads conceited intentionally ters interpreThere is no the sun more sight under astray. and ludicrous than the spectacleof the at once, pitiful
Prestons and the

Webbs,
and

not

to

mention

the

later

carnati in-

of Dullness
to to
*

explain the old and improving


'

'

'

We the

shall many for


more

abstain

undertaking symbols of Masonry, and adding ones." them, or inventing new from commenting at length on
that
care

Commonplace,

assertions
we

call
to

for

comment

in

this

passage, discuss

do

not

fully later. deceptionof its own


color-blindness which
we

what shall we anticipate The of Masonry's justification members by God's permission creatures, will
"

of

in His need
not

open

up

making Him the direct and sole cause of the physical defects of His the drawing of a parity between creatures the cutting off of humanity, physicaland moral defects divine truth the contempt for by God, from and Webb, Preston Masonic and lights in the York Rites American the ignorance of Christian teachers in regard to the true meaning of the Bible all these
" " " " "

thoughts

develop

the

for the present

we

leave, kind

reader,

to

your

own

ment. com-

We
friends have

would
reached

only
the

remark Third

that, if your
or

Masonic

Master's

Degree
to

in

Scottish

Masonry, they

have

been

supposed

swallow

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

15

hodge-podge of abuse of God and man, for a moment never of not imagining that they were the elect,but of the number of those purposely misled and deceived. In despisingothers, it never crossed their minds that they themselves were tempt objectsof conto the Adepts; for had that they they known the victims of such could were they, think duplicity, as you, be sincere and eulogizethe Order they do? We think, draw therefore, we our may, present has been to afford chapter to a close. Our purpose if elementary,ideas of American masons Freesome practical, and American Freemasonry, hoping, however, in coming chapters to set forth matters more fullyin have detail. We wished to gain a hearing from many their who, having among acquaintances esteemed heard Masonic whose friends, from lips they have glowing eulogies of the Order, have accepted such We praises as the testimony of competent witnesses. the estimable have been character willing to concede of the gentlemen in question,since we know nothing We have been willing to the contrary. to grant their sincerity but this very concession has forced us to question their knowledge. We have indicated, indeed, of secrecy and the obligation, to a Mason, paramount of his Order silence in regard to the arcana ; a secrecy baffle the most silence which must and penetrating
at
a
"

gulp

this

stranger;

and in

even

the
to

wife

of

his
an

bosom
utter

is to

the

Mason,
"

reference
to

Masonry,
a

stranger.
wise

You

are

act

as

becomes

moral

and

man,"

says
to
a

Mackey's
Mason's
"

Masonic behavior

Ritualist, p. 250,
at

in reference

home your

and

not to let particularly the concerns neighbors know


;

neighborhood family,friends,and

in his

of the

Lodge,

etc., but

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

wisely
Ancient here." We

to

consult

your

own

honor, and
not to

that

of

the

Brotherhood,
have

for

reasons

be mentioned

shown,
outside

as

of well, the spirit that it

the

Order

which, unblushing,
not

admits its

designedly deceives
its in
own so bers mem-

only those

in the lower is but In

pale,but even degrees, claiming that


deeds have of God. been

doing

it

willingto consider Masonic friends sincere, though at the expense your that have shown of their Masonic knowledge. We Masonry they have erred in stating that American
is
as a we mere

copying the very spiteof all this,we

social

institution, or

benevolent

association

understand the term ordinarily ; that those who, in sincerity, make such assertions,know nothing of the and science, and philosophy of doctrines, and history, the Order; that they are only in the portico of the temple of Masonic knowledge, far from the esoteric inner sanctuary, deceivingothers, it may be in good or faith,but deceived designedly, as are they themselves by those who are higher in the Order. We assailed the character have, therefore, in no way your knowingly and you need shall say
not

of

Masonic

friends,
our

nor

shall

we

do

so

in consciously fear to follow be and

present Study
to to

; hence
we

us

the the

end.
true

What and

is

ever

to

referred

inner

Masonry, the heart that supplies the lifeblood to the Order, the Adepts that know We have rather defended matters as they reallyare. those whom have shown, by so esteem, for we you be such, authorityand by reason, that a Mason may without of the knowing the true aim and purpose Dr. Mackey lamenting that in his day organization, the great majority of his Brethren belonged to this ill-

American

Masons

"CHAPTER
Masonic

II

Instruction

We American exoteric his

have

already
Masonry,
esoteric.

stated Hke

that those of

the all

instructions

of
are

Masonry,
the

and

Dr.

Mackey
which

treats

point
be known

in

Encyclopaedia
"

of Freemasonry, Masonry," portion


as

p. he

260,
defines

under
to

the

caption
"

Esoteric
secret

That
to

of

Masonry

which
from

is

only
choose

the
or

initiates

distinguished
which and from

exoteric
to

Masonry,
to

monitorial,
the words manuals
are

is accessible

all who of the

read The

published
the and

works

Order.

Greek,

iamrepiKos,
were

internal,
used into
or were

and

clwTepi/tos, external,
whose

first

by
the that

Pythagoras,
exoteric,
or a

philosophy
to

was

divided

that

taught
few;

all, and
thus

the his
to

esoteric,

taught
to

to

select

and

disciples degree
either all
or

divided initiation admitted

into

two

classes, according

the

of

which
into that

they
the the

had

attained,

as

being

fully
the
as

society, and
Master could

invested

with

knowledge

communicate,
the

merely postulants, enjoying only


of the

public
of the
"

tions instruc-

school, and

awaiting
This

the

gradual reception
mode tion instruc-

of

further
was

knowledge.
borrowed

double

by Pythagoras
was

from
two

Egyptian
the
one

priests, whose
exoteric,
other and

theology
addressed

of the
to

kinds in

to

people
a

general;
of

the the

esoteric, and
and
to

confined who

select
or

number
were

priests
the

those

possessed,
the

to

possess,

regal

power.

And

mystical
18

nature

of

this

con-

MASONIC cealed

INSTRUCTION

19
in their

symbolic language by the images of the sphinxes placed at the of their temples." (Italics entrance Mackey's.) There three degrees in this school, he tells were us again, on p. 623 ; the first, Mathematici, being or engaged in the study of the exact sciences;and the second, or Theoretici, in the knowledge of God, and the future state of man; but the third, or highest degree, communicated was only to a few whose intellects were capable of grasping the full fruition of the Pythagorean philosophy." masonry This, therefore, is the school imitated by Freewas
" " "

doctrine

expressed

in its instruction the


"

to
.

its members; have called

and

hence

old

Masons

'their ancient
his
return to

Pythagoras friend and brother'" (p. 623). "On he established Europe," says Dr. Mackey,
. .

"

his celebrated that

school

at

Crotona, much
the

bling resem"

subsequentlyadopted by
As in the school of the

Freemasons

Philosopher there secret only to the few, so in were things communicated Masonry are there secret things imparted, as Bro. These Pike tells us, only to the Adepts or trulyElect. not be the aporrheta of the craft,things which may are are only to pass from the put in print;things which and on the lipsof the teacher to the ears of the pupil, is the opinion of Masons of which and nature number on Let us listen to Bro. Mackey discoursing divided. (p. 622).
the
"

subject.
Greek,
avopprjra.

holy things in the Ancient known only to the initiates, Mysteries which were and to be disclosed to the profane, were not were the are aporrheta of called the aporrheta. What
The

Freemasonry?
can

What

are

the
a

arcana

of which
for

there
some

be

no

disclosure?

is

question that

20

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION discussion
If the

years the

past has
of disciples of

given
the

rise to

much

Institution.
be

among sphere and

number

these

aporrheta
that

it is evident

tended, considerably exvery valuable much tion investiga-

by public discussion
will be
are

of the

the other
a

science

of

Masonry

prohibited.
restricted

On
to

hand, if the aporrheta


the its of points, much masonry efficacyof Freea as organization We
move a

only

few

the

beauty, the
which and

permanency,
are

and
on

dependent

secret

between Masonic
too

mysticalassociation will Scylla and Charybdis, and


writer frank
to
an

be lost.

it is difficult for
so

know

how

to

steer

as,

ing in avoid-

Order,
The views

not

to

of the exposition of the principles reticence into obscurity. fall by too much Masons
are

European
of the

far

more

liberal

in

their

of obligation There
are

the American. French


or

secrecy than the English or few things, indeed, which a

German the
utmost

Masonic

writer

will refuse It is
now

to

cuss dis-

with
to be

frankness.

[ ?]

ning begin-

real

can generallyadmitted, and English and Ameriwriters are acting on the admission, that the only of recogaporrheta of Freemasonry are the modes nition, of and the peculiarand distinctive ceremonies
; and to

the Order may be

these

last it is claimed for the the purpose reference

that reference of be

publiclymade provided
to

vestiga scientific inso

that

made

as

to

be

obscure

the initiated." We
are

profane, and intelligible only {Encyclopcedia,pp. 80-81.)


the takes he the
more

to

glad that Dr. Mackey view, though we question what


Brethren; but of written
treat

liberal
his
we tinental con-

says

about

information
confine

shall
to

later; let
Much of

us

for the

moment

ourselves

oral.
"

the

instruction

which

is communicated

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

21

in

Freemasonry,"
the Institution There

that of

says our is esoteric, is given that

author,
such

"

and, indeed, all


there is
a

orally;and
usage and

law
to

forbids this

instruction

be

written.

is in
to

regulation,a

ject subprevailedon the same in all the secret institutions of antiquity." In all the ancient mysteries the same reluctance to commit the esoteric instructions of the hierophantsto writing is apparent; and hence the secret knowledge preserved in symbols, taught in their initiations was the true meaning of which concealed from was closely the profane." Then having cited the example of the
"

strikinganalogy

what

Druids
"

and

of the

Kabbalists, he continues
Church

The

Christian

also, in the age immediately


same

eminently certain of the mysterious dogcautious not to commit mas of their religion to writing,lest the surrounding acquainted with what they Pagans should be made understand neither could nor appreciate. St. Basil, {De SpirituSane to,) treatingof this subject in the receive the dogmas transWe mitted fourth century, says : those have which to us by writing, and the apostles, beneath the mystery from descended to us of oral tradition;for several things have been handed without down to us writing, lest the vulgar, too familiar with our dogmas, should lose a due respect
were
'

observed the succeeding the apostolic, The oral instruction. early Fathers

custom

of

for them.' be
an

And
to

he

further and

asks,

'

How

should

it

ever

becoming
account

write

circulate

of

those
to

not

PP-

permitted 549-550).
You
are

things which contemplate?'"


a

the people among the uninitiated are

{Encyclopedia,

doubtless

little startled, gentle reader, to

(ind the early Christian Church

jostledinto

the

com-

22

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

pany and
one

of the pagan mystics,the school of Pythagoras, modern Masonry, as a secret societythat taught doctrine its
a

to

the

common

for many

must adepts. We bump and jolt on


"

people and kept another be ready, however, for


the road
on

which
"

we

are

traveling. The
Christian

of discipline

the secret its

in the

early

object and scope those were clearly implied by Dr. and death to be known it was Mackey. When pillage as a Christian; when demagogues fanned the popular passions by representingthe followers of Christ as of the worshipers of an ass's head, and the sacrament the slaying of an as body and blood of the Master infant and the drinking of its blood it was nothing but the ordinary reserve of common prudence not to manifest would be abused to everybody what by many. But there was to the comno mon teachingof one religion There people and of a different one to proficients. was no purposely deceiving initiates into believing that they possessed the light,while smiling serenely
ages is not far other than

denied, but

"

at

their

folly.
'

There

was

when
was as no

the

days

of

enforcing of over. persecutionwere


no

this

cipline dis-

There
secrecy
one not can-

essential

connection
as

of
we

doctrine shall see,

and the
no

in

Masonry,
and

in which,

exist without
never,

the other.
no

There

was

oath the

that

under

circumstance, would
made
to

tion revelanicated commu-

of any
to

doctrine

the Christian and

be

non-Christians,for, again
AH these

the

tribunals, did the martyrs

vindicate

again, before the mysteries


and and

of their faith.

impassableabyss between that of the early Christian


them As is not honest. the

things constitute a wide the secrecy of Masonry


Church.
To

confound

regards

testimonyof

St. Basil, any

one

who

MASONIC will read the 27th

INSTRUCTION

23 the

chapter of

his book

on

Holy

chapter from which the alleged texts are taken, will clearly perceivethat there is not the slightest ferent question of an exoteric and esoteric doctrine,difand opposed; the one good enough, though false,for common ited humanity; the other, true, but limHe is merely asserting, to the elect. the Catholic as Church does, the value of Apostolictradition as a of divine faith and doctrine. He is teaching source from his knowledge of the human heart, the influence of mystery in exciting attention. He reminds that us that in the Jewish religion familiarity begets contempt the Holy of Holies to be approached by the was at a fixed time. a High Priest alone, once year, and In the same he argues, did the Apostles and the way, the dignity of Christian early Fathers preserve of Saint mysteries. The texts themselves, moreover, the first,are not Basil, especially correctly quoted.
"

Ghost,

the

Two united

parts of different and


to

disconnected

sentences

are

scarcelyrecognized,to liberty reputableauthors. say the least,among for confidingthe arcana tion The to oral tradireasons thus set forth by Dr. Mackey : are In the first place, by confiningour secret doctrines of tradition,all danger of and landmarks to the care
form
one;
a
"

controversies

and

schisms

among

Masons

and

in

these traditions, avoided. Of effectually is the interpreter, the Grand Lodge in each jurisdiction and and to its authoritative interpretation every Mason is bound to submit. Lodge in the jurisdiction every is no There book, to which every brother may refer, according to whose language each one may interpret expressions sometimes, views, and whose his own sometimes obscure and might perhaps,equivocal,

Lodges

is

"

"

24 afford

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION
and
as

ample
The
are

sources

of

wordy

contest
as

cism. verbal criti-

doctrines

themselves,
the

well

pretation, their inter-

contained

in the memories
as

of the

Craft;
decide

and of

the the

Lodges, Fraternity, are


the tradition has

Grand

lawful

representatives
to

alone been

competent
hence have

whether what there and

correctlypreserved,and
it is that
so

is its true is
no

And interpretation. in which there

institution

been

few
to

such

unimportant
fundamental
noted
we

controversies doctrines."

with

respect

essential and We
nor

(Ibid., p. 550.)

have because which

it

sake reasoning,not for its own sight think it satisfactory, but for the ingives us into the basis of certaintyin this The tion chief, the essential instrucIt

Masonic in shall man's whose

instruction.

Masonry
the destinies decision

is oral.
most

see,

pretends to contain, as we important truths that bear upon


and in

in time

eternity. And

yet

to

ultimatelyare these truths left? To that of each Grand Lodge in its own jurisdiction. But these Grand Lodges are evidently fallible;they differ with one another; they may err; they may may times at different give different decisions; are these the lights which mind in the to guide the Masonic are But will paths of truth? perhaps a fuller treatment be more in place in a succeedingchapter. If the ultimate of uncertaintyof the interpretation
your
to

oral

or

esoteric

doctrine

is

so

great, what
to

are ies memor-

we

say of the doctrine of the Craft? We


own

committed itself,
are

the

willing to judge
to

you

by

your
on
"

pen,

and

turn

for information

your

article

"Uniformity
It is
a

of Work."
"

fact," you
however

in
never

Masonry,
be

say, much
must

{Encyclopaedia, p. 843.) that uniformity of work it may be desired, can


be the
case

attained.

This

in all insti-

26

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

the

which of imagination," fertility


to

"

lead

men

to

get, fortem sys-

diminish,
is not

or

to

augment,

the

parts of any
certain limits

which written But brother


"

within prescribed

by

rule."
there may is
no

book," you
his
own

"

say,

to

which
one

refer, whose

language
views."

each

every terpret inmay

according to
we

ask, such
of be denied

an

enemy in Masonic

then, you dom of privatejudgment, of freematters

Are

thought

Must the

the Brethren

the

written
that

rule, and

it,in order

vagariesof
you confer
to

they may ignorance and fancy ?


them ? the And is not

be

preting right of intersubjected to the

Is this the freedom the oral And law


as

on

ject suband

disputes as
word in

written?

could the does


sense

not,

does

not, the Grand

written oral
reason

Lodge determine Masonry just as it


we

of the of the the


on

that

law?

No,
Dr.

no,

cannot,

in

justice, accept
nor

which

Mackey gives us,


we can

the motives

which
thank
on

it is based; but him for the

thank

him, and

we

do

the

qualityof
and the

that he casts important side-lights the truth presented to Masonic didates, cansubjection which degree of mental of them. All this will aid
us

Freemasonry
later in But from

demands

the claims of the Order. weighing fairly It would let us continue our seem quotation. that the evil of nonthis," says Dr. Mackey, conformity could be removed only by making all the
"
"

ceremonies deemed of But is to


a

monitorial; and
a

so

much

has

this

been

expedient,that
ritual
was

written
the

years since the subject discussed in England. seriously be


worse

few

remedy
oral

would character

than its ritual and


success

the

disease.

It

the

of

that
as

Masonry
an

is indebted

for its permanence A written, which

ization. organa

would

soon

become

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION divest

27

printed,ritual Freemasonry]
and would who

would of
cease

Symbolic Masonry [i.e.,


as a

its attractions
to

secret to the

tion, associa-

offer

reward

laborious

its mysticalscience. Its sought to master philosophyand its symbolism would be the same, but the books containing them would be consigned to the shelves of a Masonic their pages cussed to be dislibrary, by the profane as the common property of the while the. Lodges, having no mystery within antiquary, their portals, would find but few visitors, and certainly workers." no (Ibid., pp. 843, 844.) Truly Masonry floats between Scyllaand Charybdis.

student

The

diseases

of

error

inherent

to

oral

instruction

are

and confessedlyits portion, The life save by death.

it cannot of

rid itself of them be

cannot truth, verily,

strong
are

within

it.

For

if its

instinct with its books

truths would

philosophy and its symbols and important to profitable


be allowed read in
to

our on

race,

not

moulder interest
cause

Masonic fruit

shelves, but

would

be

with the

and

by

every

earnest

worker

of

truth.

Secrecyis but
It is not
sake ; for the The

the veil which


a

hides

what

lies behind.

of itself

mind mind

good, or to be valued for its own it is an obstacle shutting the eyes of out from truth, which is the mind's object and good.
must
"

put the obstacle aside to embrace, to enjoy its object, what, then, must we judge of the if we told that once value of this object in itself, are
that
to
to

the

veil is removed,
no

charm,
be

loved?

beauty importance to excite zest, no goodness If the philosophy and symbolism of


no

it has

value,

no

Masonry, even when treacheryof memory,


the

removed
the

from

the of

realm

of

"

the

weakness

where of imagination," fertility

judgment, and they are "con-

28

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

tinuallysubjected to errors ignorance or the fancy of


cease

arisingmainly
Masonic
"

from
"

the

teachers,"
reward
master to

would

to

offer," as you
who
must

tell us,

the laborious

student

sought
cold, calm
same

to

its

mystical

science," what

symbolism
realms influence of of

and
error

this and

say of this same philosophy,a dweller in the


reason

uncertainty, and

subject to

the

ignoranceand. fancy ? The second mitting reason given by Dr. Mackey for comthe essentials of Masonry to oral instruction, who desires to is, that by compelling the craftsman in his profession, its make to commit any progress of doctrines to memory, there is a greater probability their being thoroughly studied and understood." And he endeavors to support this contention by appealing who better of to the case are Bright Masons acquainted with the esoteric and unwritten portion of the lectures, which they were compelled to acquire under tion, a instructor,and by oral informacompetent than with that which is published in the Monitors, and, therefore, always at hand to read." (Encyclopadia, p. 550.) Had tinction not Dr. Mackey kindly instructed us in the disbetween and learned Bright Mason of the Mason," and told us that the parrot-like memory is not to be compared with the instructed mind of one the other, we might have been caught in the web of his argument. Parrot Masons," Bright Masons," and Masons of the Knife and Fork Degree," know
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

more

of the
not

oral

lectures the

than

of Monitorial
are

tions, Instructhe latter

because hence

former

oral, and
to

written

and

they were
be received

always at compelled to learn


as

hand

read, but because


to not

the oral part in order

Masons;

whereas

they have

been

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

29

compelled to read the Monitorial part and hence go as they have gone on for years, repeating what on, without they have learned any conception of its true meaning" {Encyclopedia,p. 561). His argument, if true, would the uselessness of all beautifully prove because the indolent, and lazy,and people who writing, never of the oral than they read, know more by means do by that of the written word.
"

perhaps,most is also alluded to the Craft," and to by the case of the Druids, because they did their doctrines to be divulged to the common
reason

His

third

is the
"

"

one,

familiar Ciesar
not

in

'

wish ple.'"' peo-

"

It

is, then, for these excellent


that oral instruction
is

reasons," he
"
"

cludes, con-

to avoid employed, idle controversies and endless disputes the ; to preserve of our Order from secrets decay; and, by increasing the difficulties by which they are to be obtained, to of their being forgotten diminish the probability ; and, them from the unhallowed to secure finally, gaze of the that the oral instructi it is for these reasons profane and still confirst instituted, of Masonry was tinues Its secret doctrines observed. to be religiously the preciousjewels of the Order, and the memories are those the well-guardedcaskets in which of Masons are jewels are to be preserved with unsullied purity. And the said in our it is appropriately ritual,that hence
" "
"

'

attentive

ear

receives
the

the

sound of

from

the

instructive
are
"

tongue,

and the
pp.

secrets

Freemasonry

safely

lodged in
Our

depositaryof 550, 551)can

faithful breasts.'

clopedia, {Encyon

readers

make

their

own

reflections

the

reasoning of Doctor Mackey. of But, perhaps,after all this praise

oral

instruction,

30

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

they will
what
treat
"

find

it,as

we

do, difficult

to

harmonize hear

with him

Let us instruction. he says of written of libraries. (Encyclopcedia, p. 469.) It is the

duty

as

well

as

the

interest of the

of

Lodges,"
in of of

he the
no

says,

"to

facilitate the Masonic

efforts

members

of acquisition method
more

knowledge, and I know appropriate than the formation


The
course

Masonic

libraries. of

establishment
not

of

Grand

Lodge libraryis

but it is objectionable, of far less value and importance than a Lodge library. The originaloutlay of a few dollars in the beginning for its establishment, and of a few more annually for its maintenance and
a

increase, would
and

secure

to

every

Lodge
for the

in the land information fact that

rich treasury of Masonic

reading
their
at

improvement
books
on were

of its members. within

The

very

Masonic

reach, showing themselves


every

the well-filled shelves

meeting, and
or

ready
of
to

at

their hands
them
never

for the

mere

asking
induce
a

the

trouble

taking
who the

down,
yet have

would read

many

brethren

read

a line upon page or even and science.


. . .

subjectof Masonic

tory his-

thoughtfulmunicipalities placepublicfountains in their parks and the corners of streets, that at the famished wayfarer may allayhis thirst and receive physicalrefreshment, so should Masonic Lodges place
such that intellectual fountains in reach mental the

"

As

of their members,
refreshment.
Such

they might
are

enjoy

fountains

libraries;and

less, upon or and fiftydollars, more yet does without commits a Masonic a fence oflibrary, grave to diffuse that ; for it refuses, or at least neglects, its children which its obligationrequires lightamong
it to do.

Lodge which a banquet,

spends

MASONIC
"

INSTRUCTION

31

the one without and the other Lodges with a library the difference is this, that the one will have more ignorance in it than the other. If a Lodge takes delightin an ignorant membership, let it forego a library. If it thinks there is honor and well reputation and pleasure in having its members of instruction." informed, it will give them means
two
" "

Of

this paramount jewels of the Order are


of the memories oral

What

need
so

of libraries is, while

the

well who

guarded
have

in the caskets formed


a

of Masons while

been

by

and instruction,
to

ready

impart instruction
breasts, to
the

every brother is to the faithful ear draws the from

fountain

by
the

means

of the instructive tongue

which
use

of faithful

depositary beautifully figurative


for
us,

language
to

of

ritual, is hard
as

the

initiated, un-

see,

unless,
more

we

have

believe, there
truth. Consistent
not

is

of poetry in the with

to good reason expressionthan

or our

inconsistent author
of

himself, it
is not He
content

matters

to

us,

the

oral instruction

assuredly the Lodge.


written
on

with
of

is in favor

of works publications, the symbolism, and

the of

the

tenets

philosophy,and Masonry, for the


on

benefit of the
"

Brethren.
"

Years

ago," he
which
an

says,
now

we

uttered

this
to

subject

sentiments
"

we

take

occasion

repeat.

can

of

he of

of reading,no Mason adequate course of any distinction in the ranks take a position now yond the Fraternity. Without extending his studies bewhat is taught in the brief lectures of the Lodge, the end and nature never can properly appreciate The science. lectures Freemasonry as a speculative

Without

constitute but
muscles
and

the
nerves

skeleton

of

Masonic

science.
are

The
to

and

blood-vessels, which

32

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

and beauty, and health, and give vitality,

vigor to
of

that

lifeless skeleton, must


on

be

found

in the research

commentaries Masonic

them

which have p.

the

learning and
to

writers

given

the

Masonic

student."

clopedia, (Ency-

617).
are

But

if such

the

benefits

of the

Masonic

the Fraternity, if instructing in faithful hearts


are

writingsin shrined precious jewels ento

found

be but

"

less life-

skeleton," if they have not, pardon the mixing of and muscles, and life-giving the nerves, vigor figures,
of written that

commentaries,
has

who its

is

so

simple as
to

to

fancy

Masonry
as

confided
faithful

arcana

oral traditions

merely
"

the most

means

of and

preservation?

on disquisitions that there is danger, Masonic he continues, subjects," lightto the world through them, of giving ,too much without, has not the slightest support from experience. In England, in France, and in Germany, scarcely any restriction has been observed writers, except by Masonic is emphaticallyesoteric; and to what as yet we is wiser in those do not believe that the profane world

The

objections to

treatises

"

countries

than

in In

our

own

in respect to of these
as no

the

secrets

of

Freemasonry.
world without of
our

the

face

has art,

remained
as

the publications, ignorant of the had world


ever

aporrheta
written
"

if

work the been

been within

on

the

subject;
"

while have

enlightened and their views of instructed, and Masonry (not charitable society, but as a philosophy, as a social or a have been elevated and enlarged." science,a religion)' As is, little by little, see. Dr. Mackey though you often incidentally, ideas about introducingus to new
1

the

Craft

themselves

The

as italics,

in

the parenthesis here

is Dr.

general throughout Mackey's.

this work,

are

ours

34
"

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION
and

that

Masonry
and

existed

flourished,
that

was

nious harmo-

happy,
with

in their absence." Dr.

(Ibid.)
too

We

agree

Mackey

much

cannot

be written, and and the


too

and printed,

read about

the Institution,
to

hence

our

present little volume

for those be

whom
or

Doctor's elaborate. confide then

bulky
We the

works

agree

may with him


to

inaccessible

that the who of

Fraternity
the

should

writing
can

those be
sure

understand

art, for
Masonic
test

only

we

receiving true
is the best

doctrine.

We the
are

admit fact that

that Dr.

time

of
so

merit, and
many years,

Mackey's works,
works of the

after

still the standard

American

a ment compliflattering Fraternity,is at once to their Masonic merit, and an acceptableassurance that in following their guidance we cannot stray. our

In him
"

Introduction

we

have

ventured
:

to

differ with

in this, his The truth

concluding paragraph
men

is,that
Masonic

who

are

not

Masons
no

never

read in the from

authentic

works. could

They
not

have

interest

topicsdiscussed, and
a

understand
which
a

them,
the writer
as

want

of
can a

the

preparatory
what

education
were

Lodge
even

alone trench

supply. Therefore,
little on
of may be
arcana

to

considered

Masonry, there is no danger of his thus making an improper revelation to improper persons." {Encyclopcedia, p. 617.) The truth is that we, the profane, sometimes do read
authentic Masonic

being reallythe

works;

the

truth

is that

we

are

intenselyinterested in their topics; and we hope that Dr. Mackey, though purposely obscure, will still leave sufficient lightto understand, in substance us at least, their real meaning.
You
have thus
set

before

you,

kind

reader, the

two

MASONIC
methods the
are

INSTRUCTION

35
and written. of
or

of Masonic

oral instruction,
or

To

former, the inner

esoteric

doctrines

Masonry
exoteric.

confided; to
number and

the

latter,the monitorial
of the

The

nature

written,and
of mouth

which, hence, are


is restricted and extended

Masonic

only, Lodges,
and

things forbidden to be communicated by word and Masons by some In proporby others. tion,
or

therefore, to such
the

restriction

extension, will be
in Masonic

matters,

the treatment

of matters,

books.

Masonry, admitting that it has arcana, which it will not expose of our to the unholy gaze fane proand does, that admitting, as it must eyes; and its own members those of a lower even degree among of a higher, are as sedulouslybarred from the arcana from all of them, defends the profane, are its as we, gions, conduct by the example of all the various pagan reliand seeks make to an primitiveChristianity if the religion of the Divine abettor of such practice, as
Master, instituted
to to teach

American

all nations, and

commanded

He had manded," comthings whatsoever had presently proved recreant to its trust and other people one doctrine, retainingantaught the common different and secret, for its adepts. one, In this oral doctrine, each Grand Lodge in its own there is no of appeal is the last court jurisdiction judging for oneself; no disputing;no right of private be received as final. interpretation ; the judgment must teach them all
"

"

Thus hence

are

schisms

in matter

of doctrine
"

avoided
is
no

"

and

it is," says Dr. Mackey, there have been in which

that there
so

tution instiportant unimdamental fun-

few

and

such

controversies

with

respect to essential and


tribunal
may
err;

doctrines."
It is true
that

{Encyclopedia, p. 550).
it is

this ultimate

36
true

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION that certain, consequently,


may The teach absence

that it has
no

erred ; it is of

it is
error

standard

truth; for that which


standard
of truth.

is

evidently no

schisms, therefore,is no credit to Masonry ; for since have rule of truth, being, as we it is no capable seen,
of of
error,

the

boasts, may
human better mind. than

it effects,and unity which be unity in error, the supreme

of

which

it

evil of the is

Schism

in the

cause

of truth

infinitely
of the of

unity in error. of Masonry's fallible nature


Masonic

In

however, spite,
standard is

ultimate

truth,

every bend. This

without intellect,

recourse,

obliged to

guardian and precious jewels of Masonic depositary of the most uninstructed often to ignorant and truth, is confided is of its very nature exposed to constant masters; to have changes and variations ; can be shown actually the treachery undergone important variations,due to of judgment and the fertility of memory, the weakness which will lead men of imagination to forget, to
oral

instruction,moreover,

the

"

"

"

diminish is not rule."

or

to

augment, the parts of any


certain limits

system

which
written

prescribedwithin {Supra, p. 25.) Masonry

by

Yet, for all this,there


oral method.

can

be

no

abandonment
it with

of the all its


"

must
errors

cling to
and

inconveniences, with
or

all its

uncertainties,

perish. Rob it of its secrecy and you rob it of its life. Its philosophy,its symbols, its doctrines, would be the same, but they would be only so much literary rubbish be on antiquarian shelves; its system would its Lodges deserted. despised, In strange contradiction the praises to all this are of Masonic ears poured into our writings, their importance and necessity. The difference paramount

MASONIC

INSTRUCTION

37
instruction
but
no
"

between

is this, library, that the former will have more ignorance in them than the latter. Far then from with restingcontent the oral instructions of the Lodge, Dr. Mackey calls lifeless skeleton of Masonry, such instructions the which the written to commentaries, by imparting muscles and nerves and blood-vessels," give vitality, and beauty, and health, and vigor." (Supra, pp. 31, 32.) Why, then, not take the essentials of Masonry from the the treacheryof memory, of under the dominion of imaginathe fertility weakness of judgment, and tion," of the vivifying hands confide them and to to mankind written instruction? Why, if its message be of the supreme importance that Masonry pretends,
a
" "

Lodges that have and library, Lodges which

oral have

"

"

"

would

its commission it asserts?

to the

written

word

blow be the death-

Dr.

Mackey's

reasons

do

not

the satisfy

mind.

We

would

suggest others, but, for the moment, in its nature, First, that its message,

the veil of much need its purposes, may hide essential features, which, if revealed

only suggest. its proofs, obscurityto


all at
once,

otherwise whom Masonry would repel many attract. Secondly, that by revealing everything at the means, employed by Masonry, as so tactfully once, in the of making its members Bro. Pike assures us, much, while they low degrees believe that they know of pretendingto be about to reveal the know little, light,while having no intention of doing so, could would
have of but this need system place in the Masonic lutely hiding in darkness, this need of deceptionis absoit claims to if Masonry be, what unintelligible
no
"

be, the

"

Teacher

of Truth."

CHAPTER

III

Means

of

Instruction

in

American

Freemasonry

We methods its
means

have which

set

forth American We

in

the

preceding
uses

chapter
in

the

Masonry
now

imparting
upon the and

instruction.
which it and

shall

briefly
are

touch

employs.
how
can

They

called

symbols
the

allegories;
with that

intimately
be of the

they

are

connected fact

Masonry,

easily gathered
definition when veiled
to

from which

they
of is
a
"

form itself

part
to

Masonry
them,
that and

gives
it

its initiates
of

it tells in

system

morality

allegory

illustrated doctrines

by symbols."
from the
to

Allegory
eyes of for

conceal

Masonic and eye these the


are

prying

the the

uninitiated Masonic
"

profane;
system
the
means

symbols
morals of

irradiate

of

which

it would

impart

Masonic
a

instruction.
; and

But
we

what

is

symbol
the

what of

an

allegory
of its

Here
if
we

must

beg
to

indulgence
us

our

readers,
a

invite
a

them

follow

in which in

the

study
draws

matter

haps perfrom

little the
so

dry,
to

but

interest
what
are

being
would in

key
and
our

unlock,

great
Its

part,
secrets

Masonry
bound make unless up little
we

sedulously
in

conceal.
we

symbols

allegories ;
study
the of

can

expect

to

headway
understand and

American
of be

Masonry
both.
rewarded A

clearly

nature

little attention

patience

will

by symbol,

useful

knowledge. Seeking,
therefore,
a

definition

of

as

used

38

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION

39

Masonry, we find it on p. 466 of Dr. Mackey's Lexicon of Freemasonry. A symbol, he says, is a sensible image used to express occult but analogical an signification." In a Masonic symbol, therefore,there are requisite three conditions: ist, that the symbol be something capableof being perceivedby the senses ; 2d, that some relation exist between the thing representing and the thing represented 3d, and this is the distinctively ; and
"

in

Masonic
occult. is not

condition,that
Whence

the

relation, the meaning

be

it is evident
not

secret, is

Masonic.

that any symbolism that That which stood is under-

to the Craft. by everybody, is surelynot peculiar Be not, therefore, easily deceived for the future. You will see the Ark; you will will see the Anchor; you will even the letter G the Cross; you see gaze upon will amid of light as a symbol of the Deity ; you a halo

think

that you

understand

all these

"

you

will have

no

in your all these mind, in interpreting own difficulty, evident? And what simpler or more yet you will meaning is sadly err if you think that the Masonic what you imagine. To be a Masonic meaning, it must be, and fix this firmly in your mind, secret or occult. the very Your monest are plainestand cominterpretations istic of the profane world ; they lack the characterof Dr. Mackey's definition they are not quality
"
"

occult.

Allegory
p.
or

we

find
"

treated

in

Dr.

Mackey's Encyclopedia
"

56.

he Allegory," there
a

narrative
a

in which

is

says, is literal and

a a

discourse

figurative
literal
parison, comone.

sense,
or

meaning; the being intended, by analogy or patent sense concealed or to indicate the figurative
patent and
connected derivation
from

Its

the

Greek

dAAos

and

ayopav,

40
to

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION

say

something different,that is, to


the

where

language

is

one

thing

and

say something the true ing meanof


an

another, exactly expresses

the

character

allegory."
"

It has

been

said," he continues,
between
an

"

that

there is
a

no

essential There An

difference in

allegory and

symbol. previous

design,but there is in their without allegorymay be interpreted any


agreement,
but
a

is not

character.

conventional the
to

legend of the third be interpreted as teaching a


we

Thus symbol cannot. degree is an allegory,evidently restoration


to

life ; and any is a


we

this

learn

from

the

legend itself, without


The of

previous understanding. sprig symbol of the immortality of the soul. know such only because meaning had
determined It when the

acacia
But been

this
tionally conven-

symbol
an

was

first established.

allegory whose is imperfect. The meaning is obscure enigmatical and hence meaning should be easy of interpretation; habite Lemiere, a French poet, has said: L'allegorie un parent palais diaphane Allegory lives in a transpalace. All the legends of Freemasonry are less allegorical, or truth there more and, whatever
' '
"

is evident, then, that

be in some of them in a historical point of view, may it is only as allegories or legendary symbols that they
are

of

importance.

therefore
'

very system of

English Lectures properly defined Freemasonry morality veiled in allegory and


'

The

have
to

be

trated illus-

by symbols.
What
our

"

author taken been

allegoryis to be the allegory has


for
as

of the says transparency of in reference to those for whom

composed,
Masonic

viz:

the has

Fraternity;
been
us

every

part of the Masonic

system

posed com-

expresslyto keep

light from

who

42 sonic
were

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION
"

emblem in

its

meaning

must

be

"occult;

and

we

blissful

the of
"

Masonic
mere

ignorance of the further fact that meaning is purely conventional,a matter


each

agreement.
individual

It is for

Mason,"

the secret (Morals and Dogma, p. 218), "to its symbols and a wise of Masonry, by reflection upon is said and done in and analysis of what consideration the work. Masonry does not inculcate her truths. hints them, perand briefly; She states them, once or haps them and darkly; or interposes a cloud between be dazzled Seek, and ye by them. eyes that would shall find,' (The italics here knowledge and truth." are Pike's.) And again (Morals and Dogma, p. 148), "These than morals. degrees are also intended to teach more The of Masonry have more symbols and ceremonies than one meaning. They rather conceal than disclose the Truth} They hint it only, at least; and their varied meanings are only to be discovered by reflection and study." Even the Entered sonry, Apprentice, the novice in Mais jput upon his guard by Masonry itself. It must be confessed," says the Masonic Ritualist, "that of the interpretations given in p. 41, many this section (the second section of the lecture) are the cultivated to to mind, and seem unsatisfactory have been adopted on the principle of the old Egyptians, who made of symbols to conceal rather than use their thoughts." to express These sufficient to put us, too, texts are certainly our guard; for he whom they will not teach, upon
' " "

says discover

Bro.

Pike

"

Except

in the words

conceal

and

disclose

the italics here

are

ours.

MEANS lacks the

OF

INSTRUCTION
Is he He

43

capacityof being taught.


to

waiting for
wait
in She truths.

Masonry
vain.
states
"

inculcate
does and

the
not

truth?

will

Masonry
once

inculcate her
Bro. but

them,

briefly," says
are

Pike. his.
means

pra, (Sulected se-

p. 42. Let
us

The

italics

not

ours

admit, in all frankness, that the


for
to

by the Craft is admirably suited the beauty and the


the

the

imparting of
For in

its doctrines

its purpose.
inherent of

apart

from

force

indefiniteness

variety of meanings; and will varietyof applications, in the different degrees.


This of secrecy; for

gory, symbol and alleboth will easilycover a hence, permitting of a teach a varietyof lessons

indefiniteness,moreover,

is the

surest

guard safe-

presenting its symbols to the world, Masonry can easily appear to be making a candid manifestation of its nature. It can point with nesses. pride to these symbols and appeal to them as its witDo the crown? know crown"?
Ah! that is that
"

not see you do you not

the
see

cross?

do

their the real

union?

you do

not

see

you
wear

not

he

that is

bears the
matter. to

cross,

will

the

But
a

this

Masonic

meaning?

different able

Masonry
attractive
are

is thus

lessons, which
not
"

pretty and many cated," inculprecisely because


inculcate
"

really Masonic,
"

for

Masonic

truths

are

only
can

stated," and

hinted

at,

perhaps darkly."
support
of the

It

-thus enlist the

sympathies and

cence, will, in all innoprofane world, which other import no believe that the symbols have than that which common humanity attributes to them. those of the lower degreesby seeming hoodwink It can ing it does not explain,and by renderto explain what familiar with symbols,of the full import of them

uninstructed

44

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION

which
for
an

they

have

no

conception:either
leave them

ulterior

manifestation,
that

prepare if it considers in

them such

manifestation

prudent, or
of of its

blissful
cannot

noranc igin-

if it believes the fulness

its candidates if to the

bear

light. Now,

natural add human the

definiteness definiteness
"

symbols and allegory, you which proceeds from mere


the free

that invention con-

parties realize that institute the symbol you will presently number of meanings that the immensely increased of the the symbol may convey, as well as the difficulty uninstructed in fathoming its true meaning. is But perhaps if we quote from Dr. Mackey, who than we naturally better acquainted with the matter
from

agreement

of

"

are,
"

you

will grasp
to

the idea better.


"

there was Porphyry," he says, this distinction between the hieroglyphicand S3niibolic method of writing among the Egyptians : that the former expressed the meaning by an imitation of the pictureof smoke the thing represented, when as the ascending denoted fire;and the latter allegorizing used to hawk was a subject by an enigma, as when symbolize the sun, or a fly to express the qualityof was impudence. The former of these methods open

According

reserved it; the latter was and for the purpose of mystic instruction, by the priests I have as already said, communicated only to was,
to

all who

chose

to

learn

the How

the

(Lexicon of Freemasonry^ p. 467.) difficult the enigmatical system covery disrendered how it screened by the uninitiated; carefully ideas to be concealed; what latitude of interpretation it permitted the examples adduced abundantly
"

initiated."

demonstrate Another

advantage, by
value

no

means

small

one,

"

seeing the

justlyattached

to

Masonic

commen-

MEANS
tanes

OF

INSTRUCTION
the Masonic

45
pen
a

"

is, that

it allows
a

wider

which of treatment it liberty could otherwise scarcely expect to enjoy. For apart the advantage of imparting knowledge to the from while leaving the uninitiated utterlyunininitiated, structed in the doctrines peculiarto the Order, the

sphere of

action and

Masonic

writer

is able

to

enumerate

the and

different different

meanings assigned in to the symbol persons


appear reader the
to
can

different times
in

by

question,without
more

needing to
Each

incline to

one

than

to

another.

select his

own

according to interpretation

him in the to meaning orally communicated der Lodge; and the innocent profane,while he will wonin instructing interest Masonry can have what will charitably, its votaries in certain interpretations, if he be a Christian,supfrom a Christian standpoint, pose that such are merely given as interpretations information, and not as integral, literary nay essential Some examples will system. parts of the Masonic the for instance take illustrate this point. Let us symbol of the Rose. the ancients," The symbolism of the rose among
"

says

our

author,
Venus

"

was
as

to

icated dedFirst,as it was the the goddess of love, it became twofold. and hence
came

symbol
'

of
the

secrecy,

the which

under

rose,' to indicate

that

expression was spoken

in confidence.
as

the

nature, latter and

dedicated to Venus Again, as it was of of the generative energy personification the symbol of immortality. In this it became
more

recondite

sense

it was,

in Christian
'

life symbology,transferred to Christ, through whom and immortality were brought to light.'The 'rose of Canticles is always apof the Book plied of Sharon' Fuller hence {Pisgah Sight of to Christ, and and that prime rose lily.' Palestine) calls him
' "

46
"Thus
we

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION

of the significance the cross as a rose on part of the jewel of the Rose Croix degree. Reghellini (vol. i, p. 358), after the symbol of the rose was showing that anciently, that the the cross of immortality, says and secrecy, united two a cross resting on symbols of a rose the secret of immortality. Ragon always indicated it is the with him in opinion and says, that agrees he subBut sequently of writing that dogma. simplest mode gives a different explanation,namely, that female the the emblem of the as was rose ple, princiand the cross or triple phallus of the male, the versal two together, like the Indian lingam, symbolized unihas adopted the generation. But Ragon, who theory of the astronomical origin of Freemasonry, like this subject all theorists, often carries his speculations on to extreme an point. A simpler allusion will better suit the character and teachings of the degree in its modern is the symbol organization. The rose of Christ, and the cross the symbol of his death the two the cross united, the rose suspended on signify his death on the cross, whereby the secret of In a word, the taught to the world. immortality was

see," he

adds, "the

"

"

rose

on

the

cross

is

Christ

crucified."

(Encyclobegins
with far any

fcsdia, pp. 658-659).


Here Venus
we

have
ends

symbolism
Christ. each

which The
to

and

with from

limits allow

are

enough
number the like

removed of

other

of

interpretations according to the taste of interpreter. Dr. Mackey tells us that Ragon, all theorists, often carries his speculations too
does But not,
more

far; he
here.

however,
of such

say

that

such in its

is the
own

case

symbolism

time.

MEANS
In

OF

INSTRUCTION

47
of the

spite of Dr.
nature

Christian

Mackey's positiveassertion of the Rose Croix degree, we


of

must

question
from
so

the
true

genuineness
Masonic

his

doctrine The

as

judged
it is

the

standpoint.
it of the

fact that

plainlyinculcated,robs
doctrines
of
"

genuine ring; the


"

true, the inner


not

inculcated."
lest
our

Masonry (Supra, p. 42.)


may upon much have think this
a

are

hinted

"

at,

But

reader much

that

we

are,

after that
urally nat-

all, harping
we are

too

stretchingtoo be supposed to
Albert

principle,and point which may

aid the
"

Bro.

Pike, who
makes the

exceptions,we call to our is writing ex professo on applicationto


his
own

subject.
Each and of
us

such

faith

creed, of

degree," (Knight Ancient and Accepted


seems

this

symbols and ceremonies Rose Croix, the i8th of


Scottish
. . .

of the "as

Rite),
Like
see

he

says,

to

him

proper.

the Master

Khurum,
and

in which

some

legend of demnation figuredthe con-

the

the unfortunate those others of the

sufferingsof Christ; others those of Grand Master of the Templars ; others first Charles, King of England; and
annual
to

still the Solstice

descent

of

the

Sun

at

the

regions of darkness, the basis ancient of this of many an legend; so the ceremonies degree receive different explanations; each interpreting them for himself, and being offended at the interpretation
winter
the of
"

no
no

other." other

In

way,"

he

continues,

"

could

Masonry

Universality; that character its origin." has ever been peculiar to it from which Christian {Morals and Dogma, p. 276). The essentially of the explanationgiven by Dr. Mackey nature
possess

its character

of

48
as

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION foundation
as

the real one,

has of

therefore
the others

no

in fact.

Masonically any
the
"

is

legitimate. For
"

present, we say no more. If, anywhere," Pike says later, p. 290,


a

brethren

of from how be

religious belief have been excluded particular this degree [the Rose Croix], it merely shows gravely the purposes and plan of Masonry may
For whenever the door of any is closed

misunderstood.

againsthim who believes in one God of the other and the soul's immortality, on account of his faith,that degree is Masonry no tenets longer. the symbols of No has the right to interpret Mason this degree for another, or to refuse him its mysteries, with the explanation and take them if he will not superadded." The degree therefore is commentary ity, Christian. If restricted to Christiannot essentially it is no longer Masonry, as Bro. Mackey knows
degree
as
"

well

as

Bro.

Pike.

Listen, my

brother," continues
the

Bro.

explanationof such give them


fit." Here is
a

symbols

of

the

Pike, to our degree, and then

"

think as interpretation you sample of his explanation. (Italics


"

further

Pike's.)
"

The

Cross," he says,
of in

has

been

sacred upon in
on

symbol
all the in

from

the earliest

Antiquity.
the

It is found

enduring monuments Assyria, in Hindostan,


dhist
towers

world,
was

Egypt,
the
to

Persia, and
Bouddha oak

Boudhave

of

Ireland.

said

died upon it. The Druids cut an built their held it sacred, and

into its

shape and
form. the
was

temples
was on

in that

Pointing to the four quarters symbol of universal nature.


tree, that with Chrishna It
was was

of the It

world, it
a

cruciform

said to revered

have in

expired,pierced
Mexico."

arrows.

(Ibid.

Italics

Pike's.)

50
"

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION
"

To
"

the

word

INRI
on

[he
Crux

does Ansata

not

speak
over

of

tials] ini-

inscribed he

the
"

the

ter's Mas-

Seat,"
The

says, Christian

signed. meanings have been asmany Initiate reverentially in it sees

the initials of the Christ The suffered of


"

inscription upon
lesus Nasarenus

the

cross

on

which

Rex it with

ludcEorum.
one

sages

Antiquity connected

of

the

greatest

secrets

of Nature, that of universal

tion. regenera-

renovatur They interpretedit thus, Igne natura chemical is renovated tegra; [entire nature by fire]. The Alor

Hermetic

Masons

framed

for

it

this

And the Jesaphorism, Igne nitrum roris invenitur. uits are charged with having applied to it this odious four letters axiom, lustum necare reges impios. The
are

the

initials of
"

the

Hebrew the

words
seas or

that
water

represent
;

the four elements

lammim, air; and


not

Nour,

fire; Rouach,
How and
we

the

leheschah, the
repeat here."

read
p.

it I need 291.

dry earth. {Morals


were so

Dogma,

Italics

Pike's.)

You

certain You
can

of your sign,reader; will you learn to doubt? take it as a Christian It sign if you wish. may stand for lesus Nasarenus Rex ludceorum, Jesus

of Nazareth,

King
"

of the

interpretation
Masonic

the

it,but the

Jews. But profane world profane world

this is around

a us

common
so derstands un-

is excluded

from

therefore lacks the interpretation it is plain and impress of Masonic truth, for first, obvious, not occult ; and secondly,it is known to everybody, and hence not distinctively Masonic. The second the mark. interpretation comes nearer You Perhaps you hear it for the first time. never imagined that I. N. R. I. could mean anything but what Jesus of Nazareth, King of you held it to express, the Jews." The of antiquity, we are told. sages
"

light.

This

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION
those
not

SI

Who thought differently. not told. Masonry does


"

we are were, sages inculcate her truths ; she

states

them."
term

Of

what

antiquityis
Of the times R. I. and

there before

question?
Christ?

The
No

is has

ambiguous.
used the

proposed it as a renovatur symbol of the sentence Igne natura Integra. The and its meaning is read into the symbol, sentence Bro. Pike well knows, by those that came after the as time of the Savior; the initials of the words of the that sennot cross are tence. copied from and framed upon like to know But perhaps you would what found prointo this symbol these sages have read secret author himself when mits, adit,as our they connected
sage
"
"

I. N.

with renovated

the

title

on

the

"

cross

Entire

nature

is

by fire." By the heat of the fire,metals, refined and kingdom, are representing the mineral welded together; by the heat of the sun, the flowers and plants of the vegetablekingdom thrive and reproduce desire is the their kind; by the heat of sensual animal concupiscence kingdom renewed ; and in human The fire of passion is what, born. is the human race
as we

shall

presently show,
the
cross.

these

sages

have

nected con-

with

For, although Bro.


brother
to to

generously allows every its inscription and the cross cording acinterpret to be true, his taste, such interpretation,
Pike

must

be

in accord

with
has

his
a

-own,

for

the

cross

in the

meaning peculiarto itself; timate inan reader will be surprisedto find what and our of the so-called sages connection the principle of the degree. has with the cross its peculiar But meaning in this degree, is that says Bro. Pike, given to it by the Ancient Egyptians,"
Rose

Croix

degree

"

on

p.

290

of

the

work

from

which

we

quote.

52
"

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION

Thoth

or

Phtha

is in

representedon
his with hand
a

the Crux
or

oldest
Ansata
over

uments monor

carrying
Ankh He is

the

[a Tau
so seen

cross,
on

ring

circle Shufu the

it].
Noh
at

the double of the

tablet of

and

Shufu,

builders

greatest of

Pyramids

Meghara, in the peninsula of Sinai. It was the hieroglyphic for life, and with a triangle prefixed meant life-giving.To us, therefore, it is the symbol of Life of that life that emanated from the Deity, and of that Eternal all hope ; Life for which we through our faith in God's infinite goodness." Without, for the present, either being impressed author, or questioning by the seeming piety of our the nature of the cross, the it, let us seek light on Crux the Ansata, peculiar to the degree ; for it is not
Wady
"

cross

of

Christ

as

Christians for its


"

understand

it, since

it
we

differs
must

in form, go
to

and

peculiar
Phtha

"

meaning
the

the

god

Thoth

or

of

ancient

Egyptians.
"

Phtha,"
to

says

Bro.

McClenachan

in

his

dum Adden-

Dr.
the

in explaining Mackey's Encyclopcsdia, p. 941, the Egyptian was symbolism of Green,


"

Creator his flesh

of the world

; he

was

at times

represented with

painted green, colors,red, blue,green


earth."
The
"

holding a sceptre of four and yellow; fire, air,water, and Egyptian idea, therefore, regards the
the

and

creation,
Ansata
I.
on

not to

redemption

of

man.

The

Crux R.

refers

the

beginning of

life.

The

I. N.
;

would be, in this idea, lammim, water it, fire;Rouach, air; and lebeschah, earth; the of universal But
nature.

Nour,
ments ele-

four

Bro.
a

Pike
matter to

himself
hinted

will
at

not

leave

us

without

light in

darkly.
of his

We

ever, have, how-

to turn

another

page

work, interesting

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION

53

of Amun, the Supreme god discoursing the of Amun's manifestations. Egyptians, and {Morals and Dogma, p. 254). He created but author, nothing," says our from him; and of him all the everything emanated
" "

where

he

is

other

Gods

were

but
.

manifestations," ..."
another
. .

The of

Creative

Power,

manifestation

Deity, produced with its Word by an egg issuing from


from which egg
came as Intelligence

the the

universe, symbolized
mouth of
kneph;

Phtha, image of the Supreme realized in the world, and the type of
in man; the

principal agent, also, of Nature, or the creative and productive Fire." Thus, kind reader, having gone to Phtha, symbolized by the have found that it signifies Crux not Ansata, we the productivefire of Nature, Christ, but the creative,
and astonished
we

that

manifested

read

the occult

sense

of I. N. is the

R.

I.,

Igni natura
such
are
some

renovatur

Masonry.
you

If may

symbolism, of the lessons of the higher degrees of the symbols otherwise, you wish to interpret do so. Masonry is tolerant of your
integra.
Such will listen to authorized
"

ignorance;
who know

but if you
the
"

teachers

parted peculiar lessons intended to be imin the various degrees, you will not attribute to obvious interpretations purposely occult symbols. Pike's.) (Italics what has been said by the enemies To take seriously of I. N. R. I. of the Jesuits to be the interpretation

by
An than it

that

Order,
of

would
such

be

to

do

it too

much calls for


"

honor.
more

assertion

grave

infamy
of
"

the doubtful before

fatherhood
any fair

It is said An

to

give

standing

tribunal.

say anything,and tongue may said." by whom? But, is it said justly?

unscrupulous presently It is
"

with

what

54 foundation said."
to
some

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION
contained in

These

are

not

merely

"

It is

Moreover,

this been
own

principleattributed
held and
even

the

Jesuits/ has
of Bro. Pike's

falsely extended by
ar-e

brethren, if

we

to

lieve be-

{Dogma and Morals, p. 24), It [Masonry] aided in bringing about fundamental the French Revolution," whose principle Lawful to kill impious Kings," not merely, it is was but not to kill all Kings ;" and only kings,but their
Pike
" " "

himself; for according to him

queens

and

families. than
on

We Pike

shall, however, be fairer


is to the and Jesuits;
even

to

the if
we

Craft must,

Bro. his

which shall with

sons Macondemn the French authority, Revolution for having aided in bringing about a not only held but practicedsuch a principle, we brethren not lay it at the door of the American
"

mere

It is said."

Such, then, is the


to

symbolism

which Dr.

is

Masonry;
to

nay,

according to
"

important sential Mackey, esso a

it.

this peculiar character as says, this entire adoption of the method symbolic institution, It

"

is," he

of

instruction

by symbolism,
and other association

which has that

gives
caused the

its whole differ

to Freemasonry, identity

it to

from
man

every

ingenuity of
upon secured the

has

devised.

It is this that form which has its

has

bestowed

it that

attractive of its Roman

attachment
"

and disciples

always own perpetuity."


he

The

Catholic

Church,"

continues,

"

is,

institution which perhaps, the only contemporaneous continues to cultivate,in some degree, the beautiful in the Catholic system of symbolism. But that which
Church of
^

is, in

great
is

measure,

incidental

and the

the fruit very life-

development,
3ee Duhr,

in

Freemasonry

Jesuitenfabeln, 3rd edition,pp. 659 sqq.

MEANS blood
and

OF

INSTRUCTION
born institution,

55
with it at its has and

soul

of the
the

birth, or, rather,


sprung,
even

and

from which the tree germ still giving it support, nourishment

existence.

Withdraw

from

symbolism, and you take from of effete leaving behind nothing but a lifeless mass matter, fitted only for a rapid decay." (Symbolism of Freemasonry, pp. 71, 72.)
This
the admission of
our

Freemasonry its the body its soul,

author Masonic
as

is

an

admission

of

intrinsic weakness the

of

doctrine. he

nify Magmains re-

beauty

of

symbolism
vesture

will, the fact


is the
not
manner

ever

patent, that
the be may it is not is the and

symbolism
of

of truth masonry; Free-

imparting truth,
itself.
It

truth,
be the

the of of

Hfe-blood, the
cannot

soul soul

truth,

for

what

pressed expressed in symbols can be and is exterpret by the spoken word, for without the oral inof the Lodge or the written commentary

of
no

learned
more

Masons,
members

Masonic of the

symbols
Craft
are

would

to

than
not

they

express do to the

uninitiated.
The Mason

Masonic
of
a

lower

symbols degree

self-teachers.

no more higher,and understands this is the necessary the profane. And consequence natural of their nature, for they are not signs of an idea, but, as we have been told, they are purely conventional meaning depended signs, or signs whose of solelyupon their inventors ; and there is no means knowing what these inventors intended, unless by of mouth word or municated by writing their intention is comportant imto us. Moreover, truth, especially truth, has a beauty, an innate dignity of its form. It will bear of its accidental independent own, in itself in all its sublime investigation simplicity;

those of a gazes upon about them than do

56
and

MEANS

OF

INSTRUCTION

while

it is true

that,

as

the

mind

soars

on

the

figurative wings of thought, it will naturallybecome it reaches the realms of in expression, it will feel when that it needs no longer the beauty of figures, sublimity, there God said : Let there be light. And when as will, was light." Interpret the thought as a Mason its beauty is in itself, in any figure. If Masonry, not therefore, in its philosophy, its science, its code of the occult morals, will not bear the light,if when stroyed, meaning is made plain and the symbolism is de"

it becomes soul
or

mere

mass

Of effete matter its

out withto
amine exare

life-blood, it behooves
what of the truths human it has
to

adepts

well the

offer, for these

jewels

mind, independent of their

figurative setting. We at length are sorry that,having dealt somewhat with Masonic symbols, we have not time at present toric Masonic to deal with allegory;but perhaps the hisvalue of Masonic myths, or legends, for our author will be justlycalls them also by these names, later in our more appropriatelyconsidered Study. The It object and importance of allegoryis known. veils from the uninitiated, what symbols reveal to the
initiated.

Thus,
means

kind

reader,

we

have

set

before

you

the

Masonry in imparting These its doctrines. means are symbols and allegory. Masonry is a system of morality illustrated by the and veiled by the other. The sonry one symbols of Manatural symbols but conventional not are ones; they are not used because of any natural resemblance between things,but in virtue of a free agreement of their inventors them. to use so They are admirably suited, therefore, to the secrecy of Masonry which

employed by

American

CHAPTER

IV

The

Shock

of

Entrance Enlighten

and
MENT

the

Shock

of

Our
away,

Study
little

in

the

previous
the
we

chapters
idea

has of

led

us

by little,from
with which
a mere

crude

American

Freemasonry
is
a mere

started;
social

that,
or

namely,
a

it

convivial,
institution and brethren.
a

affair;
for the

purely
of and
as a

charitable

established

support
of

thQ

widow

the

orphan,
We have We its of

the

caretaker heard it

aged
of

indigent
science,
and
us

spoken
been

philosophy.
Even
a
"

have

studied has

its methods
set

its
; it is

means.

object

before

system

morality."
the

In

entering, therefore,
some

portals
doctrine of Dr.
to

of and

Masonry,

to

get
we

insight
the Masonic of

into

this Ritualist

philosophy,
at

open

Mackey,
the Entered

the

First

Section
"

the

Lecture the

given
first It of

prentice Apto

practically
in

instruction the
"

given
Shock become of will

the

novice

Masonry.
The
reason

contains the
name

of

Entrance."
evident
as we

copy

the
we

passage.

For
our

the

sake

pleteness, com-

however,

begin
the

quotation

with

the

beginning
"

of

the

section. of

The

first section says

Entered

Apprentice's
consists

ture," Lecof
a

Dr.
of
a

Mackey,
the

"principally
of of it is be the

recapitulation
on

ceremonies

initiation.

But,

this every

account,

knowledge
that

highly
better

necessary

to

Mason,

he

may

enabled

58

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

59

performance of the ritual of the degree. It is, however, introduced by some general heads, which qualifyus to examine the rights of others to our while they prove claims to the privileges, our character we profess." It is of course impossiblein a Monitorial work," he goes on to say, to give a full explanationof the various which used in symbols and ceremonies are the inculcation of moral and religious truths; but an allusion,in even general terms, to the most importanl in the order in which ones, they occur, will be sufficient to lead the contemplativeMason to a further ation examinof their import." (Masonic Ritualist, 22.) p. Our the passage over eye has been running lightly, its glance; religious what when arrests does a word Dr. Mackey mean when he speaks of moral and religious truths ? What has Masonry to do with religion? Does not Masonry, in the clearest of terms, protest that it interferes with no man's religion? Masonry is not a religion," says Bro. Pike (Morals He who makes and Dogma, of it a religious p. 161).
" "
"

to assist in the correct

"

"

"

"

belief,falsifies and
the

denaturalizes

it.

The

min, Brah-

tant, Jew, the Mahometan, the Catholic,the Proteseach professing his peculiarreligion, sanctioned needs retain must by the laws, by time, and by climate, for the social and have two it,and cannot religions; and prejusacred laws adapted to the usages, manners, dices of particular of men." countries,are the work Do Hold on, Bro. Pike; your pen is running toofast. for instance,is the product you hold that Catholicity, climate? We of mere thought that the believers in that church found in every clime. Do you hold, were is the words as clearlyexpress, that Catholicity your institution work merely of men ? A human adapted
"

6o
the

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

prejudicesof particular for we We ? countries merely regret the digression, a religion. But sought your denial that Masonry was is this what you hold ? The succeedingparagraph will give us the answer. But Masonry teaches, and has preserved in their purity,the cardinal tenets of the old primitive faith, which underlie and are the foundation of all religions.
to

usages,
"

manners,

and

"

All that have truths and

ever

existed that

have truth

had with

basis of truth ; and


errors. were
sooner

all

overlaid

The

taught by

the Redeemer

primitive corrupted,

intermingledand alloyed with fictions than when So this,then, is your taught to the first of our race." doctrine. All religions, without exception,are mere truths. Christ, indeed, taught corruptionsof primitive these truths in their purity, but his followers alas ! did follow his example. In a brief space of time they not of his teaching,and this is the corrupted the sanctity false Christianity and at present current us among called Catholicity, Methodism, Episcopalianism,etc., And this is the theory in which etc. lic you ask a CathoBut to join? that it is downright are unaware you he be a Catholic in heart can apostasy? How and How he sincerely profess your doctrine? can and love, and obey a Church which is to him, revere,
at

the

same

time,
you.

mass

of

errors?

But

at

last

we

understand
A It is

religion, according to
a

you,

is the

work

of

men.

religious corruptionsand perversions truths superadded to and modifying the fundamental of religion; these corruptions, different in form but to the usages, and adapted prejudices of manners, and sanctioned particularcountries by the [civil] laws, by time and by climate,"are called Brahminism,
mass

of

"

"

"

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

6i

Judaism, Mahometanism, Protestantism, Catholicity, These beliefs. But are religious. These are religious has Masonry which no superimposed corruptions; additions have been made Masonry in which no by lief. beMasonry is neither a religion nor a men; religious It is religious, for it contains the pure, certainly, unadulterated basic religious truths; but it can put its hand its heart and is not a upon say boldly that it for it is identified with the corruptionsof religion,"
"

none.

Without
for it is not
more

enteringfurther
the

into this

theory at present,
our

time, and

satisfied that

readers

are

of a Catholic, to judge what sort qualified he is who mits ador a Methodist, or a Jew, or a Brahmin, that his distinctive form of religion, in as much of errors is but a mass distinctive, as superimposed revelation by the machinations of men primitive ; upon of the Entered hasten back to the Lecture we tice, Apprenhow having learned by an instructive experience, in the act of seemingly denying that Masonry, even it deals with religious matters, affirms in the strongest that it does. terms Masonry teaches, and has preserved of the old in their purity,the cardinal tenets tion primitivefaith, which underlie and are the foundaof all religions." Hence, Masonry is not a mere charitable organization;it is a science, a social or and we called a are philosophy, system of morality
"
"

than

upon

to

revere

it

as

the sole teacher


us,

of unadulterated
our

truth. religious from


"

Let

then, continue
We
are

quotation
for

the

Masonic

Ritualist.

prepared

The
"

Shock In the

of Entrance."

symbolic science of Masonry," continues the Lodge is often Dr. Mackey, represented as a symbol of life. In this case. Lodge labor becomes the
"

62

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

symbol
actor

of the labor and

of

its duties, trials and life, is the type of the

tations; tempand

the Mason The

laborer

in that life. Entered

the

Lodge is, then, at the time of Apprentice,a symbol of the world, and
a

the initiation is candidate In the

type of the
to

new

life upon

which

the

(Ibid.) symbolism, therefore, of Masonry,


life
"

is about

enter."

the

Lodge
life
"

represents human
the type of human the the life that life of
"

that is the

real human

life that

is led without the him


"

humanity should live. Not its portals, which it.calls


"

profane
this

world

but

the In

life which

it will teach

the life Masonic.

accordance,

therefore, with

idea, the
for the

labor labor

of of

the

Lodge
Masonic
into

is

only
the

term figurative

Masonic
with

life;

life-work

of

Masons

in accordance

principles. Initiation,therefore, or Lodge is, consequently,the entrance


into Masonic with which
to
new

entrance

of the

candidate

the acquiring of Masonic life,

guide
life
us

his
on

life which

"

and he

principles this, says our


to enter.

author, is the
This
"

is about

understood, let
There
"

proceed.
without
our

he
on

stands the

portals,"says
new

the

Lecture,
in

threshold

of this

Masonic

life,
been

and darkness, helplessness,

ignorance. Having

and covered with the wandering amid the errors over of the outer and pollutions profane world, he comes enquiringlyto our doors, seeeking the new birth, and of the veil which conceals divine asking a withdrawal his uninitiated sight." (Ibid, truth from pp. 22-23.) Let ask O
: us
"

to catch pause here a moment But whither, dear Doctor, or

our

breath

and

rather, whither,

Masonry," for it is the official Lecture that is here speaking, are you urging us with such precipitancy? Of what darkness do you speak? of what helplessness?
"

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

63
have
we dered? wan-

of

what

ignorance?
With what hither
set
come

In

what

errors we

did

not

are pollutions seeking a new

covered?
to

We

birth, but
advance

join a
in

companionable

of

fellows;

to

ourselves

business ; to further our political aspirations ; to provide for our wives and children if death should overtake us

unexpectedly; to
assail
us

have

friends
were

in
our

need

if misfortune

unawares.

These
to
us.

motives, these the


not
come our

advantages proposed

We

have
we

ing seekfeet

birth ; much less have any new hither in quest of divine truth. We

directed
are

We

Catholics.

receive
from

our

from religion that Church the

the Church
can

instituted its

by

Christ;
unbroken received
we lips,

which

trace ; from

lineage
who

through
the message

intervening ages
of salvation
revere

her

from

Christ's divine

in turn, accept and


a

it."

So

must

conscientious

Catholic in words in

speak; so,
of similar other

ently consist-

with every

his

faith,must,

import,
form of

conscientious

believer

every

religion speak. Had they been instructed,as we have been by Bro. Pike; had they accepted the Masonic all without exception, theory that all forms 6f religion,
are

the sole work


all
are

of men; but
a

that, inasmuch
mass

as

tive, distinc-

nothing

of

errors

posed superimthat this

and pure upon Masonry alone teaches

truth; primitivereligious has preserved intact and


would
not
now

sacred

deposit ; they
would
think have you,
come

be

"

shocked." how

They
many,
are

with

kind

But eyes wide open. think reader, how many, is called


a

such ?

No

wonder

that entrance

you, shock. from

Before

seeking divine conscientiously of its claim Masonry, the foundations


and
a

truth
to

be

the

possessor,

the

exclusive

demand

rigorous

of possessor, From examination.

such

truth,
has

whom

64 Masonry
How

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

received

such

deposit?

When?

Where?

that this depositconfided to prove of the treachery its oral tradition,which is subject to

will Masonry

"

memory,

the weakness

of leads

judgment,
"

and

the

of fertility

which imagination,"
to

men

to

augment

"

what

is confided
not

to

to diminish, forget, it,has undergone no

change?
divine and

Is

Masonry
does

the

work How

of

men?

What

credentials

it bear ?

all-important questionsto be of the believer in any not only by a conscientious but by every sincere man, recognizedforms of religion, howsoever indifferent in religionhe be, before accepting
birth ; before so-called divine truth ! But this
new
"

the grave many settled beforehand,

from receiving
to return
"

Masonry
Moses
at
'

its

to the Lecture.

And

here,"
from is

it continues,

as

with
is

the

burning bush,

the solemn off

admonition

given,

Put

off

thy shoes
standest

thou thy feet,for the place whereon holy ground ; and the ceremonial tions prepara'

dicate character, to insignificant that some to him great change is to take place in his moral and intellectual condition. He is already beginning to discover [we thank the Lecture for being so candid], that the design of Masonry is to introduce surround
a

him, all of

him
to

to

new

views with

of life and
new

its duties. in
a

He

is indeed
There

commence

lessons

new

school.

is to be, not
an

simply a change

for the

future, but also

extinction

death

of the past ; for initiation is,as it were, a and a resurrection to the world life." to a new

Evidently,if Masonry be what it claims to be, its Lodge is holy ground. But is Masonry what it claims That is the questionof questions, and one to be? to be studied seriously and conscientiously by every man
who
"

has

any

regard

for his soul, before

he

consents to

to

total extinction

of the

past,"in

order

be

par-

66

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

"

Do

you

seriouslydeclare,
the

unbiased

by

improper
mercenary

your solicitations of

upon

honor, that, friends, and

uninfluenced

by

motives, you
for

voluntarilyoffer yourselfa candidate of Masonry?


"

freely and the mysteries

I do. Do you

honor, that declare, upon sincerely your of Masonry prompted to solicit the privileges you are and by a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution, desire of knowledge? a
"

"

I do. Do you

honor, that declare, upon sincerely your will cheerfullyconform to all the ancient usages you of the fraternity? and established customs I do." {Masonic Ritualist, pp. 21-22.) that his honor, declared he Having thus, upon to accord, offers himself freely and of his own prompted by a favorable opinion Masonry, desire of knowledge;" having of the Institution,and a conform to all cheerfully promised that he will established and what the ancient customs;" usages is required of him? he make to whatever protest can He came freely asking for knowledge. Knowledge, It conflicts with Masonic knowledge, is given him. his moral it shocks his previous notions nature. have sonry MaHe should to expected this. If he came have supposed for Masonic knowledge, he must that the knowledge, the principles to Masonry, peculiar that he alreadyhad. not knowledge and principles were for doctrine If he came to Masonry not Masonic, he
" "

"

"

"

"

"

"

was

fool. his conscience will is alarmed? What of

But old

it?
been
come

The
tented con-

errors

with

die hard. naturally his principles, why

If he had has he

to

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE
the

67
friends

Masonry
"

He

cannot

urge

of importunity

for he has

of

declared,upon three witnesses, that he

his honor, in the presence biased proper not was by "im"

solicitation of friends ;
of

he cannot he

express
not

fears

what

Masonry
that he
"

will

ask, for has


with
"

declared

comes

the Institution

and

"

desire

hand
of

and

foot

by
He

his honor, to is not has here


to

solemnly favorable opinion of a of knowledge ? Tied say nothing of his oath


"

secrecy go
on.

which

mentioned, he

come

Masonry
taken him

perforce freely ; he has if it would


at

must

freelyconsented
but
and
return
"

to ;

abide

by

its conditions

instruct

him the

he

feels
to
our

Masonry logic of

has

his word let


us

the

situation.

But

Lecture.

And old
to be

the and

it was," says the Greeks the same word

hence

Ritualist,
him who

that among both to die signified believes


new

"

initiated.
but
a

But
new

death, to
birth.

in

is immortality,

Now,

this

birth

should

be

accompanied

with

and to symbolically, disruption of old ties and Hence the impression of symbolism of the shock at is left behind
"

cate to indiceremony impress upon the mind, this


some

formation this the of idea

of

new

ones.

is made The and

by

the

entrance.
error

world

the

chains

ignorance

previouslyrestrained the candidate in moral and intellectual captivity the portal to be broken are of the Temple has been thrown sonry widely open, and Mastands before the neophyte in all the glory of its form and ever, beauty, to be fully revealed to him, howthe new birth has been completely only when be' occasion accomplished. Shall this momentous the first Shall this great event passed unnoticed? have no sensible in the Masonic life of the aspirant
" " "

which

had

or

audible

record?

Shall

the

entrance,

for

the

first

68

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

time, into the Lodge called, into Masonry

"

the birth,
"

as

it has

justlybeen
no

be

symbolized by
of
our

outward

sign?
at

Shall

the

symbolism
senseless ? who of witness

science,ever

all other be dumb of

times, with
and

its beautiful

ready teachings, here


not

only

Or, rather, shall


the

all feel

the Sons like the the the

Light

impressivescene
when released

children

Korah,

who,

from

God
"

of Babylon, and once more returning to captivity of their gratein the heart-burst ful Temple, exclaimed joy, O, clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto ? with the voice of triumph
' ' "

The

Shock
of the candidate

of

Entrance
"

is, then," concludes

this

Section
of the

Lecture,
from

the

symbol

of the

disruption
his

the

ties of

the

world, and
It is the

introduction

into the life of the Urst

Masonry.
death and

of
the

the
new

agonies of
birth."
be
^

To
to

initiated

{Ritualist, pp. into Masonry,


; for
"

of the 23-24.)
initiated

symbol throes of
to

therefore, is
be
"

die
"

what

is unmasonic

to

is

to

die."

But,

tinctive kindly told us, all disdhist, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Budreligions.
as

Bro.

Pike

has

Mohammedan,
have

are a

unmasonic,
of errors,

for

each and

and

all

superimposed

mass

moral

lectual, intel-

the pure, upon preserved in Masonry the

fundamental
alone. these the

truths, taught and


are

These
are

all outside

Lodge; in ignorance of these are the Lodge, the chains


in which and he is born unfettered

portalsof

the

the

Masonic

profane world; ing light;in entermoral


are

of intellectual and has into


a

tivity cap-

the candidate

been the

held

broken,
of sonic Ma-

freedom

life;he begins to be

free builder

untrammeled

by
1

creed.
The italics of this passage

belong

to

the

original.

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

69

Enlightenment will open up to us in detail and with startling even more clearness,what the Shock of Entrance has stated darkly. material The lightwhich sprung forth at the fiat of the Grand Architect,when darkness and chaos were been in Masonry," says the Ritualhas ever ist, dispersed, favorite symbol of that intellectual a pp. 33-34, illumination which it is the object of the Order to in the minds of its disciples, whence have create we the titleof Sons of Light.' justlyassumed it adds, this spiritual This mental illumination," which, after his new birth,is the first demand light, for of the new name candidate, is but another
" " * " " "

But

the Shock

of

DIVINE

TRUTH
"

THE

TRUTH AND THE CHIEF

OF ESSENCE

GOD

AND OF OF

OF BOTH MASONIC

THE
"

SOUL WHICH

THE

NATURE

CONSTITUTES

DESIGN

TEACHING."

object of the Order, says Masonry, is to create intellectual light in the soul ; imagine,kind reader, what our lightmust be ! Masonry is not to increase,to perfect it. May intellectual light; our no, it is to create we May we ask the source again ask its credentials? He Its candidate not. of its asserted power? may its doctrines. has freelycome to be taught. Masonry states
The This
prove is
so

much,

ever

so

much

easier than
Dr.

to

them.
prove

Pythagoras, according to
his doctrines ; he stated

Mackey,
his devoted

did not

them, and

reverently accepted them. Pythagoras disciples The doctrines of Pythagoras," is Masonry's ideal. says Dr. Mackey, (Encydopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 622), were always delivered as infallible propositions
" "

which

admitted
auTos

of

no

argument, and
demanded
a

hence
as

the expression
a

he said it, was e"l"rj,


to any
one

considered

sufficient

answer

who

reason."

70
Is it would this Am of

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

similar in

intellectual its

condition

that

Masonry
so;

create

disciples? Masonry
which my

says

is

the

blind

faith

it calls intellectual

light?

I to die to the past ; to consider man-invented corruptions of


to

a mass religion primitive religious on

truth;

accept

new

moral

code

which

my

poral tem-

ipse dixit? depend, on a mere bility; first that you have a just claim to infalliProve to me claim is proved, then your and after your ipse will be dico, within the limits of your infallibility, but you cannot reasonably, readilyadmitted by me from without cogent proof, require such submission and upright man, I, as a conscientious can nor me; and in the eyes of reason give it. I am not justified whole in yielding up my of conscience being to you, merely because, without knowing you, I have formed a favorable opinion of you. Or are Does we Masonry pretend to infallibility? lible expected to receive infallible propositionsfrom a falteachers are authority? The individual Masonic for many of them are ignorant, surely not infallible, The Grand Dr. Mackey as constantly avers. Lodges have claim to infallibility, make no yet, as we seen, the interpretation they are the ultimate tribunals to which
and eternal destinies
"

"

"

which of oral instruction,


or

contains

the

arcana

inner

doctrines idea of that


"

of

Masonry,

is referred.

Bro.

Pike

scouts
men
"

the

denies

rehgious Masonry
"

belief claims

in any man or infallibility body of it can in matter of be, especially and Truth, which surely Divine

to

teach, refers
is
as

to

such
own

behef.
as

man's

Faith Pike

much his

his Morals

his

Reason

is," says
"

Bro.

29. free
as

His in

Dogma, p. consists as much in his faith being Freedom his will being uncontrolled All by power.

in

and

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

71

the Priests and

Augurs of Rome or Greece had not the rightto requireCicero or Socrates to beUeve in the absurd of mythology of the vulgar. All the Imaums Mohammedanism have not the right to require a Pagan
to

believe

that

Gabriel

dictated that
ever

the

Koran

to

the

Prophet. All
in
one

the Brahmins

conclave
a

if assembled lived, like the Cardinals, could not gain human single
man or

rightto compel
Hindu

No cosmogony. and authorised


as

being to believe body of men can


what other
men

in the

fallible he inshall

to decide

of faith. Except to those who spired and the truth of all infirst receive it, every religion ^ ternal testimony and inwritingsdepend on human and the evidences,to be judged of by Reason Each must wise analogiesof Faith. man necessarily cause have the rightto judge of their truth for himself; behave any higher or better right man can one no ligence." and intelto judge than another of equal information
to any tenet

believe

We much Greeks
the

sponsor less for his doctrine. and the Romans


were

do not

stand

for Bro. Both


were are

Pike's
erroneous.

reasoning,
The

not

infallible in

this;
no

Mohammedans
were

not

infallible in
"

that; the
Smith
money fore thereThe

Hindus
man
or no

not

infallible in the other


men can

therefore

body

of

be

infallible.

John
had
no
"

had

in his pocket; Peter money had none in his hat ; Paul Thomas
no

Jones
have

in his vest

man

or

body
and

of

men

can

God-man
if he
so

was,

hence

could

money. be infallible ; he

could,
nature

to men; wished, impart infallibility

of us in evident things,imparts to every one itself, be infallible; our Man, therefore, can infallibility.

author

has not

deignedto
from
Bro.

show

us

is why infallibility

excluded essentially
1

faith.

These

italicsare

Pike's.

72
But

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

in matters of faith be posinfallibility sible, for, de facto, Masonry gains nothing thereby Grand Mason no or Lodge of Masons lays claim to such prerogative, even though Masonry claims the sole right to teach Divine Truth, since every one outside its ant portals, layman and cleric,bishop and pope, is ignoreven

if

"

of of

"

God

and There

of the soul

"

the

essence

and

nature

both."
"

doors,
"

in

they are, all of them, outside its darkness, helplessnessand ignorance,"


errors

wandering pollutionsof
the moral chains and

in their the

and

covered There
"

over

with
"

the in in

outer

world."
and

they

are

of

error

intellectual

ignorance," captivity." Light

restrained
"

tellect moral, in-

has to be created in their souls. light, And when ance they turn to Masonry to ask it what assurit can give them that it will reallyimpart truth to them and not error, Masonry refers them to the school of Pythagoras or the Ancient to Pagan Mysteries, where doctrines
were

not

discussed, but stated

as

fallibl in-

tial propositions. Whence, and this is the essenis not stated. point,the infallibility came, In regard, therefore, to divine truth, the Masonic fall back upon mind, as a basis of its certainty, must the interpretation and authority of a Grand Lodge, ble, which, according to Bro. Pike, not only is not infallibut cannot be. It is subjected to a standard ing varyand for Grand variable, differ with Lodge may Grand of points at issue. Lodge in the interpretation And if,as has happened in France, the Grand Lodge substitutes Creative ple Princia Superior Force," a for your Grand Architect of the Universe," if plain atheism be substituted for your Deism, what is the duty of every Mason and every Lodge but to submit, since to the Grand Lodge alone ultimately belongs
"
" "

"

74

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

phyte is involved
of of

are

and dispersed,

the true

knowledge
doctrine

the science

and

Masonry
Here, kind

are

philosophy,the faith developed." (p. 33.)


that
are

and

reader, you
and
true

not

Mason,

sider con-

in this Masonic

mirror

condition.
you
own

It is chaos know
can can

and moral religious if But confusion. really, your


nature

do

not

the

of God
true

and

of your

soul, how
What

you you

know know

the of

laws

of human

and morality, religion But as God by ignorant of their very foundations? His omnipotent fiat called order and beauty out of the fathomless abyss of material chaos and disorder, so by its omnipotent fiat will Masonry work der a greater wonin the abyss of your intellectual confusion; and will know soul; own God; you will know you your and moral ideas will be systematized and religious your and moral truth and beauty, harmonized, and religious which at present are strangers to you, will, in the light of the new life of Masonry, abide in your breast. All ask this Masonry promises ; but once more we words and not factured promises, for these are easilymanuand demand tials; credenask, we we cheaply ask, we demand we proofs. But what mind can conceive, or what tray," porpen that terrible conour vulsion guide goes on to tell us, of Nature, that awful disentanglement of its have must elements, which accompanied the Divine Let there be light.' The scribe command, attempt to deaction ?
" " "

"

"

'

it would when
we

be

a on

presumptuousthe

task.

We

feel,
and and

meditate have

silence must
the when earth the from

fled

that stillness subject, before the Almighty Voice, trembled darkness in its
was new

itself have

existence,
as a

gloomy pall of

rolled

tain cur-

the face of nature."

(Ibid.)

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

75

Why
must

must

there
been

have
a

been

convulsion?

Why
in

there have

of disentanglement

elements

the
were

abyss of chaos ? united; for, if


? What fiat each

Who
not

told you that the elements tanglement disenunited, there was no of


a as

need

convulsion
an

when

at

the

divine

element,
its fellow if we, in

obedient
law and

creature,
measure?

united
Pardon
as a

itself to
us.

in

due

Doctor,
"

fairness, stamp

of fancy, with no more poetry in it,than rollingthe pall of darkness from the face of nature." Our us study would satisfy if there were less imagination to deal with, and better, solid proof. more
mere

your must and less of reality

We

understand, indeed, the need


and creation of You

that you

have

of

convulsion
us, the

the creation candidate. have


any

for, as you will presentlytell trembling, of material light is to you the type of intellectual light in the mind of your
wish
to

calm

that mind

which, if it
of moral

definite
cannot

belief, religious any system

conduct,
the

but find itself startled, nay

terrified, by

sion, Therefore, this convulleap it is forced to make. this upheaval, must have been, because you need them for your symbolism. No, dear Doctor, oyt of the divine command, chaos to produce order at no and convulsion disentanglement and trembling were for each element obeyed the innate impulse necessary;

of its nature

under

the command
out

of Him heart which

whom has

it

was

pleasureto obey ; but


in its faith heart and

of

in its moral

code;

any of out

cerity sinany and

that has
man,
a

its fellow
out

of such

and its God, rightby itself, according to the dictates of its reason ; first produce chaos, heart Masonry must done

in order elements

afterwards, if may
in what it calls

be, to reunite the shattered


and religion moral order.

76
But

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

this,its destructive
a asserting

seeks action, it artfully

to

ceal, con-

mental

condition

which
a

does pure
our

not

exist,

that it may pose the more But of our let race.

easily as
us

benefactor

conclude

interesting
"

citation.
"

And of

Shock
at
an

Masonry," says the Ritualist, by Enlightenment, we seek, humbly, indeed,


in

the and

inconceivable
and
to

distance, to preserve

the

tion recollec-

embody the idea of the birth of material that light, by the representationof the circumstances

accompanied it,and
or

their reference

to

the birth

of intellect

Masonic hence
a

light.

The

one

is the type of the the candidate is

other; and
attended imitate

the

illumination

of

that may be supposed to ceremony the priihalillumination of the universe most with
"

it is true, feebly, pressiveness.


"

and

yet

not

altogetherwithout

im-

Enlightenment is,then, a symbol of the change which is now taking placein the intellectual condition of the candidate. It is the symbol [the italics are those of the Ritualist] of the birth of intellectual ness." light and the dispersionof intellectual dark{Masonic Ritualist, pp. 33, 34). In the lightof what have we already said, further
,

The

Shock

of

comment

is what

unnecessary.

Our

readers

understand

both what teach soul


"

the purpose of Masonic instruction is,and Masonry asks of its candidate. Masonry is to
"

Divine

Truth and

"

the
essence

truth

of

God

and This

of

the

the nature

of both." it is
"

it calls
"

intellectual illumination
minds of its

which

to

create

in the

neophytes. It is to give them new a birth into Masonic life, whereby they will acquirea idea of life and of its duties,and be freed from new the shackles of moral servitude in which they have

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

jy
be made,
no

hitherto
matter

lived.

There

is

no

exceptionto
has embraced may

what

religiona
nor

man

present hour,
has have

how Even

uprightlyhe
the Saints
of

up to the think that he

lived in it.

who Catholicity,

passed

from

life outside

Masonic

portals,have
of pollutions

left this mortal the outer In

sphere,covered

with

the

world.
for all this this enlightenment,
"

return

moral

and

intellectual
"

change,
a new

this

order

out

of

chaos," this
the soul of faith in its
to
at

birth into

life,"Masonry demands
a

man.

It asks

of him

blind

and

absolute

rightto impart divine


in the fact that
as

truth ; in its power it is imparting it; while has told us, it is

impart
the
same

it ;

deceiving deliberately its initiates in the lower degrees,giving them of the symbols, and making them false interpretations much, while they know imagine that they know tically pracin this nothing. It asks the whole life of man its principles; on world, for that life is to be molded it asks his life in the next, for the next must correspond It asks not a to this. change for the future, but a of the past. It asks the breaking of total disruption but because all religion of religion, all the old ties
"

time,

Albert

Pike

its

own

knows

neither

the

nature

of

God

nor
"

of and

the of
new

human

Divine not soul; knows is morality,for this,like religion,


in the of
a

Truth;
to

be

taught by

lessons

new

bound

human the

school ; and is to break the fetters that and polconscience in the darkness lutions world.
is And when the soul
reason

profane

is

startled,when
would

the conscience

shocked, when

raise its voice and calm

in anxious

inquiry,it
effect of
"

seeks

to

soothe

the troubled

faculties of man,

them
that

that this is the

natural

ing by assurand light," a

they,in

their chaotic

state, must

expect

similar

78
disturbance

THE

SHOCK

OF

ENTRANCE

to

that caused

in

primal chaos
much

by

the

tion crea-

of material When show. And these

light.
for

It asserts

; it proves
none

ing. nothto

asked

its credentials, it has

here,
pages,
"

as

the eye of a Catholic realize more let him


on a a

roams priest fully,why

over

it is

so

difficult, even
who moral
a

death-bed,
The intellectual

to

reclaim

Catholic
a

has

been

Mason.
an

is difficulty
one.

not

mere

one,

it is

It is not the

disobedience

to
a

the

Church and

and

merely neglect of her


apostasy
essence

sacraments

; it is

complete
the very
as

formal and

from of the

the

faith,in which
God of the Without
mere

nature

Christian
essence

is denied, Christian
a

well

as

the nature is there


"

and
to

the

soul. of

What grace,

work Were that


roots not

on? it had of
"

miracle

passion, or
there

interest,or
been of the

nothing. worldly motives


left at least the
a

led the heart faith ; had

astray but had

only

"

change
nearness

"

and

total extinction

past,"the
offended dormant faith moral have

of eternity

and
what when and when the
every,

the had very

fear

of

an

God and
as

might
dead.

vive re-

long
roots

lain of

But

been

plucked
been of

and religious

tie has

up, broken ;

Masonry has been wrought, and not one singledogma repudiated Catholic but the whole as system rejected error, and is, as Masonry ignorance, the case helplessness, and it has cunningly planned, well nigh as knows, hope, it will be in hopeless. If there be any human whence the lack of responsivene understandingthe fatal source and in seeking to bring back to springs, has been that heart what so artfullyand sedulously
banished mother's
"

the great intellectual transformation

the knee.

truths

of

divine

faith

learned

at

CHAPTER
Is

American

Masonry

Religion?

We think after and of

put
that the

this any

question
reflective made

to

ourselves,
mind in the will

not

because that of

we

doubt

it is,

revelations

Shocks the

Entrance is of
so

Enlightenment,
that its of that Truth
nature

but from

because

matter

portant imview

study
interest

different

points
main God
"

cannot

but

be

and

profit.
whose truth
"

Evidently,
teach soul
"
"

institution
"
"

object
and whose
man

is to the

Divine
"

"

the
essence

of

of

the

and fashion

of both

tical pracin
no cordance acligion re-

purpose

is to
such world has

the is
no

morality
a

of

with
in has
ever or

theory, to-day,
either it
a more

religion;
that itself

for the
a

the
seen,

religion
to

world

proposed

different

object,

proposed

completely.
But let

Masonry
us

is,
the

therefore,

evidently
way.
our

religion.

study

point
In

in another

thumbing
a

Masonic
assertion.

Ritualist, we
It consists
"

find, on
of
two

page

190,
one

remarkable
; the

parts,
sonry Ma-

negative
be
not

other,

affirmative.
"

Though

religion," it
The
to

says, assertion Grand


us

it

is

emphatically
in duction inhis

religion's handmaid."
the

is contained
on

charge
into
"

addressed office.

the

Chaplain
copy the sacred
to

Allow

to

passage.

Most

Reverend

Brother,
has been

the

position
care,

of

Grand
we
"

Chaplain
entrust

entrusted
the your

your

and

now

you

with
of

jewel

of

your

office. will be
re-

In

the

discharge

duties, you

79

8o

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

quired to
of your

lead

the

devotional
to
our

exercises the

of

our

Grand

Communications,

and

perform

sacred

functions

Though publicceremonies. it is emphaticallyreligion's Masonry be not religion, sure handmaid, and we that, in ministeringat its are altar, the services you may perform will lose nothing of their vital influence because they are practisedin which that spirit of universal tolerance distinguishes institution. The doctrines of morality and virtue our
at holy calling

which
as

you

are

accustomed of

to

inculcate form

to

the

world,

the

minister
you in
are

God,

will

the

appropriate
to

lessons brethren have

the

expected to Lodge. The

communicate

your you

profession which
best of your

chosen will

for your

lot in life is the the duties and

guarantee
in welldoing.

that you

discharge Holy

present appointmen

with The
we

steadfastness

perseverance Bible, that great lightof care."

Masonry,

entrust

to

your
one

There its

is

no

who

does

not

see

of that, in the light

surroundings,the denial that Masonry is religion becomes remarkably weak and unemphatic. A grand reverend brother, sacred functions, chaplain,a most exercises, ministering at its holy calling,devotional altar, the entrustingof the Bible, all point directly and immediately to an influence on religionwhich is than that of a handmaid. evidentlymore But of what form of religion is Masonry the handmaid?
"

we

ask.

Is it the

handmaid

of
or

Methodism,

or

? or Catholicity A handmaid is a helper. Strange, of all of them? that no form of religionrecognizes Masonry as a an helper,especially emphatic helper. Catholicity that any not are aware certainlydoes not; and we other form The influence does. of the emphatic
"
" "

or Mahometanism, Presbyterianism,

82
"

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

The

last and

crowning
can never

Landmark be
"

of

all

is, that

{Encydopcschanged dia of Freemasonry, p. 443). "Twenty-fifth. That be changed. the Landmarks of Masonry never can These constitute the Landmarks, as they have or, sometimes been called, the body of Masonry,' in which it is not in the power of any man, or body of ualist, the least innovation." to make {Masonic Ritmen, pp. 242-243). It is someNo, no; Masonry is not a handmaid." thing and this its very name implies. It is more; have no Fr^^-Masonry, acknowledging, as we seen, It is not the serits own. ties, vant moral, save or religious but the mistress. And be a truly she would
these Landmarks
'

strange handmaid
the

who,

on

the occasion would insist

of the
on

solemn

festivities of the household,

occupying

Yet this is precisely what place of honor. Masonry does in religious Masonic feaston matters, for when

days, public services are held in a Church, divine service must be performed by the lodge's chaplain. In every country where Freemasonry is encouraged," says the Ritualist, its festival days are celebrated with These the festival of St. John the are great ceremony. Baptist,on the 24th of June, and that of St. John the the 27th of December. on Evangelist, They are days set apart by the fraternity tect Archito worship the Grand of the Universe, to implore his blessings the upon great family of mankind ; and to partake of the feast of On brotherly affection. arriving at the
"

"

church
to

gate, the brethren

uncover

and
as

open

their ranks lowed fol-

the

right and left as by the brethren,


uncovered,
into
must

far

the

Master, who,
the
. .

passes between the church. the

wise likelines,

Divine
.

service

be

performed by

Chaplain, and

an

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

83
competent
and
thems an-

delivered appropriate address by brother appointed for the occasion. adapted to the occasion shall service
a

some

Hymns

collection may

be made

be sung, and after at the church doors,

in aid of the

Our
into

charityfund." (pp. 199, 201.) handmaid has certainly taken the whole
her
own

ter matligious re-

hands.

She

institutes unite in

her

own

worshiping the in a public Architect of the Universe, they meet Grand church, their chaplain celebrates divine service, they all this at the sing appropriatehymns and anthems bidding and under the control of Masonry; and yet, but only its handmaid! Masonry is not a religion, church is selected for their Allow to enquire what us commissions the chaplain to Who divine services?
the festivals,
brethren
"

perform
of the
to

them

Of
or

what has

nature

are

the sacred What

orders

that he possesses,

he

any?
and the of

is the nature offered


or

services Grand

performed
Architect

of the

worship
Universe?

the

of

Universe? the

Who

what church

is this Grand is

Architect

The
not

assuredly not Catholic, the chaplain is Catholic, the worship is not Catholic; so that even
the idea of the

if

Grand

Architect
sense

of the Universe

were

Catholic, and
children of any
The the
to

in the Masonic

ties it is not, the authorino

of the Catholic

Church

could
such

more

permit her
in those that

in participate

services than

of the numberless
us.

forms

of Protestantism

surround

handmaid

theory will
of

of light

facts and
more

therefore, is
a

than

in investigation Masonic Masonry, principles. of religion. It is handmaid a


not

bear

religion. that in making this assertion, aware We are perfectly as we do, we shall be calmly and deliberately

84
met

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

by
be

chorus have

of denials shown how

pouring
untenable
are

sides.
to

We

how

from all in upon us the denial of Bro. Pike is is that but of the Mch
answer

received, and
Ritualist. the and deniers their

sonic have
own

Denials
to

easy,
to
us our

what

make

proofs?
another.

For

our

instruction,let

add

That
own

distinct religion, which is,evidently, a

has

its

distinct

altars; its

own a

distinct

temples; its

own

distinct

and priesthood,

even

high priesthood ; its own

distinct anointings;its own distinct ceredistinct worship; its own monies ritual;its own festivals ; its own tinct disdistinct religious ; its own creed ; its own distinct morality; its own religious distinct theory of the nature soul and of the human of the relations of that soul with the Deity; its own distinct and peculiar God. But all these things are found in Masonry. fore ThereMasonry is a distinct religion. No sane we think,will questionour first propoman, sition, the of the for have major we argument; enumerated more quired rethings than are absolutely many constitute distinct religion. The main to a therefore, regards the second or minor propoquestion, sition, distinct consecrations
and which is
one

of fact.

Is it

fact that all these

found in Masonry? If they are, then things are in spite of denials Masonry is evidentlya religion, which from those only who either unincan come are structed in Masonic dogma, or who speak insincerely. Let
us,

therefore,examine

the fact.

First,the Altar.
The first thing that arrests
our

attention

as

the Masonic
a

is Ritualist, block of stone the open

the

Masonic

altar.

open It is apparently

we

with three candlesticks around

it.

On

it rests

Bible, and

on

the Bible

are

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

85

the square of cypress,

and

ground (p. 11). This is the altar of the lower ferent degrees, since Masonry has a difOn altar for the higher ones. are 35 we page should with a diagram showing how the lights supplied be disposed. The lowing drawing is accompanied by the foladmonition:

compasses. is in the back

dark

wood, presumably

placing the lights around the altar that the precedingdiagram is inserted for the direction of the Senior Deacon, whose duty it is to see that they are properlydistributed." And the altar follows us so throughout the whole Its form, however, as book, from beginning to end. stated, changes. we ters," Select MasThe altar in a Council of Royal and brated says the Ritualist (p. 532), represents the celein the temple,a notice of Stone of Foundation ume. in a subsequent part of this volwhich will be found Masonic other It should, therefore, unlike
are so
"
"

"

Errors

often

made

in

altars, be constructed
other ornaments, Ark. As

to

represent
on

cubical stone
be

out with-

and the

it should

Substitute
Stone second and
as

Masonic

depositedthe legend places the


Sanctorum

of Foundation

in the Sanctum

of the

temple,but immediately beneath that pointis represented by the


of Select

it in the ninth that arch

first,
in
a
a

Council

Masters, it is evident
altar should often room." be

during

at least,the reception,

arch, and
even

not,

as

is too
of the

placedwithin the done, outside of it,or

in the center

altars,altars special Masonry therefore has its own Masonic with a special meaning. The arrangement, all minutely specified. are material, ornamentation Second, the Temple.
An
altar is the natural

accompanimentof

church

86

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

temple. Hence, since they have altars, naturally call their buildings also,Masons even publicly temples. candidate seeks for light and The truth," says Ritualist, within the sacred preMackey's Masonic cincts of the lodge (p.29) : on enteringit, as with admonition is Moses at the burning bush, the solemn given, Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the thou standest is holy ground placewhereon (p.23) : and one the ancient temple, of the distinctions between is which the lodge is modelled, and the lodge itself, on The that most holy place in a Lodge is its eastern its western end, that of the Temple was extremity." (P-29.) So closely the two are connected," Dr. Mackey tells us again in his Encyclopmdia, tempt p. 798, that to ator
"
" "

"

'

'

"

"

"

"

to to

separate the

one

from of

the other

would

be fatal

Masonry. Each Lodge is and must be a symbol of the Jewish Temple ; and hence, like its prototype, the Lodge contains the Holy of Hohes. Every Lodge," says Bro. Pike {Dogma and Morals, p. 7), is a Temple, and as a whole, and in its details, symbolic." Third, the High Priesthood. With altars and with temples,Masonry possesses a instituted by itself and for itself. High Priesthood This matter is fully treated in the Masonic Ritualist, : pp. 420 and following The design of this degree [theHigh Priesthood] says the Ritualist, so far as it relates to its symbolic
"

the further

existence

"

"

"

"

"

ceremonies, appears
the bond of

to

be to

present
which

to

the

candidate

brotherlylove

should

unite those

having been elevated, to the highest station by their companions, are thus engaged in preservingthe Landmarks of the order unimpaired,and in protecting the integrity and honor of the by their high authority,
who,

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

87
of
to
a

institution.

Thus

laborers in the
sacred

separatedfrom field of Masonry,


teachers of its

the and

general mass
consecrated

truths,those glorious who sit in the tabernacle as the representatives of the ancient monies high priesthoodare, by the impressivecereof this degree,reminded ship of the intimate friendand all fellowshipwhich should exist between those who have been honored with this distinguished privilege." The penaltyfor unlawfullyassuming the priesthood is then set forth (p.430) in the Biblical account of the punishment of Core, Dathan, and Abiron (Num. xvi, 1-35), clearlyimplying the parity of the Masonic and the Aaronic. Indeed the Ritualist high priesthood is of Scripture sometimes tells us that this passage vestitur read in explanationof an important part of the in(p.430). this After the warning not to assume unrightfully to a highest station in the lodge, this consecration truths of of the glorious teachers sacred mission as in the tabernacle as tives representaMasonry, this sitting of the Ancient High Priesthood, we are allowed should be recited to the Benediction,which to pass on at the anointingof a High Priest. When a High Priest is anointed, the following
as
" " "

mission

Benediction

should

be recited:

"

"And
unto

the Lord
and
unto

spake

unto

Moses, saying,Speak

Aaron

shall bless the The


face Lord shine

On this wise ye his sons, saying. children of Israel, saying unto them,

bless thee and

Lord
peace.

upon lift up his countenance Num.

keep thee ; the Lord thee, and be gracious unto


upon

make

his

thee; the

thee, and give thee

"

vi, 22-26."
continues
of
:

Our
"

guide then
ceremony

The

anointingwith

oil

preparatory

88
the

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

that of king as assumption of any sacred office, the Egyptians and both among or was priest, practised of the former, many the Jews. Among the monuments of the performance of to be seen are representations three instances this holy rite. The mention Scriptures unction administered; was particularly in which into his introduction on namely, in the case of Aaron their and Solomon the priestly and of David on office, in all these consecration as kings. The anointingwas of a desigviewed as a cases symbol of sanctification, nation sacred to the service of God, or to a holy and use." if this were And not enough to impress upon as hood, the sacred character of the Masonic us High Priestthe words of St. Paul to the Hebrews, chap. VII, in which he speaks of the eternal priesthood of Christ, are, says the Ritualist, read as explanatory of the office of the priesthood." The ever, howpassage, is utterly mutilated, all mention of Christ being
to
"

omitted.

High Priest, says the Ritualist, presidesin a the king being Masons, even Chapter of Royal Arch subordinated him. He to represents Joshua or the son of Josedech, and the High Jeshua, who was Priest of the Jews when they returned from the Babylonian
The
"

exile. the He

He the

is seated ancient of

in the East

and

clothed

in

apparel of
wears
a

robe

linen, and
On
'

is decorated of the

High Priest of the Jews. and white blue, purple, scarlet, with and mitre. a breastplate
mitre His
are

the

front

inscribed
a

the

words

Holiness

to the

Lord.'

jewel is

mitre." ends
"

ualist, (Ritwith
his

His pp. 343, 344.) into the Sanctum induction


now assume

installation

Sanctorum.
the
"

You

will

your

seat

in

Sanctum and

Sanctorum,"
the in-

says

the

Grand

High Priest,

proceed to

90

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

Ritual.

Much

of this ritual is be committed


to

esoteric, and,

not

being

permittedto only by oral


"

instruction."

writingis communicated (Encyclopcedia, p. 650).

Seventh, its Festivals.


author, (Encyclopcedia religions," says our certain been have of Freemasonry, p. 276), "there days consecrated to festive enjoyment, and hence called
In all festivals."
. . .

"

The

Masons,

borrowing
and festivity Operative or those the of St.

from

and

imitatingthe
had vals their festiThe of chief the the the carded dis-

usage
or

of the

Church, have
of the

also

always
Stone

days
of

celebration. Masons the

festivals Middle

24th of

Ages were June, and


November.

John

Four

Crowned latter
were,

Baptiston Martyrs on
however,

4th

of

The

Masons [Freemasons] ; and Speculative the festivals now most by the generally celebrated those of St. John the Baptist, are June 24th, Fraternity and St. John the Evangelist, December 27th. These the days kept in this country." are Eighth, its Creed.

by

the

"

A
a

belief in God. Mason


to
"

"

This

constitutes

the that

sole creed he is In
quired re-

of

at

least, the
our

only

creed

profess,"says however. Encyclopcedia,


somewhat,
or

Ritualist,p.

44.

his

Dr.

rather

trine Mackay enlargesthe docexplains the qualifying

clause,
"

of

profess." Although Freemasonry," he and is tolerant in theology, faith,it would every religious
to
a

"

" is not says, the admission

matic dogmen

of

that it is without

creed. which

On

he wrong to suppose the contrary, it has a

creed, the
denial of in

assent

to

which the

is

rigidlyenforces, and the bership absolutely incompatiblewith memThis creed consists of


two

it

Order.

AMERICAN
articles: who things,

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

91
of all

First, a

belief in

God,

the

Creator

is therefore

of the Universe
to which life,

recognizedas a ; and secondly,

the Grand

itect Arch-

belief in the eternal


a

this present life is but

preparatory

and

To the first of these articles probationary state. is explicitly assent the threshold of as requiredas soon the Lodge is crossed. The second is expressively taught by legends and symbols, and must be implicitly assented to by every Mason, especially by those who have received the third degree, which is altogether founded the resurrection life." {Encyto a second on clopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 192). could easily We creed is immensely prove that the Masonic

wider
truth
essence

for

how

teach

Divine
soul
"

Truth

"

the

of God of

and

of the human
a mere

the nature, be The

and
is

both, if
the

belief in God

all that
nature

requiredof
essence are

of Masonry? disciples will embrace many, many

and

of both

however, satisfied,
for
own we are

with

matter,
has its

satisfied with

things. We merely indicatingthe proving that Masonry

creed. peculiar Ninth, its distinct Morality. of the lessons of the prime objects This is one new self school of- Masonry." in the new Masonry defines ittainly a as system of morality." This system is cerdistinctive of Masonry, since it belongs to its Masonic it; light is needed to know essence. very is needed to live it; it constitutes Masonic helpfulness self life." Indeed so peculiar to itin fact, the Masonic
" " "

is this
are

morality,that
outside

even

the first elements

of it

pale of Masonry. "We at his initiation the him [the candidate] acquiring see Ritualist, Urst elements of morality," p. 338. says our the first elements he acquires Surely, if,in initiation,
not

found

the

92
of

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

morality, he did morality of Masonry


But
more

not

possess

them

before.

The self. it-

is, consequently,peculiar to later,in


with
a

of this

separate chapter.
the Human

Tenth,
and the

its distinctive Soul's

Theory of
the

Soul

to

Deity, as well as Eleventh, the peculiarGod of Masonry. ready alBoth these are clearly taught us in the sentences familiar, in which so Masonry states its object be the imparting of Divine Truth ture regarding the naRelation
of the soul and the
essence

of God. the veil

All outside

it

are

in darkness

; it alone

possesses of the

light ;
which

its candidate conceals


"

begs
divine truth

"

withdrawal

from

his uninitiated

illumination," this
demand veiled of from the
new

sight." This "spirituallight" is "the


How know

tal men-

first is

candidate."

what

implore so earnestly,if one enter already possess a thing? Why Masonry, if its But all object be to teach what we already know? this will become vance adas we plainer,if that be possible, in our Study. Masonry's God, therefore, is not the God that we
one?

Why

revere,

adore, and
recourse

love, for

Him
our

we

know

without

having
to

to

Masonry;
we

soul it to

is not, according

Masonry,
else which
us.

what

believe and

be, but
alone

thing somecan veal re-

Masonry
what

Masonry
In have

to

Such

is its contention.
we

therefore, it affirms
that it has its
own

plain words, asserted, namely,


soul, it has
a

theory about the human its own God, and, as theory about its own corollary, theory of the relations
soul Neither and has

necessary

tween beexisting

God.
our

enumeration
We could

exhausted have

the

religious
of its in-

features of

Masonry.

treated

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

93

vocations

its
the used

benedictions

its

baptism
its
etc.

the

munion com-

of

brethren;
in the

its

hymns; degrees,
to

purifications;
;

the
not

croziers wish
to

high
space

but

we

do

devote Call it hollow

more

the

proof

of

fact

so

evident. make
in the it

all,

if

you

will,
"

travesty
we are

on

religion
concerned

all

mockery insincerity
it has

not

sincerity
shown that

or

of

its altars

protestations.
;

We

have
its
own

its

own

its

own

temples
ritual its its and
;

priesthood
ceremonies;
and its of

its

own

worship

its

own

its

own

its

own

religious
its of
to
own

festivals; creed;
soul its

own

consecrations

anointings; theory
soul

own

morality;
relations
These

own

the the

human

the

that

deity;
a

own

God.
false

things
that

certainly

constitute

religion,

though

religion-

be.

For
see

Masonic
the

"

Baptism

"

recently

conferred

in Vol.

New

York No.
7.

City,

Catholic

Fortnightly

Review,

XV,

CHAPTER

VI

Additional

Light

on

American

Freemasonry

as

Religion

The
to

idea
of
so

of
our

Masonry
readers,
and but

as

religion
the additional Let

will

be

so

new

many

and that

protestations light
us

of
on

the the

Craft
matter

long
cannot

loud,
be

acceptable.
us,

allow

Dr.

Mackey
to

to

instruct
here and

calling attention,
when
he

however,
lead
us

points,
"

there,

might

astray.
There
has p.

been,"

he "a
a

tells

us

{Encyclopaedia
expenditure
of
to

of
genuity in-

Freemasonry,
and and

639),
in

needless number endeavor has


erroneous

of

talent, by

large
the

Masonic prove

tors ora-

essayists,
is not

that arisen has and

Masonry
from been
a

religion.
the from
was

This

undoubtedly
view

well-intentioned of and the


two

but
connection

that

taken

between
that if
a

religion
the
to

Masonry,
of of
a

the
not

fear made

complete

ance dissever-

manifest,

opponents
establish that

Masonry theory
Masons their
never

would

be

enabled been
to

successfully
fond of substitute of

which
were

they

have

advancing,
the

the of have any is


ever

disposed
for
a

teachings
Now
"

Order for

the

truths

Christianity.
he

I that

moment

believed,"

continues,
as

such

unwarrantable
to

assumption,
substitute into
not

that

Masonry
mind,
sub-

intended obtain

be

for any

Christianity, could
regulated yield, on
the
to

admission

well

and,

therefore,

am

disposed
94

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY
the has

RELIGION

95

ject of
much
as

character religious been yieldedby more

of

Masonry, quite
brethren.

so

timid

On

the contrary, I that

contend, without any sort of hesitation, of the word, cept exMasonry is, in every sense
and

an philosophical, eminently institution that it is indebted religious solelyto the which element for its origin and it contains religious for its continued existence,and that without this religious element it would be worthy of cultivation scarcely by the wise and the good. But, that I may be truly understood, it will be well first to agree upon the true definition of religion. There is nothing more illogical

one,

that its least


"

than

to

reason

religion." given four is the very soul of Masonry. element The religious its origin; from it Masonry reTo it Masonry owes ceives continued existence; without it,Masonry were The valueless. ingenuity and talent of the Brethren, who denied the religious ment eleand orators essayists, the complete in Masonry, and sought to show
disseverance but
of the two,
not they were not a question of truth with them, but a fear lest the the opponents of Masonry should establish successfully theory that Masonry seeks to substitute itself for But why this fear, if the thing were not Christianity. if the theory establish a theory successfully, How so ? true? be not They erred in thinking so, says the Doctor learned Mackey. Did they reallyerr? ,We

undefined upon distinct definitions of

terms.

Webster

has

have been tioned, well-intenmay sincere and honest. It was

shall One

see

later.

word

more,

and

we

are

ready
us

to

continue

our

quotation. Doctor Mackey in the first three senses religion


that it is in the

tells

that

Masonry

is

of the least

word, but denies

fourth,

or

sense. philosophical

g6

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

Unacquainted
we are

with

the Doctor's the he moment, finds

system
to

of

philosophy,
our

unable, for
as

enlighten

readers

to

what it. Let


as a

in philosophical

or unphilosophical Perhaps as we go along, us

less
more

light will
of
"

come.

therefore
our

turn

to

the definitions

Webster,

given by

author.
sense,

I.

Religion, in

comprehensive
man

includes,
God

he
"

says, a belief in the being and in the revelation of his will to

of perfections
"

in man's

ligation ob-

and and

obey his punishment, and


to

commands* in man's

"

in

state

of reward
to

accountableness

God

also true

with godliness or piety of life,


duties." is

the practice

of all moral

one

Truly this thing is


render

enough
to

to

constitute
it real.
a

needed

make

to not

these in
a
"

elements

and only religion, and that is religion; To believe, namely, has of


some

merely
or we

God
in

in
a

who general,
revelation
"

tions perfec-

other
are
"

matter

ignorant
in
an

in

an

subjectobligation merely in
which with
is indefinite definite

whose

the

abstract
"

accountableness
a

but

to

believe in

definite God,

of His will ; in definite perfections ; in a definite revelation and duties ; for thus only can obligations we tise pracdefinite
mere

virtues
and

and

lead

true

godly
some some

life. God

A
or

general
some can

indefinite belief

in

other ; in
or

or obligation never

other ; in

revelation
course

other,

lead

to

action,much
we are

less

enabled

supply us to regulate our

any determined with a standard

of

by

which

lives and

call them

godly.
condition

Definiteness for

points is a necessary action; for while they remain practical


our

in all these

indefinite and
come

undetermined,
That
would fit any

minds

and

wills

never

to

anything.

would

be strange

indeed, which

idea of

godliness, God; just as that

98

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

constitute sarily is is

individual,as
a
"

exists really for whatever religion; everybody knows, and hence Masonry
a

religion. definition is,"says Dr. His [Webster's] second 2. distinct from that religion, as theology,is Mackey, godliness or real piety in practice,consistingin the duties to God and our low-men, felperformance of all known
"

in love
"

obedience and

to

divine

command,

or

from

to

God

his law."
"

author, that Again, he says," continues our distinct from virtue or morality,consists as religion, in the performance of the duties we to owe directly of obedience to his will." God, from a principle tor, he defines religion," adds the Doclastly, 4. And to be any system of faith or worship ; and in this he says, religioncomprehends the belief and sense, well as of as worship of Pagans and Mohammedans Christians in the belief of a consisting any religion superior power, or powers, governing the world, and in the worship of such power And it is in or powers. this sense that we or speak of the Turkish religion, the Jewish religion, well as of the Christian." as So Dr. Mackey defines religion in its four senses.
3.
" "
"

He
us

says that he follows the edition which he

Webster.

He

does
we

not

tell

follows, and
best

hence

cannot

verify his quotations. The at present do not give the


does. the
are
"

editions
as

of the

Webster Doctor

definitions

We

shall

not, however,
them

but accept subject,

quarrel with him on from him, whether they


"

Webster's

or

not.

Now,
and from

it is
senses

plain,"he
in which do

says,
we

that take
"

in either the word very may

of the

first three
"

may

they
one

not," he
"

adds,

differ

another

Masonry

religion materially rightfully

AMERICAN
claim
to

FREEMASONRY
be called

RELIGION

99

institution. Closely religious and accuratelyexamined, it will be found to answer to of the requirements of either of these three one any definitions." So much," he continues, does it include belief in the being and perfections a of God,' that the publicprofession of such a faith is essentially into the Order. to gain admission No believer disnecessary
a
"
" '

in the existence of God


"

can

be made

Mason." further

The
on

'

revelation
to
"

of is

his will

to

man,'
'

"

he
'

goes

say,

called technically trestle-board of

the

spiritual,
Mason,
"

moral,

and

Masonic

he is to according to the rules and designs of the spiritual edifice of his eternal erect life." A of reward state and he adds, is punishment,' included in the very idea of an necessarily obligation,
'
"

every which

"

which, without
no

the

belief in such

state, could
'

be

of

true binding force or efficacy.And godliness or piety of life is inculcated as the invariable duty of every Mason, from the inception of the first to the end of the very last degree that he takes." in reference So, again," he says, to the second and all this practical third definitions, piety and performance
'

"

"

of the duties arise from obedience


to

we are

owe

to

God
on

and
a

to

our

low-men fel-

and

founded

of principle from

the

divine

will.

Whence
have of

else, or

what voice

other of the
to
us

will, could
Grand
in

they

arisen? the of of

It is the symbolized ritual, and that fear

Architect

Universe,
our our

from

every
to

every ceremony of the furniture portion


true

Lodge,
him
to

speaks
God Mason

the love

Mason,
brethren.

commanding
It is idle to

and

the

does

good simply
These idea

in obedience
owe

say that the to the statutes their sanction of perfections

of the Order.
to

the

Masonic

very statutes of the nature

and

loo

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

God, which
which idea

idea

has

come

down

to

us

from

est the earli-

historyof
was

the Institution, and the very

the

object and Mackey


How
to

promulgation of gin." design of its ori-

We

have

allowed
are a

Dr.

speak rightalong,
of what of
we

for his words have evolves and


man

beautiful confirmation
the
"

already proved.
under

creed

his facile pen ! of God "; " the perfections


"

belief in

Masonry the being


" "

relation

of his will to
; true

; "a

state

of

reward life
"

and
; what

punishment
a

godliness and pietyof


these be open up
to

vast

field of belief He may all.


not

the instructed he

Mason.
must

obligedto professall,but
definite and in

admit

And

remark, how

determined, in spiteof appearance


"

Practical piety Masonry: obedience the divine and to will; the voice of the Grand Architect of the Universe symbolized in every and speaking from portion of the ceremony every furniture idea of God of the Lodge; the Masonic

everything is

which is not
some

is the sanction
some

of the statutes other ;


some
case some

of the

Order.
or

It

piety or
or

divine of God and


a

will
or

other ;

voice

other;
each

idea

other; but
determined.
a ligion. re-

something Everything
"

in

fixed is

is real;

everything

part of
"

But

it must definition

be
does

confessed," he
not

fourth

appear

to

that the says, be strictly cable appli-

of fact, the fourth Masonry." In matter whether it appear definition, applicable or not, is have we strictlyapplicable, as already proved than and shall prove more as we again. once, We do not expect that, in an sonry, organizationlike Mawhich seeks to hide behind an impenetrable should veil, matters as they reallyare. appear
to
"
"

AMERICAN Our

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

loi

a thought that Masonry was astonished charitable organization, mere at the are revelations that the Craft is making of itself. religious It did not them that Masonry to appear in any sense of the word; yet, in spite was religious of appearances, author that the our freely admits first three meanings of religion, meanings attributed to Webster, to Masonry; nay, are applicable proves that they are so. Appearances at times are deceptive. once
" "

readers, who

he says, pretension," the religions of the world to assume sectarian a as system of faith and worship in the from in which sense we distinguish Christianity Judaism, or Judaism from Mohammedanism." a True, Masonry has no pretension to assume of the world; what it calls the religions place among

But,

"

it

"

[Masonry] has a place among


'

no

'

for

these,

as

Brother

Pike

has

told

us,'

are

the

ruptions cor-

primitive faith. Masonry surely makes Neither itself among these. to number no pretension from does it claim to be a sectarian system diiifering differs from as Christianity Judaism ; for Christianity, fering here again, in the Masonic idea, it is corruptiondifin both being from : the basic corruption religion the differences existing the same, merely in the
human

of

superstructures of Masonry, therefore, in its

error,
own

the

work

of

man.

every the

the

recognized form of of mankind. catholic religion they are type of which pure
It is the

theory, diflfers from the universal, as religion,


It claims
to

be

the

manifold
which

tortions dis-

solid

foundation, of
erroneous

they
con-

are

the

manifold

and

variant

tures. superstrucso

So
1

it diflfers from
also

all of

them;
103.

it is

Supra, p. S9-6i. See

infra,p.

102

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

cealed

and

buried

beneath

all of them them.

; but

so

it

is,in

to all of superior reality, In this meaning of we meaning, ) he says, the Masonic nor religion,
" "

the
do say

word," (the
and
a man

sectarian

not

cannot

speak
the

of

of Here

that he is not opponents mistaken

Christian of

but

Mason.

it is that assumed of
a

ground,
form of

in

Freemasonry confounding the


that of the

have idea

with

teaches

worship, and religioustruth,


Christian

tution instireligious Christian religion as a peculiar in supposing,because Masonry that and it is offered
as a

stitute sub-

for

truth

Christian

obligation."
human

{Encyclopedia of Freemasonry,
Are the Christian ideas

p. 641.) and of the of God

soul, the Catholic


same as

the ideas, for instance, identically Are Christian with

the

Masonic?

obligations,
Masonic

as essentially

Christian, identical
Christian A and

ligation ob-

Are
same

Masonic

morality the

with this You

You not canplain answer, yes or no. answer yes," for you would identifyMasonry in general,or with Catholicity; and Christianity is not so. vehemently protest, and rightly, you would destroy the whole by this single word

thing?

"

Masonic

fabric,the purpose
we

of its

existence, the
outside

son rea-

of its secrecy ; for exists alone it asserts therefore Christian And you confirms
"

should

have

what it,
must

within
; the

its

portals. You
idea of

answer

No

Christian

God,

not are morality and obligation answer truly. And every step in not

Masonic."
our see

Study
how Masonic

But assertion. do you your every instructed Mason, every candidate lightwho embraces theory,must your he be sincere and

for

honest, abandon
he before

the

if necessarily, Christian,the

Catholic
the
new

ideas which

held sacred, and


new

ideas, the

new

the principles,

adopt which life,

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

103

Masonry
Ah!

proposes?
"But

Is

not

this
as

evidently a
such," you

stitution subsay.

it is not

offered

thing: offered as such or not, it is such, and as such, by the truly instructed, logically is it accepted. No have as we said, is worthy man, of the name of man, who will believe that Christianity, that Catholicity of corruptions as such, is a mass and of errors invented and herence by man, give his addoctrines tinctive and to its specific practiceits disfaith is the practices. The birth of the new death of the old. And if pure he now as religion, conceives brace it,be offered him, he will, if honest, emit.

that is another

Behold offered
as

the natural
such
or

process

of

substitution,
the

whether
But

not.

that

the

reader

may

understand
denies for Albert that
a

sophism
as

better, by which
a

Masonry
shall return

it is offered
space
"

substitute,we
as
"

brief Pike.

to

the

doctrine
he says,

set forth

by

Bro. has

teaches, and

the cardinal and


that have truths
ever

preserved in faith which of the old primitive tenets derlie unthe foundation of all religions. All are
had
a

Masonry," their purity,

existed, have
that truth

basis
errors.

of

truth; and
The

all

overlaid

with

sooner were taught by the Redeemer and alloyed with fictions, than intermingled and when Masonry is the taught to the first of our race. is suited to the inhabitants universal morality which of every creed." {Morals of every clime, to the man and Dogma, p. 161). theory, exists in Masonry, therefore, in its own is found The forms. two pure or uncorrupted form inside its Lodges ; the false and corrupted form is met In enoutside them. tering with in the various religions of Masonry is poured upon the Lodge, the light

primitive corrupted,

104

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

the candidate

; intellectual

lightis

created

in his mental

pear corruptions of the various religionsapfied in their true lightto his strengthened and purivision; and looking through and behind them he perceivesin each the pure Masonry, but buried and sonry, beneath concealed Recognize Maa heap of rubbish. be it Catholic or therefore, in your religion, ligion, Protestant, Jewish or Buddhist; admit that your reit be, is but a man-made whatever variety of Do you not see, argue its divine prototype, Masonry. not substitutingMasonry authors, that you are our for your but merely recognizing in it the religion, You are merely already exists? Masonry which stitution not the rubbish, and making a subclearing away Hence can impart its light to Masonry of every creed, without interfering with their men form of religionis but Masonry for every religion, corrupted by man. which subtile and insidious, And this is the sophistry,

chaos; the

permeates
deceived the

the many

whole

Masonic

system, and
minds. The

which

has

well-meaning

sophism lies in the figuresthat are and most inexact, if one seem appropriate, yet are wishes to are reason closely. What represented as in the various sonry are errors spoken of by Mareligions, the basic primitive truths ; as a superstructure on a as corruption of these truths; as rubbish covering The false impression and concealing these truths. therefore made the mind of the disciple of Masonry upon truths and the errors is,that the primitive resented repbish, by superstructure, and corruption, and rubous two are separate and distinct things in the variof religion; forms of a just as the foundation house is distinct from the rooms above it; the steel

of germ used. They

io6

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

"

Its warmest

and
"

most

enlightened friends,"
never

Dr.

Mackey
"

continues,
such
a a

have

advanced

nor

ported supwas

claim," that, namely, Masonry


substitute for Christian
we

offered

as

truth
answer,

and but

Christian such

obligation." True, Doctor,


or

nothing. prudent You well as we, that it would be highly imknow as friends of Masonry for the warmest openly how to advance or support such a theory, no matter it be. Such friends must true pretend the contrary. You pretend the, contrary and they naturally follow be pardoned, however, for must example. We your not acceptingas a proof of your assertion,what they have not done. {Encyclopcedia, p. 641.) he says, nor Freemasonry is not Christianity," substitute for it. It is not intended to supersede it, a of worship or system of faith. It nor any other form does meddle with sectarian creeds not or doctrines, but touches fundamental truth not religious enough with the necessity of the Christian scheme to do away of salvation,but more than enough to show, to demonstration, that it is,in every philosophical of the sense and one, too, in which the institution, word, a religious Mason will find,if he earnestly seeks for true Christian
action absence of

action, proves

"

"

"

them, abundant
and

types and

shadows

of his

own

exalted

inspired faith." divinely (Ibid.) Masonry is not Christianity this


"

we

willingly
it, we
not can-

admit; but
so

that

it is not We

substitute
have

for

readilygrant.
to

clearlyproved
Whether
as

it to tended innot,

be, by its very


be
or

nature,
not,

substitute.
offered

whether
our a as

such

or

is,
the

at
mere

present, beside

question.
word,
a

Still, if it be
with

question of proved that Masonry,

satisfied

verifies religion,

having perfectly

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

107

the

English
be

definition of the word,


a

we

are

willingto
assertion may be
a

admit
may

that, in
allowed
or an

certain pass.

sense,

Mackey's
substitute It may
some

to

For

perfectone

in every replacethe other

imperfectone. or detail, only in


in every in
some as

other replacean-

details.

If it

perfect; if only

detail, it is complete and details,it is incomplete and


a

imperfect,in
substitute Dr. without
to
to

as

much

substitute.

Now,
we

if

by

a complete one, Mackey means admit that Masonry does hesitancy, be such a substitute. For claiming, as

may, tend pre-

not

it

does,
not

be the

teacher

of pure

Divine

Truth, it could

claim to represent the mass of corrupconsistently tions tianity which, in its idea, constitute the forms of Chrisaround These us. corruptionsare to be cast aside by every sincere and enlightenedMasonic heart,
no

substitute the

is needed

for

them.

But,

as

we

have

shown,

was

tian, Chriscastingaside of what is essentially which is at present prodestroysthe Christianity fessed; tion even if, in the Masonic theory, this destrucof Christianity it is only the restoration to what it is in our as as Christianity, taught by Christ.
and
to

hearts ceased

in the be.
our

hearts

of the people around


may
not

us,
"

has

True, you

call this

dling" med-

destroying You call the religious not not synonymous. are may the initiate now faith of Masonry, which professes, he professed which substitute for the Christianity a
before; what
sincere and of
the is

with

faith,for meddling and

certain, however,
the

is, that
such

if he is
a

be

as honest, his Christianity

past.

For

future, he

will
our

thing profess only


himself

the pure faith of Masonry, which tells us sentence in the very same

author
not

"is

ity." Christiansectarian

Masonry

"

does

not

meddle

with

io8
creeds

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

or

doctrines," it sweeps
minds of exoteric in the souls

them and

in the but

deed innot away: ill-instructed sons, Ma-

of the esoteric and and


as

Masonically
our

as experienceproves, enlightened, and more. study will confirm more

further

But

what

we

must

without

justiceand
not

fairness with
.

deny,
. .

any is that the

limitation,in all

Masonry
of salvation

"

does of
were

away salvation." necessary its bosom


to

do

Christian

scheme

If the Christian

scheme

Masonry, Masonry could not admit into and Jew, and Buddhist, and Mohammedan, admit the Christian of whom Joss-worshipper,none
scheme which
"

of salvation.
we are

Even

our quoting, is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it to offend the Jew ; does he hold that the Christian is essentially scheme of salvation,which based on has come, has nothing rewho Christ, the Messiah pugnant faith of the Jew? to the religious Dr. exalted and What Mackey says of the faith of the Christian Mason, need inspired divinely and divinely in not detain us ; for if exalted inspired, much as Masonry not make as^ Christian, why does this exalted and divinely inspired faith its own? as Why does it take the Koran divinelyinspired?
"

in this very article from author tells us that Masonry

"

"

and other

the

Vedas?

and

holds inspired? Of religion shall treat in dealing with American Freemasonry American and Christianity," and Freemasonry and the Bible." We here to only indicate the matter
"

every to be

other

book

which

every all this we

"

show

our

readers

how

littlereliance

is to

be

put

on

in seemingly Christian expressions writers.


"

the mouth

of Masonic

The
"

tendency

of all true

author,

is towards

Masonry," continues our religion. If it make any prog-

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

109

Look at its holy end. ancient Landmarks, its subhme ceremonies, its profound ligious resymbols and allegories all inculcating doctrine, commanding religiousobservance, and teachingreligious truth, and who can deny that it is eminently a religious institution?" (Ibid., p. 641.) We do not deny it. It is eminently a certainly institution in its own and form of religion; religious are we gratefulto Dr. Mackey for confirmingagain and again our contention that Masonry is a religion. All its ceremonies, all its symbols, all its allegories Masonic doctrine and observances teach distinctively religious and nothing else. All have been expressly instituted for this purpose. They teach everything in in religion that a Mason needs to know or practise edifice of the eternal the raising of his spiritual life." They are distinctive of Masonry and restricted observances, to Masonry. Religioustruths, religious and distinctive of an of religion complete in matter of the word, a in every sense constitute, institution, distinct religion. But besides," says Dr. Mackey, Masonry is, in votional all its forms, thoroughly tinctured with a true despirit.We open and close our Lodges with of the Most invoke the blessing High upon prayer ; we of our demand a all our neoph)d:es labors; we fession probelief in the existence and the superof trusting intending teach them to bow of God; and we care his awful at with name, humility and reverence altars. our while his holy law is widely opened upon though and alFreemasonry is thus identified with religion; without be eminently religious man a may be that a Mason can being a Mason, it is impossible
ress,
"

its progress

is to

that

"

"

"

'

true

and

trusty

'

to

his Order

unless he be

respecter

no

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

of

religion and
What does be ? Does

an

observer

of

religious principle."
"

(Ibid.)
Dr.
man

may
"

by saying that Mackey mean eminently religiouswithout being


he idea
mean

a a

Mason
an

that

man

can

have
a

eminently true
That he
nature
can

of

God, without
an

being
true

son? Maof the

have and

eminently
and of

idea of

the human

divine

essence,

that

That he entering Masonry? in an eminent can practise, degree, the true morality in Masonic taught by Masonry, and yet not participate which has, indeed, not been created in light, his mental chaos ? If a man be can ligious," eminently reaccording to the true religionof Masonry, all the claims without made entering its -portals, by Masonry in favor of its enlightenment are rudely brushed aside, and this Dr. Mackey will not do; if nence emiit must as eminently religious mean, mean, in error (for to Masonry, as we have seen, all outside itself is error), our noneminently religious Masons will not, we for his fancy, thank the Doctor than doubtful compliment. more But the religionof Masonry," finally concludes

soul, without

"

"

"

"

"

"

our

author,

"

is

not

sectarian.

It

admits

men

of

creed within its hospitable jecting bosom, rereligious and for his peculiar none approving none faith. It is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it but there is to offend a Jew; it is not Christianity, nothing in it repugnant to the faith of a Christian. Its religion is that general one of nature and tive primievery revelation ancient
men
"

handed

down

to
"

us

from in

some

and

patriarchalpriesthood
no

which differ.

all It

in which and agree, inculcates the practiceof

man

can

virtue, but

it

supplies no

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

iii

scheme
to not

of

redemption the path of


to

for

points righteousness,but
the

sin.

It

ciples its disit does life.' stitute sub-

claim
so

In

far,
for

way, therefore, it

be

'

the

truth, and
become

the
a

cannot

but Christianity,
as

its of

tendency
that

is thitherward; and its

and,
often votaries
"

the
act
as

handmaid the

it religion,

does,
into

porch
of

may, introduces

the

temple

divine

truth.

institution ; Masonry, then, is,indeed, a religious the and this ground mainly, if not alone, should on it." Mason defend (Ibid., religious p. 641.) have of religion, we Masonry as the handmaid lieved already seen; and how little Dr. Mackey himself bein the theory you judge by the hymn in may of which, doubtless, he often joined in the precincts the Lodge.
"

Hail

Masonry

divine,

Glory of ages shine; Long may'st thou reign! Where'er thy Lodges stand, May they have great command, And always grace the land ;
Thou
art

divine."

(Masonic Ritualist, p. 166).


This
Mark
"

hymn
Master's
"

is

part of the ritual and

is called the
"

The absurdity of song. is too palpableto merit reigning," shall


we

maid hand;

comment

and

what

say

of

"divine"

Masonry,

the

"handmaid"?
Neither after shall

what
soon

we

have other

said, and

looking to

what dwell

we on

in of

the

claim

chapters say, shall we Masonry to be unsectarian.

112

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

Sectarian, in its idea, is limited,


matter
on

not

universal

"

the

for all

prejudice. Masonry, theory, universal, contrary, is, in the Masonic lic. cathofor all climes, above all prejudice, men,
of Roman

clime, of custom,

of

Not

Catholic,

no.

For Church of

that,
clime
to

to

sonry, Ma-

truly catholic. affected, namely, with the


It is for
not to

is not

The microbe and

is Roman; and them mate. cli"

the

Romans,

suited

"

humanity at large. Masonry, therefore, is the catholic religion and it tells its of mankind, true so initiates in speaking of behavior in a Lodge. Therefore be no privatepiques or quarrels must brought within the door of the Lodge, far less any nations, or State policy, or quarrels about religion, we being only, as Masons, of the catholic religion above mentioned." (Ritualist, p. 249). Masonry, therefore, is willing to receive into its charitable and expansive bosom, Jew, and Methodist,
"

and

Catholic, and
Divine and

Moslem,
Truth
"

all who the

will accept its basic

religionof
God has

of the human

soul, truths

primitive truths of that Masonry alone

down They are truths handed preserved pure. by a patriarchal priesthood what priesthood,we told the religionof nature and of priminot are tive revelation. How through all the ages, amid the vicissitudes of time, the tendency of the human heart sonic to corrupt the truth, the admitted ignorance of Mateachers, the tendency of oral instruction to go alone succeeded in astray. Masonry preserving these truths pure, we told. not are Through what
" "

succession handed

of

bodies
is

or

individuals We

the

truths shall
see

were

down,
cannot

Masonry
of

its

own

equally obscure. give a certain and history. Yet it

that
count ac-

authenticated
asks of

its candi-

114

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

we

waive

the in

point.
our

What

we

have with

questioned,
the
to

is

proved

favor.
not

Even

fulness agree in

of Masonic the

men are light, religion of Masonry.

constrained
may

in to God. they have differed even author, Finally, Masonry, says our suppliesno hence scheme of redemption for sin," and cannot
" "

They regard

still

differ, as

become p.

substitute

for

Christianity." (^Encyclopedia,
whom?
more

641.)
Cannot ask. the for supply the place of Christianity But we For its disciples ? repeat once

we

that

Buddhist, and
Mason

the

Confucian, and

the

hammedan Mo-

reject the

They
knows need

can

plenitudeof Masonic light Christian scheme of redemption for sin. live the eternal life of Masonry without it.
not

in the

It is therefore that

essential.

Moreover,
that

our

author is
no

Masonry

expressly holds

there

of any such of the old pagan is all .that Masons the sacred

the purification Initiation, mysteries, symbolized by the Acacia, scheme. need. For the

Acacia, which

is

plant of Masonry, signifies immortality, and author tells us initiation;and our sinlessness,
these
"

that that
to

three

meanings
must

are

closelyconnected
observed if
we

and

that
a

connection

be

desire

of the symbol." just interpretation {Enof "The Soul in treat cyclopedia,p. 9). When we Masonry," much light will be cast on the question of rewhy in Masonry there is no need of a scheme demption for sin.

obtain

Without, therefore, introducingother

proofs,since

itself admits so Masonry clearly that it is an shall draw this institution,we eminently religious who denied the chapter to a close. The Brethren fact, did not do so because they were that unaware

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

115

Masonry
because

institution,but a essentially religious they feared that the opponents of Masonry


was

might,
of the

if the

truth
to

were

conceded, avail themselves

that, in candid successfully Masonic hearts, Masonry must logicallyreplace That the Brethren had good reason for Christianity. their fears we have clearly shown do, as we ; differing, in this,with Dr. Mackey. We admit, indeed, with the Doctor, and without of dissent,that Masonry verifies the first three note a have we meanings assigned to the word religion ; and and above, that it verifies the fourth. It proved, over is a system of faith and worship ; it is therefore a not are religion. For the faith of Masonry, we It tells us obliged to go beyond the article before us.
" "

admission

show

of of

belief in God
and

; the

revelation

of His

will ;

state

constituting The the creed of a Mason. worship of Masonry we have seen elsewhere, and it consists mainly in the Our labor," says Dr. Mackey, labor of the Lodge. ship." (Symbolism of Freemasonry, p. 268), "is his woris lackingto Masonry to be a system of What faith and worship, a religion?
"

reward

punishment,

etc., etc., all

It is certain

that many

of the Brethren

confess

that

good enough for them, and that Masonry is a religion In a remarkable gathering in they need no other. the Masonic Temple, Oakland, California, Monday evening, April 24th, 1893, the object of which was Ygnacio Herrera to receive the heart of Ex-Governor Chapter, No. 5, Rose Croix, y Cairo by Gethsemane Bro. James G. C. Lee 32", and Colonel of the U. The called upon to respond to the toast S. A., when
"

President

of

the

United
"

States," said
for I know

"

Patriotism
no

coupled with

Masonry

of

religion

ii6

AMERICAN

FREEMASONRY

RELIGION

on our

earth

higher
will
was

than stand

Masonry
under

"

coupled
Samuel fact

with

that,
And

country
sentiment

any

President." W. that that he if

the

reechoed

by
to

Bro. the

Holhad
one a

liday, who,
been
were

after years

adverting
a

forty
a

Mason,
he would

and be
a can

stating
a

good
son,
a

Mason,

patriotic man,
neighbor
more our

good

good
"

husband,
Now
if you that like
to

good

and of poor

friend,
the

added

condense
to

cardinal

virtues I would
we

ought
hear its churches

adorn

humanity,
that here

name. nor

Remember

have
tenets
are

neither
are

jarring They
are are

taries. sec-

Our

very

simple. They
less.
a

esty. hon-

They They
country
Remember that reveal It
as we

sincerity. They
are

kindness. devotion
to
more.

are

truth. and truth. that

temperance,

Nothing
can

Nothing
I wish of

if you
on

find
to

better

religion
you it."
to
a
*

than

to

lead

us

the for

way

glory,
Dr.

would

it to
is

me,

I have

never

heard

therefore have

useless that It is

for

Mackey
is not

assert,

shown,

Masonry
not
a

substitute
we

for

Christianity.
for it in

perfect substitute,
decline the real in of
to

admit;

would what

naturally
it But considers it is
a

represent
of the

Christianity
that
sense

corruptions
substitute hearts such that in

religious
that it and

form.

displaces Christianity
becomes the

were

Christian;
Masonic
1

guide

hearts

to

glory.
from
of
a

Quoted

Masonic
see

pamphlet,
pp.

for

the

full

title and

scription de-

which

infra,

273

sq(j.

CHAPTER

VII

American

Freemasonry

and

Paganism

In

the

two

preceding chapters
is the has word
a

we

have We

proved
have
"

that not,

American
it is true,

Freemasonry always
but used this

rehgion.
"

word been

American

in avoid

our
a derstood, un-

demonstration,
needless

merely
is from aim We

to

repetition; the
for
we are

American

always
is shall the

quoting
Freemasons.
our

solely
whose

standard

American

Masonic
of American

authorities

structio in-

follow
ways al-

the

same

custom

throughout

book,

the

epithet
is

being
of.
But

understood

wherever

Masonry
that

spoken
is

while while

we we

have have

proved
shown

Masonry
have itself the

ligion; re-

that, in its theory, it is


while
we

logically
"

the

only religion;
with of its

heard
"

it,

consistently
of

claims,
;
we

calling
have

lic cathothe

religion

mankind An
us

left untouched

nature

its creed.

inquiry into
take in
our

this is, obviously,

the

next

step

for

to

present
That it

study. plainly
have
more

Masonry
What
to

is not We
answer

Christianity.
open
to
we
our

says.

is it?
some

Masonic

Ritualist, hoping
and

find

the
are

question,
rewarded

scarcely
than
a

begun
the

to

read, when
of

by
of
a

glimmering
outward it been

light.
for

The of

ritual
its is it
nature.

religion
For this What
we

is

expression
the Masonic
the

has
swer an-

invented;

this

employed.
make when

does

Ritualist of

tion ques-

it about

religion

Freemasonry?

117

Ii8

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

It has and

scarcely told
the

us

of

its

religiouscharacter,

in the openproprietyof ceremonies ing and closingof a Lodge, when it hastens duce to introof the pagan to those us once mysteries. And introduced shall riot find them to these mysteries, we chance shall find them, little by a acquaintance; we than than little, associates, more more friends; we shall discover what we never suspected,namely, a between intimate them and sonry. Mamost relationship But let us not forerun Dr. Mackey's instructions.

defended

"

In

the
"

Ancient

Mysteries,"says
rites which

the Masonic have furnished the

ualist, Ritso

(those

sacred

models for Masonic many ceremonies of the most were sacred herald of in the Ancient

symbolism),
solemn

opening
The the

character.

Mysteries commenced
'

opening the greater initiations by the solemn formula of Depart hence, ye profane ! to added forbade the which was a proclamation which of any language that might be deemed of unfavorable use to the approaching rites." {Ritualist, augury p. 12.) These of one who words certainlyare the words The sacred rites," the most reverences paganism.
ceremonies
' " "

solemn

character,"
And
"

"

the

sacred

herald,"
reserve

"

the

solemn

formula," all bespeak without


the writer. how which could have
"

the

feelingsof
of

he

speak
so

otherwise

rites religious for

furnished
?
not

Masonic
sacred

symbolism
models
to
as

It would
revere

models many be strange to We


are we

adopt
not,

and
at enter

them.

however,
as soon

stop
we

affectionate
the

reverence,

must,
pagan

Lodge,
our

take

part in

ceremonies.
sets

And

hence

25-27)

forth

the elaborately

(Ibid., pp. historyand sym-

author

FREEMASONRY holism

AND

PAGANISM

119

of

proceeds
the
"

pagan orderly and

the

rite of first

circumamhulation.
us

He
of

gives

the

definition

term.

The

rite of Latin

circumamhulation,"
verb
'

he

"

says,
to

derived walk

from

the

circumambulare,'

ance anything, is the name given to that observin all the religious ceremonies of antiquity, which consisted in a procession around altar or some an other sacred object." and cast Having thus defined circumamhulation around it the halo of antiquity, he proceeds : and the people,when Thus, in Greece, the priests engaged in their sacrificial rites,always walked three times around the altar while singing a sacred hymn.
"

around

Macrobius
to to

tells

us

that

the ceremony

had

reference

the motion

of the

the

ancient

heavenly bodies, which, according philosophers produced a poets and


inaudible of the
to

harmonious
was

sound
'

human

ears,

which in making
was course

called this

the music

spheres.' Hence,
the of

procession around
move

altar, great
the

care

taken of the

to
sun.

in For

imitation

apparent

this purpose

they

commenced

at

the

proceeding by way of the south to the west, and thence by the north, they arrived at the east again. that the right side By this method it will be perceived to the altar." was always nearest dear wise are In such reader, transported to we,
east, and pagan

Greece
in the We

and

its sacrificial rites,and of take the

instructed and its


sons. rea-

both

manner
are

circumamhulation

to

part in
sun

pagan

which exercise
every

has
care

for
we

its

mony, cerereligfious and we must object,

that

imitate

its apparent

tion. mo-

"

But,"

we

ask,

"

even

granting that

the

ancient

I20

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

Greeks

and

Romans

did

bulation in their rites of


the But fact? do That you
not
we

practise such circumamwhat follows from purification,


do
the same?
'

we,

therefore, should
that the

know

argument,

they
our

should,'holds good only when theirs? belief and practice is essentially religious
did, therefore
our
'

If

be different,the argument is exactly the religion should not.' If, opposite they did, therefore we therefore,Masonry defends its use of the rite because and these pagans of as practisedit, the relationship be concealed." Masonry to paganism cannot But ship. Masonry has no wish to conceal its relationAfter and quoting the practiceof the Hindoos the Druids in imitating and reveringthe course of the
"

sun,
"

it hastens Hence
we

on

to

assert

find in the

universal mode

ceremony the east

and
to the

in the invariable
west

prevalence of this of passing from

the evidence from


some

the way of the south, with consequently right hand or side to the altar, a nant pregof the common of all these rites source

by

primitiveorigin,to which Freemasonry is also indebted for its existence." {Ibid., p. 27.) Greek and Roman heathenism, Brahminism which, according to Dr. Mackey, adored the sun, Druidism, -Freemasonry, all practisingthe same religiousrites, a evidence, says Masonry, that we are pregnant all sprung from the same An fying ediprimitivesource!
sisterhood this may
initiated Mason,
but
a

indeed

sisterhood

be in the eyes of the in which, let us honestly and

confess, there
else.
In

is

simply paganism
would prove

nothing
universal

fact, when
the of

Masonry

the

prevalence of
nations

rite of circumambulation
makes
a

among

the

it antiquity,

notable

omission.

It

122

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

Even well
to

if read

we

understand
in Latin
no

Latin;
if
we

even

if
a

we

are

fairlyat

even

have

Plautus
an

hand
text.
not

consult, it is
even

easy

matter

to find

isolated say
so,

And every

if

character in and
were, to
an

in Plautus author's

does

character ideas

play represents
of the author.

the But

personal
even

sentiments what
to

if Plautus is

he

is not, the Roman trouble of such


a a

poet,

who and one?

going
The

go

all the

long
sonal per-

tedious

examination,
difficulties of
"

and, perhaps,
search
to
are

fruitless

the

fatal to in

what there

investigation it is said; to imagine


is
none

; to

admit

blindly that there is authoritywhere if the point proved, especially


of of
our

is easier

drink

it flatter the

secret

desire

heart:

but

such

system
With

is the hearers

prolific parent
accustomed
to

the

blindest

credulity.

unaccustomed
"

one

of

the
men can

body
and

of
one

reasoning,and tigation to careful, painstaking personal invespation has only to talk loudly of the emanciof the inability of any man intellect, or to dictate to us our belief, religious
"

inaccurate

stuff Plautus down strain But

and

all his

characters

and

their sentiments them the camel." "to

throats, causing undiscriminating at the gnat while they swallow


us

let

return

to

"

circumambula-

tion."

Having, therefore,established
what the
"

to

his

own

tion satisfac-

he

considers the

to

be the pregnant

evidence
:

of

originof
The referred

Craft, Dr.
the

Mackey
of

continues
the pagan

circumambulation
to

was

great

among doctrine

nations
or sun-

Sabaism

worship. Freemasonry alone has preserved the primitive a meaning, which was symbolicalallusion to the of physicallightand the most the source sun as derful wonwork of the Grand

Architect

of the Universe,"

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM the

123

in the ceremony modern lectures of Webb and Cross," he continues, "is absolutely beneath criticism. The Lodge represents
reason

"The

assigned for

the world; the the


sun

in his three

meridian, and at therefore,alludes to


orb

officers represent principal principal at positions at rising, setting. The circumambulation,


"

three

the

apparent

course

of

the

solar

the world. This is points around with its astronomical us tual symbolism. But its intellecand the symbolism is that the circumambulation obstructions at various points refer to the labors and

through

these

difficultiesof the student darkness TRUTH." The


or

in his progress

from

tual intellec-

ignorance to intellectual light or (Masonic Ritualist, p. 27.)

the know light is growing for us, we now form of paganism with which hood. Masonry claims sisterIt is the sun-worship of the ancients. But before commenting on author it,let us allow our to instruct us still further on the subject. Sun masonry, worship," he says {Encyclopedia of Freeintroduced into the mysteries, was p. 766) i but as the means of expressnot as a material idolatry, ing
" "

an

idea of
the

restoration

to

life from

death, drawn
solar To of all

from orb the

after
sun,

in the east of the daily reappearance its nightlydisappearance in the west.

too,

as

the

regenerator

or

revivifier

is the phallic worship, which made a prominent things, be attributed. From the to part of the mysteries, in which Mithraic sun initiations, worship played so of their important a part, the Gnostics derived many symbols. These again exercised their influence over
the has

mediaeval
become
so
as

Freemasons.

Thus

it is that

the

sun

of course,

prominent in the Masonic system; not, an objectof worship, but purelyas a

124

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

symbol,
many Remark

of interpretation different ways."

the

which

presents itself in

well, dear
for itself the modern of the

reader, the unvarying genealogy


American institution

claimed

by

Masonry
born of

in its standard sonry, Maor

works;
similar

of mediaeval the

born

Gnostics, born

Mithraic

or primitivesun mysteries,born of Sabaism ship worship or the worworship, in all of which phallic of the generative faculties of man played a prominent ry? worship in Masonpart. Shall we find the same We must expect to do so, if the heart's naturally blood and of modern Masonry and the ancient spirit if, as we told, the are mysteries are the same; pagan Let difference is one us, merely of external form. call that we however, delay our answer a little, may attention to an expressionor two of our author and lustra introduce that may some help to further ilpassages our subject. the most is called In Mackey's Ritualist the sun
"

wonderful and

work

of

the

Grand

Architect

of

the

verse," Uni"

regenerator

in the passage justquoted it is styled the revivifier of all things." It is, moreover, or

is never called it, always spoken of personified; but always he. Now such constant personification may, in English,be understood in poetry, in which fication personiin is perfectly in place;but in prose, especially plainritualistic prose, no sensible,much less,educated
man

would

use

it except
"

it that the material is the noblest of


man

sun,

And purpose. the source of material for


a

how

is

light,"

work

in the universe of the world Does of

What

of the soul

? and

What

free will?

these

are

the

product of
or

the

tellect ? Life, and inspirit Masonry hold that even sun's material light, the
"

regenerator

revivifier of all

things

"

Is this the

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

1^5
we are

nature

and from

essence

of the human
If its

soul

that

to

learn taken

Masonry? as they stand, we affirmatively ; that


material
sense

expressions are
answer
"

to

be

must
we are

all these of

tions ques"

in its most
are

; if the

to

be taken

then differently,

light assertions of Masonry should Masonry have


we we

the children

spoken otherwise. this questionmore


the

As, however,

shall
are

deal

with

present
sun

with

fullyelsewhere, callingattention
system.

satisfied for

to

the

prominence

of the This

in the Masonic

symbolism prominence of the sun in Masonic illustrate for us Masonic will,therefore, naturally fication puriualist, In the Ancient Mysteries,"says the Ritthe first step taken by the candidate was p. 40, The candidate not perwas a lustration or purification. mitted
" "

to

enter

the sacred formula of

vestibule

or

to

take

any
water

part
or

in the

secret
was

until by initiation,

fire he

emblematicallypurifiedfrom
which he
was

of the world A

about

the tions corrupto leave behind.

the exists in Freemasonry, where principle to the Entered first symbols presented Apprentice are of the heart, of inculcate which those a purification of the body in the Ancient the purification which symbolic. We no longer make use of Mysterieswas in our the bath or the fountain, because philosophic abstract." system the symbolism is more natural agent of purification Truly fire is a far more

similar

than water,

for those who

look upon

the
nature.

sun

as

versal the uniit is And

and purifier

regenerator of
blood
it when

From

the warmth
so

of

our

and the heat of

passion.

the pagans

of

ship they made the worof human part passiona prominent and principal strumen is the symbol and intheir sun worship. Water in Christian baptism ; but Maof purification

understood

126

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

sonry
too

is not

Christian

and

finds

Christian

symbolism
the of

abstract. But

why

is may

purification by
ask.
common
as

water
a

too
common

abstract?

uninitiated

Is not

water

symbol
is soiled and
our

? a purification unclean? what And

cleanser it
our purifies in making

of what hands it
a

and

face,

is there of
our

abstract heart ?

symbol
our

of

ficatio puri-

To in the

understand

must

read

his words

you lightof the philosophy of

author

the Kabbala

the old Jewish Kabbala regarding man from which derived Masonry has, in great measure, its philosophy. In this system the seat of intelligence
"

is not heart the do

the

brain

but

the
as

heart. with
us,

Purification the

of

the

is, therefore, not,

of purification We

but the purification of the intellect. affections,


not

speak
it
are

of

washing

the

but of enlightenintellect, ing of

it.
obscure the

It is purified when

the clouds

ignorance
are

that

when removed, just as the air is purified and


vapors

miasmata

that

befoul

it

dissipated

by

the rays of the sun. Purification of heart is therefore that spiritual illumination of which Masonry has
to
us

Enlightenment," and which it has fully revealed to us in speaking of the material This purification of the heart, lightof the sun. this science peculiar to the ancient pagan mysteries,and to Masonry, is indeed better representedby fire than by since fire burns where water water, quenches. It is from the Kabbala, which has drawn deeply from the ancient pagan mysteries,as likewise from these mysteries to ask an themselves, that we are explanation of what Masonry is, and of Masonic symbols. To us, who the relationship of Masonry to the already know however, to have mysteries,the fact is evident ; we like, renewed from the lips of our assurance Ritualist.

spoken

in the

"

Shock

of

FREEMASONRY
"

AND

PAGANISM

127
have 42, ities technical"

Learned

Masons,"

it says,

on

always disposedto go beyond mere and stereotypedphrases of the lectures and to look in the history and philosophy of the ancient religions and the organizationof the ancient mysteriesfor a true explanationof most of the symbols of Masonry, and there they have always been able to find this true interpretation." Go, therefore,initiated and uninitiated alike,go all would outward study Masonry, not in its mere ye who of form, which does not afford the true interpretation its symbols, but in its inward and essence, go to spirit the old pagan mysteries;enter into their history,and and sonry organization, philosophy,and you will find Mait reallyis. We as must, as Dr. Mackey tells Masonry. Learned us, study paganism to understand
Masons have
ever

been

pp. the

41,

always
What
very

been

able

to pagan gone to find in them

sources,

and

have

the

true

tion. interpreta-

more

natural, when
the pagan you

of spirit

very mysteries and the

the

life-blood,the

Masonry
from

are

identical?

Would

hear

assertion

sonic Ma-

lips? Listen to Dr. Mackey, as, in his Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 297, he descants on what of Masonry. he calls the prehistoric era that then for the prehistoric And era," he says, it with the mysteries of the pagan "which connects world, and with the old priestsof Eleusis, of Salet us honestly say that we mothrace, or of Syria no now longer treat of Freemasonry under its present
" "
" "

did not exist in those know which we organization, and peculiar only,to the days, but of a science peculiar, science which a we Mysteries and to Freemasonry, call Masonic symbolism, and which constituted may
"

128

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

the

very

heart-blood gave
an

of the
to

ancient

and

the

modem

and institutions,

similari a disthem, while presenting

of spirit." identity This, then, is the old patriarchalpriesthood for which have been looking in our preceding chapter, we the pagan priesthood of Eleusis, or of Samothrace, this priesthoodthat Masonry of Syria ! It is from or claims to derive its religious doctrine, the pure truths the truth of God of primitive faith, Divine Truth of form,
"
"

and

of

the

human the

soul
source

"

the of hands eternal

nature

and

essence

of

both."

Behold

Masonic that
we

mination. illureligious
are

It is into such confide Proud the

asked

to

temporal

and

destinies

of mankind."

with paganism, as contained identity in the pagan to not we are Mysteries, surprised find our Romans brethren. author callingthe pagan He is speaking of faith or fidelity as symbolized by the righthand. The has in all ages been right hand," he says, deemed the emblem of fidelity, ancient brethren and our of Fides or Fidelity, worshiped deity under the name sometimes which was represented by righthands joined and sometimes by human figuresholding each other Numa the first who erected was by the right hand. altar to Fides, under which the goddess of an name oaths and honesty was worshiped. Obligationstaken
of its asserted
" "

in her

name

were

considered

as

more

inviolable than

others."
It is
"

brethren

certainly edifying to worshiping deityunder


to

have

"

our

ancient
of
a

the form the

pagan
erect

goddess,
an

and

have

Brother but

Numa

first to

altar in her however may be.

honor;
sacred

same,

it is pagan all the idolatry to the modern brethren its memory

I30

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

Jerusalem, we read in The Symbolism of struction were engaged in the conFreemasonry, pp. 85, 86, cated of an earthlyand material temple,to be dediin house a to the service and worship of God which to dwell by his Shekinah, visibly Jehovah was and Thummim, to he was, and whence by the Urim
masons

of

"

"

send

forth

his oracles

for

the

government

and

tion direc-

people. the operative art [the building of material Now as speculative edifices]having, for us, ceased, we, Masons, symbolize the labors of our predecessorsby of a spiritual temple in engaging in the construction fit for the dwelling-place hearts, pure and spotless, our God where is to who is the author of purity of Him and in truth,and whence be worshiped in spirit every the evil thought and unruly passionis to be banished as
"
"

of his chosen

sinner

and

the

Gentile

were

excluded

from

the

sanctuary
"

the all

Jewish Temple. This of the Temple spiritualizing the most first, prominent and most the instructions of Freemasonry."
this, which
is
seems so

of the

of Solomon

is
of

pervading
even

All

orthodox

and

tian, Chris-

Ritualist informs The Masonic purely pagan. idea of the legend [of the us (pp. 112, 113), "The from the was temple-builder] undoubtedly borrowed Ancient the same as Mysteries,where the lesson was plain Exthat conveyed in the third degree of Masonry." the Temple as you will ; make it represent, as it sometimes Christ spoke of as does, the body of man, it represent the soul of the temple of His body ; make it represent the world at large,humanity man ; make here and hereafter; the builder of these temples is Masonry; and the type accordingto which each is to be

fashioned, is

to

be

taken

from

the

ancient

pagan

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

131
"

from them. The mysteries. The idea is borrowed Egyptian Temple," says Dr. Mackey, Encydopcedia, nacle, taberthe real archetype of the Mosaic was P- 795 of the temple of Jerusalem." Symthat was as bolism,
"
"

therefore, based
be if you
can,

referred dear

to

the

the upon former.

latter,

must

mately ulti-

Realize,therefore,
Masonic fluence in-

reader, whither

the inner

to-day is directed, and what its must outcome be, when paganism,as concentrated and expressed in the idea of a pagan temple, is what, with it is laboringincessantly all the forces at its command, The and intellectual the moral to establish. physical, life of the individual;the constitution of the family; tinies of humanity; the eternal desthe state; the religion
of

the world

of the

soul, are

all to be recast

on

the model in

of

temple. This pagan Truth. its Divine


But
a

is the aim

of

Masonry

teaching

for worship; and the essentially temple was twofold, so worship of paganism was Masonry assures us ; the idolatrous worship of the common ple, peothe secret worship of the mysteries. Masonry the latter. The repudiatesthe former, and embraces Temple, as expressiveof this worship and identified with it,is the type, then, that Masonry proposes to has author esoteric eyes, and this worship is,as our To the sun, too, as the retold us, phallic generator worship. revivifier of all things is the phallic ship, woror to which made a prominent part of the mysteries, be attributed." {Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 766). On this point there is no doubt, for page after firmation; from Mackey's works could be quoted in conpage abstain merely out of respect for the we readers. are of our If, however, we obliged feelings readers must our delicacy, to trench somewhat upon
"

"

132

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

pardon us, for we Masonry without


In his article
on

cannot

speak
with

with its

any
"

fulness

about

deahng
"

essence.

of Freemasonry, p. the meaning of the word, states that in Egypt, where, after the mursaid to have originated der is symbolically to be of Osiris by Typhon, which of the sun's explained as the destruction or deprivation lightby night,Isis,his wife, or the symbol of nature, in the search for his mutilated body, is said to have of generation; found all the parts except the organs which myth is simply symbolic of the fact that the sun had having set, its fecundatingand invigorating power The ceased. therefore, as the symbol of the phallus, male ated venerwas generativeprinciple, very universally that too as a religious the ancients, and among the slightest reference to any rite,without impure or lascivious application." Why, in the mysteries,worship should be paid to the male author has not explained; our generativeprinciple, he has merely stated and approved the fact. Why such symbolism should be employed to represent obvious a fact as that of the shining of the daily so and its ceasing, is likewise sun unexplained. The it so story of Osiris and Isis is an invention ; why was invented the changes of nature, changes as to express well known the rising and the settingof the sun? as did the ancients invent such fables and Why employ To state that they did so without such symbols? the reference to any impure or lascivious applicaslightest tion, such. We shall depends on what is considered of Masonic show, in treating morality,that Masonic purity is far different from Christian,just as pagan The commandment of God to Moses: purity was.
"

Worship 577), Dr. Mackey,


Phallic

{Encyclopcedia after explaining is this worship

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

133

"

Thou Thou

shalt not
shalt not

commit

"

by their as given by Bro. i8.") In his Symbolism of Freemasonry, p. 113, Dr. Mackey, after giving the passage quoted above, cites Sonnerat Indes Orient., I. p. 118) to (Voyage aux of the ancient support his opinion of the immaculateness Sonnerat that observes," he says, worship. the professors of this worship were of the purest principles
"
"

and its companion : adultery," covet spicuous thy neighbor'swife," are conabsence from the Masonic decalogue Pike, Morals and Dogma, pp. 17-

and
never

most

unblemished

conduct, and
could

it

seems

to have

entered

into the heads

of the Indian be

and

people that anj^hing natural


that is in

legislator grossly
ture na-

obscene."

Truly, nothing
taken in the circumstances

accordance

with

its fulness
and

and

taken completeness,

in

limitations
"

which

rational nature

imposes,can be obscene blesses the union religion blesses it. Every child
the love which and has given

this is self-evident. of husband loves him father and and But

Every
and itations lim-

wife, as God
mother there
our are

birth.

restrictions
rational

imposed
is And
not

faculties outside
even

by
these

nature,

upon their and

sensual

indulgence
to man,

restrictions

natural

Masonry itself for a long time (Cf.Encyclopaedia, p. 108), recognizedthese from the limitations in excluding bastards Order, ing indulgent. If nothMasonry is more though modern sons that may be called natural is obscene, why are Maof Masons' wives required to respect the chastity and of Freemasonry, daughters"? (Encyclopcedia p. 160).
"

if it be to the brute.

Infra,pp. 29S sqq.

134
"

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

But

the

Phallus," Mackey

continues,

"

or,

as

it

was

called among the Lingam, was the Orientalists, a of the male principle representation only. To perfect the circle of it is necessary generation, Accordingly we find in the Yoni of the Indians,
to

advance

one

step farther.
Greeks female with and

the Cteis of the


a

of generative principle the Phallus. The Cteis

symbol of the co-extensive prevalence


a

was

circular and the of Phallus which

cave conor

or pedestal,

on receptacle,

which
centre

column

rested, and
what has

from

the

it

sprang." {Encyclopadia^ p. 577.)


But all this to do with American masonry! Free-

exclaims, perhaps, our


Doctor "Our

impatient reader.

Mackey
ancient

will tell us.

brethren," he says
their
our

62, 63), "dedicated


because he
was

{Ritualist, pp. 61, Lodges to King Solomon,


Excellent Grand ter Masthe theirs to St.

first Most dedicate

; but modern

Masons

John

who two were John the Evangelist, eminent patrons of Masonry ; and since their time there is represented in every regular and well-governed embordered Lodge, a certain point within a circle, by St. John two lines, representing perpendicular parallel the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, and upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. The point represents individual brother; the circle is the boundary line an to sufifer his prejudices or beyond which he is never In going round this circle we to betrayhim. passions lines as well as the touch upon these two necessarily and while a Mason cumscribe keeps himself cirHoly Scriptures, within these due bounds, it is impossible that he should materially err." continues The our author, a circle," point\yithin is an sonry, important and interesting symbol in Freemabut it has been so debased in the interpretation

Baptistand

St.

"

"

FREEMASONRY
of it

AND

PAGANISM

135
sooner

that the given in the modern lectures, is forgottenby the Masonic interpretation

that the

student

better it will be. somewhat


abstruse
us

The

symbol

is

allusion to the
to
as

but a beautiful really old sun-worship, and that modification the of the

introduces
it known

for the first time the ancients

among

worship

of

phallus." he continues, was The phallus," imitation of an the male generative It was representedusually organ. surrounded by a column, which was by a circle at its female generative base, intended for the cteis, or organ. This union of the phallusand the cteis was intended by the ancients as a type of the prolific powers of nature, which they worshiped under the united form of the active or male principle, and the passiveor female principle. Impressed with this idea of the union of these two principles, they made the older of their deities hermaphrodite, and supposed Jupiter,or the Supreme God, to have within himself both sexes, or,
" "
. . .

as a

of their poets expresses it, to have " male and an unpolluted virgin.'
one
"

'

been

created

Now

this

hermaphrodism
on

of
"

the
was
was

the Ritualist goes


to

to say,

ity," Supreme Divinagain supposed the male erative gen-

be

represented by
and

the sun,

which

the universe, which or by nature principle.And this union was was prolific by the symbolized in different ways, but principally the sun, point within the circle,the point indicating energy, the female and

the circle the universe his

of nature,

wanned

into life

by

rays." (Ibid.) prolific


what
had

John, the eminent the Lodges are dedicated, patrons of Freemasonry, to whom to do with this sun, this phallic worship? Learn in Masonic lesson symbolism, one of the earliest a
But

the

two

Saints

136 taught

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

in

Masonry,

and

when

you

have

mastered

it,

thin is the Christian how you will understand hides the paganism underneath.
"

veil that

The
are

two

lines, which parallel


"

in the

modern

tures LecSt.

said to represent St.

Evangelist,"he ticular parAt two course. periods in the sun's annual is found in the the sun particular points in this course zodiacal signs of Cancer and Capricorn,which disare the summer and winter solstice. When as tingt^ished the sun is in these points,he has reached respectively
his

John

the

John the Baptist and reallyallude to says,

greatest
we

northern

and

southern

limit.

These

points,if
annual the the the

the circle to represent the sun's suppose will be indicated course, by the points where touch these the circle. But the

lines parallel
sun

reaches of

points are
and the has
two

the

21st

days when of June and


for their whose

22d

December,
the Church

this will account Saints

subsequent applicationto
anniversaries

John,
these

placed near
"

days."

{Ritualist, p. 63.)
"

So," concludes

our

guide,
of
a

the true
same

interpretation
as

of the Master the

point within
and Wardens

the circle is the

that of the reference


to

Lodge.
and the Wardens

The

symbolism
The the

of the world Master and

in both.
sun
"

Lodge is preserved are symbols of the

Lodge, of the universe or the world; the and the surpoint also is the symbol of the same rounding sun, circle of the universe,while the two parallel lines reallypoint,not to two saints, but to the two
and southern

northern

limits

of

the

sun's

course."

(Ibid.)
passages insight into the Few of
our

Ritualist
of

hoUowness the

give us Masonry's
It
starts

clearer

Christian
out

pretenses, than

preceding.

with

138

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

elusions.
and His

The

Lodge
Saints !
these

is

opened

in the

name

of

God

holy
who

And sun's
"

are

holy Saints
In the Cancer

Two of

pointsin
God
and

the the

annual zodiacal

course.

name

holy

signs of

Lodge is opened for sacred and the holy Saints are such, what is the God with whom this is the instruction of the And they are united? is Thus Entered Apprentice,the novice in Masonry! he introduced to phallic worship, the worship of the nature, and generallyat generativefaculties of human he is but too inclined,apart from a period of life when with instruction,to such worship. And any Masonic it raised to the dignityof a religious cult,his purified
Masonic
"

Capricorn," the If religious purposes.

and

intellect will draw pure all

the natural

conclusions, for ancients, who


were
was

to the

worshiped the
initiate. His

things are passionsof


"

pure."
the human

The

frame,
Horace

proachabl irrean

in morals sensual

so

will he be.

so pressed exindulgence, unblushingly in his Odes, was only the sowing of wild oats natural but to youth. Alcibiades so was an initiate, should not like to give a picture of his morals. So we Tiberius,but who has not heard of Capri? was tion Yet in every well regulatedLodge, for the instrucand edification of the Brethren, there is the phallic the point within circle. a symbol Nay the very Lodge, the pillarsof the Lodge, the officers of the Lodge, the most ordinary symbols employed by the Lodge, all express to the initiated the same meaning. have seen, is a type of the Temple The Lodge, as we of Solomon, itself in turn of the phallic a copy tian Egyptemples. Would asserted, in you hear the same ? words, of the buildingof Solomon explicit The followingdescription of Solomon's Temple, by
"

"

FREEMASONRY

AND

PAGANISM

139

J. G. R. Forlong, in his admirable Life, should not be passed by in a


says
to

work, Rivers
Masonic
"

of paedia," encyclo"

Bro.

McClenachan

in his

Addendum

Dr.

Mackey's Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, pp.


1005. And

1004, the

what,

Temple of Solomon
That
the ark-box

these ideas about pray, are which admirable and so so are


its

instructive to the
"

? Fraternity with

porch

is
or

is in actower phallic cordance with a whole Sivaik shrine; that the towerbut the Egyptian obelisk, the Buddhist or lars, pil-

those

of

Hercules
, ,
.

which That
an

stood altar
was

near an

the ark

Phoenician temple.
with So
*

mercy

seat,' or placeof
us a

fire and
"

sacrifice."

temples are the phallicworshipers of common especially among southern India. A loftyentrance-porch usuallyadorns the front; on find phallicpoles, with entering we altars for sacrifice, etc.; and in the innermost recess
the sanctuary So again: and
or

he

tells

little later,

Such

oracle

of the Cultus."

"This

[section] gives details of spire

of the phalli, position Jachin and Boaz." The same theory is again touched on, on p. 1015, The and even its more tree and fullyon p. 1016. lotus top, says Kitto, took the place of the Egyptian famous Solomon's column the Jachin and on phalli, Boaz." (p. 1017.) These stood in the porch of Solomon's two pillars of the same temple, and two pillars Jachin and name, adorn the Masonic Boaz, their representatives, Lodge. Solomon's a phallic temple, the Lodge is temple was is its representation, the world manity huits representation, is its repthe individual is its representation; resentatio this plan all to be built up on this is Masonry. To this has Masonry, with its paganism
"
" " "

I40 and but

FREEMASONRY
led symbols, infallibly. pagan it showed its

AND

PAGANISM

us

slowly, step by step, slowly


and
as

First

reverence

love

for
as

them ceremonies, presenting of fts


own.

sacred, and

pagan models

obliged its candidate to walk around the Lodge from and ot the south east by way in imitation of the sun's dailycourse, introducing west him to the sun worship of the ancients,the sun being the purifier it led him and vivifier of all things. Then but to a community of origin, on a difference of form of spirit, in American identity Masonry and the pagan mysteries. It traced its history back through the Gnostics to the Mithraic mysteries or phallic worship, of sun a modification worship. It referred its studious for the true meaning of to the pagan disciple mysteries its own symbols, assuringhim that the true meaning of such symbols would be found there. It recognized
Next
even as

it

brethren
name

the old. Roman of

and idolaters,

traced

the very shrines phallic


was

back

Mason,
It

of the
a

pagan

to the temple-builder, mon's Solotemples, of which

but
or

copy.
;
so

is, therefore, the


"

ship wor-

of Isis
our

nature

it is called
is

sensual
our

nature.

This

why
To

we

worship of need a change


conscience

the

in and

intellectual

condition,for
and

Christian teach

reason

dictate otherwise. constructed

this

worship

is the

Lodge
the

adorned

; its officers represent

hood morning and noonday and evening of manare Jachin and Boaz ; the columns of ; its pillars and Beauty sustain the Lodge, and Wisdom, Strength,
a

column

is but

Buddhist
and
as a

phallic meaning;
there within is found

and has the same pillar, brief compendium of all,

circle

regulated Lodge the point of the sacred and reas a circle, significative ligious of the Lodge, and this point within a purposes is the pagan phallic symbol.

in every

well

CHAPTER

VIII

The

God

of

American

Freemasonry

"

It is

lesson

that of that without the

every his he

Mason

is

taught
the
no

at

one

of

the

earliest p.

points
"

initiation," says
should first
commence

Masonic

Ritualist,

14,

ant importof the the though alin of


to

undertaking Deity. opening Supreme by


Hence ceremonies Architect

invoking
in
the
a

the

blessing

next

step
to

progress prayer This

is of the

address Universe. is to

the

prayer,

offered
every

by
So

Master,
at

be

participated
the

brother,
of
'

and,
mote

its
:

conclusion,

audible

response

it be

Amen,'

should

be

made

by
"

all

present." Lodge
name

The
"

is then of due God

declared,"
and
on

continues

the

ist, Ritual-

in the

the the

Holy

Saints

John,
or

to

be

opened
of
"

in

form,
as

first, second,
may
to

third

degree
A

Masonry,

the
"

case

be." be
"

Lodge,"
of
God

it adds, the
"

is said Saints

opened
the
our

in

the

name

and

Holy
a our

John of of

(italics those
sacred and

of

the

Ritualist),
purposes

as

declaration

religious
reverence

of

meeting, Being
whose

profound
and
our

for should and

that be of

Divine
the
our

name

tributes attemplation, con-

constant

themes
for

of

respect
of

those
have

ancient
so

patrons

whom

the

traditions with
seen

Masonry
the

intimately

connected
We
have

the

history of
who these
"

Institution."
of

patrons
the sacred

Masonry,

so

revered

by the

Craft,

are,

and

holy signs

141

142 of Cancer

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

and in the Capricorn; in their name, of the God of Masonry, the Lodge is opened for name and sacred rehgious purposes," and the candidate and is introduced to what, phallicworship. Who God? is the next therefore, is this Masonic question that naturallyfaces us; and though the question may readers' little thought and study on our require some that they will not begrudge it,appreare sure part, we ciating and
"

"

the difficulties under


matters
are

which

we

labor ; for where

purposely
of

involved

and of

twisted
the

with

the

avowed from and Bro.

intention
Masonic

keeping us knowledge, it is
the
"

lay

bare

Pike

eyes of the tells us, is often


to

profane world not easy to untwist, uninstructed, what, as

only

stated

once

and

or briefly obscurelyhinted at." If Masons are willingto give their for to teach acquire this knowledge,
"

souls to very it is the main

of the Order, purpose that they obtain it at of We and years them is


some

"

our a

readers

may

well consider
all that sober
a we

bargain;
of
as we

when

ask

half
as

hour much

earnest,
can

thought.
few pages, learn in

shall condense teach of


more

into

of the Brethren many for they must advance initiation,


we,
are

than

degree by
our terials ma-

degree, whereas
out

with

the
to

various

degrees spread
each

before
at

us,

allowed

select from

pleasure.

Masonry, therefore, admits a God ; prays to a God ; worships a God; will not admit a candidate unless he believe in a God. ant Freemasonry is exceedinglytolerin respect to creeds," says Dr. Mackey pedia, {Encycloit does require that date p. 624), "but every candi"

for initiation shall believe


as a

in the existence

of God in
a

superintendingand protectingpower, future life. No into inquiry will be made

and

modifica-

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

143 it includes these

tions of
two

religious belief, provided that


no

tenets." It makes

difference who
or

or

what the

the God of the

is

"

he

may

be and

Buddha,

Christ, or
of the the

God

rian Unita-

the is
a

Jew, the totem Roman, the Zeus of


belief in
some

Alaskan, the Venus of Greek, all that is required

illumination
nature
as

of

deity or other, and the wonderful Masonry will reveal to you the true
of God. you have You
not

and

essence

have had

not

known

God

light; you have not been taught in the beautiful symbols and borrowed from the old patriarchal allegories pagan of Samothrace, or Eleusis, priesthood or Syria, and have studied in pagan not mysteries the symbols of have deity. In these symbols, learned Masons ever
found

He

is;

for

Masonic

Divine
the

Truth, the

nature

and

essence

of

God.

kindly join us in the journey. Since a Lodge is the religious temple of Masonry, we naturallyturn thither for a symbol of the deity;for, all the truths of Masonry are contained in symbols, as the chief, the all-important be lacking. symbol, cannot It will doubtless be prominent and at once strike the eye. sonic And, sure enough, on page 95 of the Mais given, a Ritualist, pictureof the Lodge room and there, surrounded by a halo of glory, suspended This evidently the Master's head, is the letter G. over found His have God. We signifies symbol in the about to turn away, when we are Lodge, and, satisfied, our eye is startled by the instructions that precede and in searchingfor the God of follow the symbol. Even forgotten that its Masonry we had, for the moment,
way,

Taught

God

is not

our

God.
into

The

section

which

the

picture of

the

Lodge
"

illumined

by

the letter G is introduced, is headed

The

144 Moral

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

Advantages
of of

of

remarkable
noblest

assertion

Geometry," and opens that "Geometry, the


on

with

the

first and the structure super-

sciences, is the basis

which

thought that theology, the science of God and of divine things,was the first and noblest of sciences. Geometry, as its very name It means belongs to the earth. literally, expresses, earth measurement; and deals with points, and lines, and surfaces,and solids,all of which necessarily pose supis the science that treats matter; how essentially
we

What!

Masonry is exclaim,

erected."
we

of

matter

"

the
a

first and

noblest

of

sciences

"

Or

Geometry and not God ? Or it express does that God, so Geometry and Geometry to the Mason, the Builder, is his theology, his science of God ? Is this the thread which will help from this Masonic to extricate us labyrinth? It is. Our last suppositionthat the glorious G represents Masonic theology and God, or the Masonic Deity
does the G in

glory

express

"

for God

we
"

shall is the

find that
true

Masons for

do

not

like the

word

one;

Geometry

is the

Masonic

symbol
"

for Divine in all Roman

Truth.

As

Catholic," says
"

Dr.

Mackey

in

his

Encyclopcedia, pp.
churches, the

300,

301,

and

in many
or

tant Protesin

some

prominent symbol
a

engraved position, will be


cross,
so Christianity,

sculptured
as

found

the

pressive ex-

of may

Lodge
on

letter G
or

be

seen

in every Masonic in the east, either painted wood


or

the

wall
over

sculptured in

metal, and

pended sus-

the Master's

chair.

This

the most the

the most prominent,certainly symbols of Freemasonry. It is the Burns alluded which in those he

is,in fact,if not familiar, of all


one

to

which
often-

the poet

well-known
of

and

quoted lines,in

speaks

146 302),
can

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

"that
into

the the doubt

letter Masonic that

G,
the

symbol, was system." ..."


as a

ever

mitted adThere

be

no

letter G

symbol, not belonging to any origin of the English language.


of the old Hebrew

very modern old system anterior to the


a

is

It is, in fact, a

ruption cor-

Kabbalistic
name

symbol, the
God
" "

ter let-

yod, by
the
most

which

the
name,

sacred the

of

in fact, is
pressed. ex-

sacred This

Tetragrammaton
the is
as

word with

nirr,

or

yod is Jehovah, and


writers

letter

initial letter of
be

the
met
or
was

constantlyto
the

among symbol of
never
"

Hebrew that
at most

abbreviation indeed

written

holy length."
adds,
the
"

name,

which,

Now,"

he

as

is, in like

manner

the

English equivalent of the Hebrew tended Jehovah, the letter has been adopted as a symbol into supply to modern Lodges the place of the Hebrew symbol. First adopted by the English ritual
makers, it has, without remark, been
transferred
to the

initial of God,

Masonry of the Continent, and it is to be found as a symbol in all the systems of Germany, France, Spain, sonry MaItaly,Portugal, and every other country where has been introduced only ; although in Germany it serve, as it does in England, for an can intelligent symbol." The letter G, then," he goes on to inform has, us, in Masonry, the same force and signification that the letter yod had the Kabbalists. It is only a among and as that is a symbol letter, symbol of the Hebrew of God, the letter G is only a symbol of a symbol." the quotation here, lest our We break readers get entangled in the phraseology of the learned Doctor. The letter yod, he says, expressed the nature of God, according to the Kabbalists, with whose theory we
" "

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

147
the first letter

shall find Masons of the word the

in

accord, for it
as

was

Jehovah
The the

understood letter

and
was,

interpreted by
therefore, the

Kabbalists.
of

yod

symbol
now

Kabbalistic
takes
a

and

Masonic

Deity.
hence

But

the letter G

represents yod, is

place of yod. symbol of yod, and

the

It therefore is
a

symbol

of

symbol.
will

naturallyask, why is not G a symbol of Jehovah as much Is not as God, Jehovah; yod? and is it, therefore, that G Jehovah, God? Why is not as much a symbol of Jehovah as yod is? We shall answer the question fully in our next chapter, but it will not be inopportuneto answer it briefly here. of the Catholics, we Christians,we Jehovah, as we world understand and adore Him, profane,un-Masonic is not the God Our of Masons. Jehovah is the Jehovah of the Bible; the Masonic Jehovah is the Are tally. Tothey different? Jehovah of the Kabbala.
It is
on

But, you

this the

account

that, in the
of all the

"

Shock ties

of
was

Enlightenment,"
demanded of you, the true You could

rupture

old

that you might form new life. Deity,and live the new

ones,

ship wor-

scarcelyexpect Masonry to worship the Here is the picture Jehovah of the early Hebrews. drawn of Him by the facile pen of Bro. Pike {Morals and Dog)iia, p. 207). talked to Adam The Deity of the early Hebrews in it in he walked and Eve in the garden of delight, as with Kayin; he sat the cool of the day; he conversed in his tent; that patriarchreand ate with Abraham quired
"

visible token, before

he

would

believe

in his

to expostulate promise; he permittedAbraham positive mination with him, and to induce him to change his first deterin regard to Sodom; he wrestled with Jacob;

148
he

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

showed

Moses the of

his person,

dictated

minutest the

though not his face; he mension police regulationsand the diand its

tabernacle
on

furniture,

to

the

Israelites ; he insisted

he was burnt-offerings; well as wavering and as


to
reason

delightedin sacrifices and and revengeful angry, jealous,


and

irresolute;he allowed
the
acts

Moses

him

out

of his fixed resolution

his the
most

people; he commanded shocking and hideous

the heart barbarity. He hardened repented of the evil that he had said he would do unto he did it not, to the disgust the people of Nineve ; and and anger of Jonah." The animus is plain to all; its unof this passage fairness is equallyplainto any one who, even though ing. is willing to give the subject a fair hearunbelieving, Pike knows well as we that, in speaking of as God, we must needs use human language ; that in using human language we use an imperfect medium ; that in speaking employing such a medium, both the person and the person spoken to, make due allowances ; that it is not honest to take figurative language, and all partakes of this language used in reference to God nature, since it is verified only analogically, it is not
" "

stroy to deutterly performance of of cruelty and of Pharaoh; he

honest,
If

we

say,

to

take

and

translate

it into

literal

language,
we

and

it literally. interpret that


a

assert

hero

is

lion, we
assert

assert

what
is
a an

all

language

sanctions

; if we

that
us.

only genius
now

no eagle,

fair reader Pike


comes

will condemn

But

along, and, unwilling to between the underlying truth and the mode distinguish of expressingit, presently to ridicule us commences that we have given four feet,a mane and a tail to our hero; and talons, and feathers, and a beak to our

critic like Bro.

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

149

genius. We have done no such thing. Neither when the Scripturerepresents God does it give as talking, Him and a tongue; nor a as body, and lips, walking does it assign Him legs. The objectionsare as puerile Our as they are shameless. space will not allow us to refute them in detail. to IngersoU may Any answer
be consulted.

by the fact that the fable of Osiris,with all its revolting tures, feawith admiring be lauded to the skies; and can and sacred of a brother by a sympathy, this murder succession be explainedas the mere of the brother can of the year, of the varied phases of beautiful seasons The bounteous drunkenness and and nature. orgies the wantonof Bacchus ness ; the adulteries of Jupiterand of Venus; Saturn children; devouring his own and be cloaked and beautified by the explanations can of- the sympathizers of the pagan interpretations Jehovah, who mysteries; but the ancient Hebrew after having by his threats brought it spares Nineveh stand the obloquy of Brother Pike, to repentance, must because Jonah in his wounded vanity would have preferred the destruction of the repentent cityrather than that he should be considered by the Ninevites a false
are,

How

insincere

such

attacks

is evidenced

prophet.
"

Thou

art

grieved
thou hast

for
not

the

ivy," said
nor

the made

Lord,
it to

"

for

which which

labored,
came

grow,
"

in

one

night
I spare than know

up

and

in

one

night

perished.
And

shall not
there
are more

Nineveh, that great city in


a

which

hundred
not

and
to

sand twenty thou-

persons,

that

how

distinguish
many

between

their

right hand

and

their

left,and

beasts?"

ISO
The esoteric

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

letter

G,

therefore, is objectionableto
for he that understands the

the

Mason;
our

Masonic

Deity

as

Jehovah.
"

the Masonic to grasp God, fails absolutely However, the letter has been unfortunately

introduced, and
As for
"

must,

for the present at


to

least,remain.
continues
our

its reference

Geometry,"
Masonic

author,
that the

Kloss, the German


old

historian, says

referred the whole Operative Masons which science of Geometry to the art of building, gave occasion to embrace the to the modern English Masons under the head of whole of Freemasonry system Geometry, and hence the symbol of that science, as well as of God, was adopted for the purpose of giving Craft's degree." elevation to the Fellow sacred Indeed," he concludes, the symbol, made verse, of the Uniby its reference to the Grand Geometrician well worthy to be applied to that science was
"
"

which

has, from

the

remotest

times, been

deemed

(Encycloprndia, Masonry." p. 302.) Geometry is the becoming clearer. symbol of Masonry ; for as Masonry is the upbuilding of humanity on lines.Geometry, a science tirely enpagan will serve it admirably referred to the art of building," as symbol. Masonry is engaged on the pagan is the builder, the temple of humanity; the Mason geometrician Deity is the Grand Builder ; ; the Masonic Architect of the Grand the Universe; the Grand masonry, Geometrician; the Algabil. (Encyclopcediaof Freep. 56). For in the sees Masonry," says Dr. Mackey, dtvinum,' Supreme God that it worships,not a numen divine power moderator a rerum a a omnium/ ; nor controller of all things,as the old philosophersdesignated
with synonymous Our ideas are
"

"

"

'

'

him, but

Grand

Architect

of

the

Universe.

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

151

The of

Masonic

idea refers to Him

as

the

Mighty
countless

Builder worlds

this terrestrial
it.

globe, and
He
is not

all the the


ens

that surround

entium

(Being of
which

beings),or
ancient

any other and modern the

of the thousand has speculation


"

titles with

invested
have whom is

him, but it, the


we are

simply

Architect

as

the
"

Greeks under labor


a a

a/oxos T"KTmv,

the chief workman

all workmen

also; and

hence

our

worship."
"

And,

quoting Lenning, he adds is the symbolic name Workman


Remove,
all the ideas
to

in of

footnote

The

Freemason."
kind

therefore, from
that you have

your
ever

mind,
had

reader,

of God,

for, according

and conceive Masonry they are all erroneous; Him Builder, the Supermerely as the Master intendent and of the work, for he is nothing more, realize how free you You are presently become. with and Him, builder, a mason, a through Him but you His the directed by Him; not are creature,

work
this
nature

of His idea
are

hands

; and

all the moral shackles

law of

based your and

is shattered; the

upon moral

realize, more more, you broken that bound the ties are to the past? how you broken are irremediably? You completely? broken
broken.
Do

becoming
But

Fr^^mason;
will tell Great
us

a more

Fr^^-Builder. about Who this Great will of let

who this

trician, Geomeus

Builder?
the

enter

more

intimatelyinto
Bro. will

real nature the

this Masonic of Dr.

God?

McClenachan,

continuator

supply us with the needed light. Here G. O. D. The is the word spelledMasonically. It is a singularcoincidence," initials of Gomer, Oz, Dabar." and he continues. worthy of thought, of Deity that the letters composing the English name Mackey,
" "
"

should

be

the initials of

the Hebrew

words

wisdom,

152

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

and strength,

beauty,
the of

the

three

or great pillars,

phorical metato
a

supports, present almost


to

of

Masonry.
reason

They
can
'

seem

only
the
east

that
'

reconcile
its in

son Ma-

the

use

initial of
seems

in

suspension
Delta. The

in the

the
to

Lodge
be
more

conspicuous place of the


than
an

incident

cident." ac-

{Encyclopcsdia, p. 957.) Without than pugnance doing more adverting to the reof Brother McClenachan to using the word God in reference to the Masonic Deity, a repugnance the which is overcome only by finding in the word initials of the columns which metaphorically or pillars startled to find ourhasten selves support Masonry, we on, back upon the Masonic so lars pilsuddenly thrown in our last whose have seen we phallicsignificance The monolith, or circular pillar, standing chapter. mind to the ancient alone," says Dr. Mackey, was of the Phallus, the symbol of the a representation creative and generative energy it is in of Deity, and these Phallic pillars that we to find the true are origin of pillar worship, which was only one form of Phallic predominant of all the cults to worship, the most addicted." which the ancients were (Encydopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 583). It is true that worship is proportioned to the Deity worshiped, and that phallicworship would logically lead us to deduce should a correspondingDeity ; but we have such a deduction, wishing,as hesitated to make do to assert we nothing but what we clearlyprove,
"

"

did not
the

Bro.

McClenachan of the of pillars

introduce the

us

to

God

under

symbol
what

Lodge.
has will
more

But

Brother

McClenachan

told

us

with
firm. con-

sufficient

clearness, Bro.

Mackey

than

154 tionable

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

orthodoxy, if we view it in the spiritual in which its first propounders must sense intended it to be presented to the have necessarily mind, and not in the gross, sensual meaning in which it was For, taking the word subsequentlyreceived. in its ordinary and colloquial as signification sex, not ganization, denoting the indication of a particularphysicalorbut in that purelyphilosophical which one alone can be used in such connection, and which simply the mere manifestation it is not of a power, signifies that the Supreme to be denied Being must possess in himself, and in himself alone, both a generativeand This idea, which a was so prolific extensively power. the nations of antiquity, has also prevalent among been traced in the tetragrammaton, of Jeor name hovah, with singularingenuity, by Lanci ; and, what is almost he has, by this discovery, equally interesting, been what in all probenabled to demonstrate ability, was, the true pronunciation of the word." (5"y"bolism,p. 1 86.) This the score of on theory is unobjectionable orthodoxy," he says. Of what orthodoxy does he Of Catholic orthodoxy? Of Christian speak? we ask. jectionab orthodoxy? In the light of both, it is most obfor it is a theory which, as he himself be its originalmeaning what it may admits, was, have been, subsequentlyreceived in a gross, sensual done once, be done again. was meaning. What may
on

the

score

of

"

Will

our

author
must

tell

us

what

is to

prevent

it?

And

why,
word

pray,
sex

in

propounders have used the as spiritual symbolic merely of sense,


"

its first

Its later votaries did not do so power ? is admitted by himself why, then, must
"

the the

fact

inal origauthor
none.

propounders have
asserts

done

otherwise?
Proof he

The

M'hat

demands

proof.

has

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

155

He
and

says

so:

that
one,

is all.

Another
from

meaning,
what
was

sensual

different
of the
to

he

gross styles the

philosophicmeaning
those

the

word,

actually, by
later false which what is

initiated into
to
sex as

system,

attributed, in
It is therefore is
"

times,
alone

referred

Deity.
of power

that the
can

sense philosophic

the And

one

be

used

in such

connection."

in usingsex there, after all, so or philosophical spiritual


as

symbol of is made charity,


a
"

the
to

power
cover a

of

God?

Philosophy, like
of sins. much
to to
"

multitude

osophic Phil-

is

may
"

big word, behind hide. labor so Why


a

which
much

emptiness make hovah Jehis

he-she," if

you

wish

merely

express

the tributes sunlight conspiritualomnipotence? Because and to the energies both prolific generative in nature, do -you become philosophic by making it Instead "he-she" of being philosophic, a power? you become Not for the
to

ridiculous. make

this

chapter too long,

we

shall leave

covery following chapter the discussion of the dising and importance meritof Lanzi, its brilliancy shall return for the moWe ment treatment. special to study the objectof Geometry, Ritualist, to our
to

of Masonry;

discover,
of

so

far

as

in

us
we

in this lies,
are

first,this noblest
for
"

sciences, where
noblest
of

to

look

this bi-sexual, this

hermaphrodite Masonic

God.
the

Geometry,
on

the first and the

is sciences,

basis

which

superstructure of

erected.

By geometry we through her various concealed recesses. By it we may and the goodness of the wisdom,
of the

Masonry is ture curiously trace Namay wanderings to her most


discover
the the power,

Great

Artificer
tions proporwe

Universe, and

view

that connect

this vast

delight the machine. By it

with

may

156
discover
and

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

how

the

planetsmove
their various
return

in their different revolutions. and the


us,

orbits,

demonstrate
for the which

account

of the seasons,
season
are

of

scenes

each

to displays

By it we the variety discerning


all framed the
erring un-

eye.

Numberless the
same

worlds

around

by
vast

Divine and
are

Artist, which
all conducted

roll

through
the
same

expanse, law of A

by

Nature.
of her

of Nature, and the observation survey beautiful proportions, first determined to man the Divine gave

"

imitate This

plan and study symmetry


and societies, birth
to

and
every

order. useful

rise to

art."

(Masonic Ritualist, pp.


Nature
Divine ! here truth of is the

95, 96.)

mystic

word

the

object of

the

Thus we are Masonry is Nature. back again to the Nature teries, worship of the Ancient Mysto which Masonry, has sent us already for an explanation of its symbolic doctrines. By Masonry, shall trace for Geometry is Masonry, we Nature to its secret
recesses,
revere

discover the

the

supports

of

the

sonic Ma-

tate unerring law of Nature, imiNature ture by building societyon its plan. In Nafind the bi-sexual Deity of Masonry. must we The Sacred Drama," says Bro. a mysteries were Pike {Morals and Dogma, p. 64), "exhibiting some of nature's legend significant changes, of the visible the Divinityis revealed, and whose universe in which import was, in many respects, as open to the Pagan

Lodge,

"

as

to

the

Christian.

Nature Revelation

is the

great Teacher

of

man;

for it is the

of God."

"Beautifully,"he
great
clear

wide

chaos

says again (p. 715), "above of human shines the errors, human

the
calm

lightof
as

natural

God

the Infinite Parent

religion, revealingto us of all,perfectly powerful,

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

15;
too.

wise, just,loving,and
around

perfectly holy
every way Material years the

Beautiful the Old

stretches Bible
of

off

Universe,
is with its

Great

God.
of

nature

Testament,
truths under

millions
our
our

old, thick
Human

eternal

with feet, glittering

everlasting
is the

glories over
New
a
"
. .
.

heads;
from page
as

and

Nature

Testament
new

the

Infinite God, every


turns
over

day

vealing re-

Time

the

leaves."

Everything is a thought of the Infinite God. Nature is his Prose, and man his Poetry." if you Hence wish, call Nature, God, or you may, The word is of no God, Nature. account, provided
that you
" "

attribute to Nature God."


a

what

Bro.

Pike

calls the

of Qualities There is
a

is

mere

formal

Atheism,"
not

he
in

says,

"

which
man

denial of God
is
no

in terms, but

reality.
that is

says, There

God;
never

that

is,no

God

but always originated, of existence, and Had who Was Been, who is the cause and the Providence of the Universe; and is the Mind the order, beauty, and so harmony of the world of and mind do not indicate any plan or purpose matter of Deity. But, he says, Nature, meaning by that the of sum-total existence, that is powerful, whole is self-originated, or active, wise and good; Nature of its own and had istence, exbeen, the cause always was
or self-originated,
" "

that

the

mind There

of the Universe
is

and

the

Providence

obviously a plan and purpose brought whereby order, beauty and harmony are of about; but all that is the plan and purpose nature." Pike's.) (Italics of The idea of anything that is the absolute cause will be new to my the total producer of itself, itself, is anythis apparent atheist,who Would readers.
of itself.

158 thing
could the
"

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

but
act

sound it

before
cause

a thing philosopher,tell us how existed? for only thus could it be

absolute In such of God of God


a

of itself. Bro. and

cases," continues
is
are mere

Pike,
not

"

the absolute The


to

denial

only

formal

real.

ities qualreal;
real

admitted, and

affirmed
to not

be

and of

it is these

change

of

name

call the

possessor The

qualities,Nature

and

God.

call such question is, whether Qualities exist, as we shall and God; we not, by what particular name call the sum designate the Qualities. One man may total of these Qualities, a Nature; another. Heaven; third, Universe; a fourth. Matter; a fifth, Spirit; a what he sixth, God, Theos, Zeus, Alfadir, Allah or pleases. All admit the existence of the Being, Power The is of the name Ens, thus diversely named. or smallest Dogma, consequence." {Morals and pp. 643, 644. Italics Pike's.) What
sort

of

God

we

shall much

have
more

when
when
matter

we

lish estabmake how

in Him, qualities Him


a

and

we

sum-total

of

no qualities,

with

large a Q we spellthe word, we leave our readers to is of of sex in such a God imagine. The spirituality call him slight importance, indeed, since you may God call Him call him call him matter or or spirit; is Satan, Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, Nature; the name all one Admit the qualito the enlightened Mason. ties about the name. mit Adof a thing and do not care the qualities of water and call it fire,or stone, or ference, difno poison, or balloon, or railway train; it makes is of the the name slightestconsequence. of scamp, and murderer, and libertine. Admit the qualities call this sum-totai, is the By what name you

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

159

merest

bagatelle, whether
or

it
or even

be

Washington,
of the

or

Homer,
The

Albert

Pike,
and one's

Christ.

absurdity
takes
as

shallowness
breath.
as

sophism
guage lanbeen
or was

almost

away it is,with

It confounds it could that when


name

language
no

have

might

be.

There

is

question
we a

water

first named, vice versa;


that

it could in which
water

have
case

received

the

and fire,
assert
rectly cor-

should

now

burned For

house,
we
we

and
now now

that

fire

quenched
would
would be

the

thirst.

what what

call water, call word

called

fire; and
water.

fire,
pended dener, man-

be called
on

The

of affixing

the

the

free will of the bestower.

In like been
name

George
Homer,
words
or

Washington
Pike,
or

could

have other

called

Albert

affectinghis
have

any But individuality. been

without
when

it is different

assigned to designate particular Words are no things or particularpersons. longer this definite interchangeable at will, but express this definite other. And if thing, and no person, Pike was asserted that Albert we a mean a hypocrite, liar, a foul-mouthed blasphemer, the lowest of the
low,
with
our

apology
scorn,

to

the if
we

Brethren stated that

would
we

be indeed

received nized recog-

merited
in Bro.

Pike

the

the

model

Mason;
of

gentleman, and but that, having


sum-total the
a

the thus

scholar, and

the words The which


an

existence

the

of

his

recognized the qualities,


consequence.
set

of applied to it were word Jupiter expresses


are

smallest distinct

of

ideas,

not

verified

in

Christ.

Christ

that individuality
nor

is not
nor

Mahomet,

expresses is not Mahomet is

Confucius,

Buddha, Nature,

Isis; nor if, by


error

Nature,
of

terial, ma-

sexual

even

mind

you

i6o

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY
"

attribute God. But

to

it what

you

call the

of God," Qualities

why

not

call

God, Nature, when


the
"

the wisdom

of

the ancients
"

called Him Bro.

Soul
"

of the Universe."

He

is," says

Soul Intelligent the

the Living, Thinking, Pike, of the Universe, the PERMANENT,

STATIONARY

[ Earois

mon Estos], of Si. .

To

that always is [ To Ov Magus, the ONE from On] of Plato, as contradistinguished flux and
"

the perpetual

And,

as

reflux,or Genesis, of things." the Thought of the Soul, emanating/row


audible and

the the

Soul, becomes

visible in Words,

so

did

God, springing up within Himself, tal immortal conceived, immoras Himself, when once because in Himself, utter Itself in the Word, before, and its manifestation and mode of communication, thus create the Material, Mental, Spiritual Universe,

Thought

of

"

which, like Him,


"

never

began

to exist."

FOR

THE

THOUGHT
. . .

OF The

GOD

LIVES

AND

IS

IMMORTAL.

Stars, the Earth, the


all
are

Trees, the Winds,


in which them

etc.,
law

the and

...

alphabet
informs

it communicates of

itself to

men

of the will and And thus

God,
' "

the Soul
'

verse. of the Uni-

most

trulydid
men.

The

Word

become

flesh and Father

dwell

"

among

God,

the unknown

Pater Ayvwo-Tos [IIoTiyp Agnostos] known to us only by His Attributes; the Absolute I Am. The Thought of God [Ewota Ennoia] and the Word [Aoyos. Logos] Manifestation and expression of the Thought; Behold the TRUE MASONIC the Universal TRINITY; Soul, The THOUGHT in the Soul, the WORD or Thought IN of a Trinitarian ONE, expressed; the THREE Ecossais." ics {Morals and Dogma, pp. 574, 575. Italand capital letters are Pike's.)
.

62

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

and

not

interfere

in

the

squabble.

shall

tolerate

all the weakness

of your

the vagariesof your intellect,

fancy, your
accept
This my is the

provided only that you philosophy, Trinity of Persons. Unity of God, my Masonic True Trinity;all others, though
lack of false.
not

tolerated, are
But
"

why
of

call

Nature,
when venerable and the p. Nature

"

God,"
our

and ancient

God,

the

Soul

the

Universe,"
our

brother,

Pythagoras,
"

and

brethren, the Kabbalone? Bro. says the "God and

ists,considered
In the and view

God of

Kabalah,"

Pike,
verse Uni-

(Morals
were

Dogma,
says view of

765),

One." he the doctrine of

P)^hagoras, God in the of Pythagoras was One, a single continuous substance, whose through all parts extend equalit the Universe, without separation, difference or inlike the soul in the human body "... World Universe thus compared to man The or was : the Principleof Life that moves it, to that which
too
" "

So

moves

man:

the

Soul

of

the

World
man a

to

that

of

man. or

Therefore little

Pythagoras
as

called

microcosm,

possessing in miniature all the qualities found in a large scale in the Universe, by his and ture; reason intelligence partaking of the Divine Naand by his faculty of changing ailments into other self, substances, of growing and reproducing himThus he made partaking of Elementary Nature. the Universe a Being, like man great intelligent immense what has in an Deity, having in itself, man and besides himself, movement, life,and intelligence, has not; and, a man perpetuity of existence which and life, as having in itself perpetuityof movement therefore the Supreme Cause of All."
world,
"

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

163
Soul does

"

Everywhere
in the

extended, this Universal


of
same

not,

view
in the

Pythagoras,
manner." As

act

everywhere
ture Na-

equallynor
was

Universal

divinityof Pythagoras, so was Man the lesser divinity; all for man had in miniature that the greater possessed. He in the participated Divine he Nature just as participated in the Elementary Nature. Hence this nature is free, as Bardesan, the Syrian
great
"

the

Christian, in his Book


of men, that
'

of the Laws

of

Countries, says,
their bodies,

in the

things belonging to

in the like animals, and they maintain their nature things that belong to their minds, they do that which they wish, as being free and with power, and as the likeness of God.' (Morals and Dogma, p. 857). Behold the Free-Builder, the Free-Mason, in the world of Bro. Pythagoras. The body belonging to
"

animal

creation

must

follow

its instincts, moved

and

Nature; impelled by the Deity, the Soul of Universal initiation and freed from the mind purified by Masonic of moral the shackles creed, ignorance and religious in the image of do as it pleases, being thus may
"

God."

Hence,
"

naturally,God
God
It of

is identified

with

Reason. of

To

believe,"says Bro.
in the

Pike,

"

in the Reason make have

God,
the

and

Reason,

is to

Atheism made

possible im-

is the

Idolaters

who

Atheists."
"

It

Analogy gives the Sage all the forces the is the key of the Grand Arcanum,
of The

of Nature.
root

of the

Tree
"

Life, the science of Good Absolute, is Reason.


It IS BECAUSE IT

and Reason

Evil."

IS
not

by

means we

of Itself. suppose

IS, and

because

it.

It

is

where

nothing exists; but

noth-

64

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

It. Reason possibly exist without ing could Law, the Rule of all Liberty,and the Necessity, of Reason. every Initiatrve. If

is

rection di-

God

IS, HE

IS

by

side Deity, outconception of an Absolute of, or independent of, Reason, is the Idol of Black Magic, the Phantom of the Demon." {Morals and Dogma, p. 737). Without wasting time on the absurdities of this where especiallythat of placing Reason passage, nothing exists," the having something where there is nothing; we shall hasten prepared as we now on, sonry for the last and are culminating lesson of Freemaconcluding the 861 pages of Bro. Pike's Morals and Dogma of Freemasonry. We shall quote the passage in full,and seek lightin approved sources. verse Pike has been speaking of the harmony of the Unithe resultant of various flicting as opposite and conforces in the Deity of Infinite Wisdom and

The

"

"

Infinite
"

Power, etc.,etc.,
"

and

concludes:
and re-action of each of that

From

the of

mutual

action and

these which

pairs
the and

opposites
forms the

contraries

results

with them

Sages
Osiris

Triangle,to all the Ancient expressivesymbol of the Deity: as from of Light and Isis, Har-oeri, the Master
Word."
Pike of the any and e. g. Infinite Wisdom their union will produce a is this: of Bro.

Life, and
The

the Creative

idea

Take

pairs of
Infinite third

contraries

named,

Power;

these

by

with them. being,which will thus form a trinity This trinity three, may be symbolized by a triangle or three-sided figure,as Osiris, Isis and or Har-oeri, their offspring, angle for, by the ancients, the triwere; considered the symbol of Deity. Thus was as enlightenedlet us listen to his teaching.

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

165

"At

the

angles

of

one

the stand, symbollically, the

three columns
of

that support

the

Universe, Wisdom,

Lodge, itself a symbol Power, and Harmony or


a

he says, and triangle, supports the Universe; so may Deity, also, be represented the three pillars of the Lodge, Wisdom, by Strength and Beauty, arranged in a triangle as have the supports for the Lodge, since, as we seen, In which angle triLodge itself is a symbol of the world.
of

Beauty." As Deity is represented by

columns,

our

reader

will find himself

borne

to the G. O. D., Gomer, Oz, Dabar, irresistibly of McClenachan, the sexual meaning of which our chapter has already exposed. The fact that the term G. O. D. could be used as the representativeof the of Nature, was the procreativeand prolific powers that the Brother could imagine, why the only reason tolerated in Masonry. Bro. Mackey, too, word was surprised us by making the Deity in the theologies of all ancient peoples bi-sexual, and promising to that Jehovah was show us no exception to the rule. What wonder, then, that here, at last, after having followed Bro. should Pike so patiently, find him we columns or leading us back to the same phallic pillars of the Lodge, to reveal to us in their shadow, in his Prince of the Royal parting instruction to the Sublime of the Scottish Rite, the unity of Secret, the 32 and God, the Divinity of Man! man found of these symbols," he says, the One on Tracing-Board of the Apprentice's degree, teaches It is the right-angled this last lesson of Freemasonry. ual Triangle,representingman, as a union of the spiritThe and material, of the divine and human. of the base measured by the number 3, the number
"
" "

back

i66

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

Triangle,represents
perpendicular measured
of the

the

Deity and by the number

the

Divine;

the

4, the

number

Square, represents the Earth, the Material and the Human; and the hypothenuse, measured by 5, which is produced by the union represents that nature the Soul and the Body; of the Divine and Human, the squares, 9 and 16, of the base and perpendicular, added together, producing 25, the square root whereof of the hypothenuse." is S, the measure And in each triangle of Perfection," he adds, as
" "

one

is three of
a

and

three nature;

are

one,

so

man

is one, the purposes that

though
of
are success

double

and

he

attains

in

the two natures being only when his life is a him in just equilibrium; and are only when it too is a harmony, and beautiful, of God and the Universe."
"

his

like the great Harmonies


"

Such, my
of
a

Brother," he
Master makes Empire
est.celare

concludes,
such the

is the
true

True Royal

Word

Mason;
of true

Secret, which real, the Holy


Gloria
Dei letters Here
most

and possible,

shall at

length make

Masonic

Brotherhood.

Verbum.

Amen."

tal (Capiinto- her


man.

Pike's.)
we

therefore
secret
recesses

have and

followed
found the

Nature

divinityof

Geometry and have found the rightthe truth that the which angled triangle, expresses of the side subtending the right angle, is equal square
We have
to

studied

the

sum

of the We
are

of the base and the perpensquares dicular. told that the base represents the the
"

Divine;
noblest studied

the

man,

the human; perpendicular, the result. or Geometry

enuse, hypothfirst and

the of
us

of

sciences," the
able masters,

Divine has

Truth thus led

Masonry,
to

under

the

sexual, bithe

of hermaphrodite deity,the representative

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY

167
the

columns

of

the

Lodge,
reallythe
we

the

point within
in man?

circle,
is the

etc., etc.
But

what
Can

is

divine
another

what

human? base
and

find

perpendicularwhich
nearer

expression for this will bring our present


theories that
we

doctrine have
been

the

old

pagan

in whose and taught to revere, symbols found have ever the true Masonic enlightenedMasons doctrine? Fortunately for us, Bro. Mackey explains this same right-angledtrianglewhich represents the

union

of of

the the

divine

and

human

in

man;

the

angle tri-

Deity, the Osiris, Isis

and

Har-oeri, of
"

Bro.
"

Pike.
The

he tells us, is another triangle," right-angled is deserving form of this figure [the triangle], which the Egyptians, it was of attention. Among the symbol of universal nature, the base representing the perpendicular, Isis, Osiris, or the male principle; and the hypothenuse, Horus, the female principle; or their son, or the product of the male and female principle." (Encyclopedia, pp. 829, 830.) received This by symbol," he continues, was journ Pythagoras from the Egyptians, during his long so"

"

in that

country, and
it
of the
two

with

it he also learned
that the

the
sum

peculiarproperty
of the squares of the square

namely possessed,
shorter
"

by

the

Horus"
Here

reduces formula.

equal to the expressed symbolically longest side that the product of Osiris and Isis is formula (the Har-oeri of Bro. Pike). (Ibid.) Bro. Mackey then we at length pause. may Pike to the old phallic the solution of Bro.
sides is The

divine

in

man,

the

base, is the male

the human, is principle generative ; the perpendicular, the female productive principle ; the result of the union

68

THE

GOD

OF

FREEMASONRY
sonry, Ma-

is Horus Man. Let


our
us

or

the

child, the
in few

temple
words

and

God

of

summarize We

the

substance

of
sured as-

chapter.
as

we

were,
own

sought the God of had that Masonry

Masonry,
its
own

divine and

truth found

"

its the

deity.

We

entered

the

Lodge

symbol G, as distinctive of Masonry as the G. O. D., the phallic is of Catholicity. It meant cross of the Lodge, and Geometry, the theology of pillars told that Deity in Masonry was We were Masonry.
the

Builder, the
under been had

Architect whom
we

of

the
too

Universe, the
were

perintenden su-

builders the

and of

having
builder in which

previously informed
been taken
was

that pagan in
to
us

idea

from

the

Deity
of

worshiped
was

faculties of
as

Man,

it

evident
none

mysteries, the procreative that the Deity


man.

the
our

Lodge
readers

could

be

other

than

Still,

might have doubted our deduction, we It bade for fuller instruction. us went to Masonry study Geometry, and Geometry bade us study Nature. that Nature We have found We have done so. might
be called God. That We That the Universe
were was an

emanation

from ideas

God.
of God.

creatures

the that

actual, existent
ancient That sages
our

discovered
Soul of the

the

called brother
of it.

God

the

Universe. and
a

Pythagoras
a were

identified Nature Man

God, making
of
our

Nature We

great Deity, and

compendium
were

taught by
God and God

the

Kabbalists,
Nature
were

trusted and
were
so

theologians,that
hence that

and

One;
We

God
to

humanity
identified and

One.

introduced
God in the
was

with

Reason;
Until the last
or

that

Reason,

Reason,
of Man is

God.

culminatinglesson Secret, the Divinity of

Masonry,

finally, Royal
in the

clearlytaught

CHAPTER

IX

American

Freemasonry

and

the

Kabbalistic

Jehovah
From what of

Albert
to

Pike the

has
name

told of

us

of
"

the the

ference indifname

Masonry
the

God,
"

being
Dogma,

of
p.

smallest
we

consequence

(Morals
the Craft

and
was

664),

might
in the

imagine
matter.

that

utterly
certain in
our

indifferent
sense sense.

And,
a

indeed,
sense,

in

it is ; but As it be
to

only
the

in
name

certain

that

is,
our or

which
or

is
or

given
Zeus,

God,
Osiris for
a name

whether
or

Buddha,
it is of the
true
one

Jupiter,
utmost

any God of

other,
is
not

the

unimportance Deity;
is
as

;
as

our

Masonic

and,

false Bro.

Deity, Mackey
should

appellation consequently
taken be O. D.
"

good

as

another.

is be

regretful
in

that
;

G,
and

as

symbol,

to

represent

Jehovah

Bro.

McClenachan

would if G.

inconsolable
did
not
seem

calling
the

Masonic

Deity
the of East

God,
the
reason
'

express
to
a

phallic pillars of
almost the in
use

Lodge.
that G
'

They

present
to

only
the of

can

reconcile

Mason

initial
the

in in

its

conspicuous
of the

suspension
*

the

Lodge
When

place
as

Delta."
as

Masonry, Quite
of Masonic the

therefore,
contrary.
God
is

is not

indifferent
not

it the

seems. name

it comes,

to true

God,

for

falsehood, apparent
out

but

to

the

name

of

Deity,
in

all this and

indifference
season,

is brushed

aside; and,
1

season

of

persistentlyand

Vide,

supra,

p.

152.

170

THE

KABBALISTIC
its

JEHOVAH
press

171
in the

it exhorts untiringly,

adepts to
the Truth

forward

search
will
essence

of

the
to

true

Word,
Divine
God. the

name
"

of the

Deity
nature

which and

reveal

them

of the Mason's search

"The

after

Word,"

says

Dr.

Mackey

lectual (Symbolism, p. 304), "is an epitome of the inteland religious of the Order, from the progress tudes period when, by the dispersionat Babel, the multienshrouded in the profundity of a moral were darkness where truth was guished. apparently forever extin-

The
nature
was

true

name

of
; the
no now

God

was

lost; his
lessons

true

not

understood Noah
were were

divine

imparted

by

our

father

ancient

traditions
were

longer remembered; the corrupted; the ancient


was

symbols
the of the
sun

perverted.
of and

Truth the

buried

beneath

rubbish

Sabaism,
stars

and

idolatrous

adoration the olden

had God."

taken

the

placeof

worship of
"

the true for

The

search

the Word
is
a

"

to

find divine

Truth

"

this and

this

only

Mason's

work,

and

the

WORD

(Symbolism, p. 309.) author in is "Jehovah," our That this Word proves his Encyclopcsdia, Jehovah is," he pp. 376-381. of Masonry by far words of all the significant says, the most important. Reghellini very properly calls it In the basis of our dogma and of our mysteries.'
" "
'

is his reward."

"

"

Hebrew,"
n"nt,

he
hence

continues,
and

"

it consists

of

four

letters,
or
a

and

is called the

Tetragrammaton,
was

four-

lettered name;
as

because.it
to

forbidden

to

Jew,
called

it is to

Mason,
or

pronounce

it,it is
"

also

the Ineffable
"

Unpronounceable name." in the Hebrew In Masonry," he continues, as of the Word, the appellations under it was Mysteries, the True Word, or the Lost Word, the symbol of the

172

THE

KAEBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
or

knowledge of Divine God." (Ibid.)


Our the
true to

Truth,

the

true

nature

of

reader
nature

will, therefore, realize what


of

this word
"

word

is

the

basis

lightupon Masonic tached Deity, the meaning atby Masonry will give us, for the of Masonic dogma and Masonic

mysteries." sonic MaYet in spite of its paramount importance,some in this country and the Lodges of jurisdictions to Jehovah as England have preferred other words
of the dogma and as a summary Divine Truth of Masonry ; but even this preference will in our aid us much us more study, for it will show and more clearly the trend of Masonic thought and of Masonic basis

theory. there is perhaps Although," says Dr. Mackey, no point in the esoteric system of Masonry more is clearlyestablished than that the Tetragrammaton
" "

the

true

omnific

word, yet innovations


in
some

have

been

mitted, ad-

by which,
that word has

in jurisdictions into three

this country,

been

changed
names

others, which

simply signify Divine


have the
none

of
name

the of

sublime God.

languages, but symbolism that belongs to


It is true that the General

in other

true

Chapter of the United States adopted a regulation innovation of the of these disapproving tory explanawords, and restoringthe Tetragrammaton; but of what this declaration might be called a truism in tant Masonry, has been met with open oppositionor relucin some obedience places." (Ibid., p. 380.)
Grand Our three readers words of dear
to
are

doubtless

curious

to

know
as

what

have

been and

adopted by Masonry
what that

atory explanare so

Jehovah;

word

or

words

Masonic

hearts

they clingto them, reject-

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH

173

ing Jehovah, even in spiteof the truisms of the Craft and the authority of the General Grand Chapter. They are Jah, the sun-god of the Syrians; On, the reputed sun-god of the Egyptians; and Bel or Baal, the fire-godof the Chaldeans, whose idolatrous ship worwas so grievouslypunished by Jehovah. "Bel," says Dr. Mackey, {Encyclopcedia, p. 112), is the contracted form of Baal, and was worshiped by the Babylonians as their chief deity. The Greeks
"

and

Romans Zeus and

so

considered

and

translated

the

word

Jupiter. It has with Jah and On, been into the Royal Arch introduced system, as a representative of the Tetragrammaton, which it and the accompanying sometimes words have been ignorantly made Grand to displace. At the session of the General was Chapter of the United States, in 1871, this error declared corrected, and while the Tetragrammaton was by
to

be

the

true

omnific

word,

the

other

three
"

were

permitted to be retained as merely explanatory ; and Belenus, the Baal of the tures, Scrippresentlyhe adds, and Apollo,the god identified with Mithras was
"

of the sun."
able unmistakand notwithstanding the explicit declaration of the founder of the English Royal Arch," says Dr. Mackey again, {Encyclopcedia, p. 380), that the Tetragrammaton is the omnific word, the present system in England has rejected it, and substituted in its place three other words, the second is wholly unmeaning." of which in English Let those who see nothing objectionable little on Dr. American and a Masonry, meditate Mackey's revelations concerning the substitution of Baal for Jehovah as the word explanatoryof Deity in when But Jehovah is picturedas Bro. Masonry.

Yet,

"

"

174
Pike

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
not

Him, pictures
of G. O. D.

we

should

be

astonished

that

the Masonic it does


"

conscience

fightsshy
let
us

of the

word, just as

But

return

to Dr.
"

Mackey.
other it

From

it will be evident," he says, this, word have

that Webb

recognizedthe
words
some

Jehovah, and
since been

not

the three for

which Grand

substituted

by

Chapters

in this country, and

which, it

used by Webb as originally merely of the Divine nature of the explanatoryor declaratory other and principal word. And this is in accordance with one of the traditions of the degree, that they were placedon the substitute ark around the real word, as a key to explain its signification." {Encyclopaedia, pp. 380, 381.) To call anything else but this four-lettered name," he adds, omnific word and allan an all-creating either in Masonry or in Hebrew performing word symbolism, whence Masonry derived it,is to oppose

is

probable, were

"

"

"

"

all the doctrine the

of the
to

Talmudists, the Kabbalists, and

Gnostics, and
scholar battle
more

repudiate the teaching


Buxtorf odds than
to

Hebrew the

from

Gesenius.
secure

of every To fight It

against such
of boldness Grand

is to

defeat. And

shows the very

of discretion. of the United


to

hence

General

Chapter
the the has

States has

wisely restored place. It is only in


Rites that this the
error

word York
ever

Jehovah
and existed.

its proper in the American

Tetragrammaton word." {Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 381). We rest satisfied, then, that Jehovah is the may and that Reghellini he true Word, was right when
made it the You the made basis of Masonic what had of doctrine idea the and

Rite

In every other is recognized as the true

ies. mysterof

will understand

founders when

Royal Arch Jah, the

degrees

Jehovah,

Syrian sun-god; On,

the

they reputed

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH

175

Egyptian sun-god
the
"

; and

of the Chaldeans, Baal, the fire-god


"

explanations

of

the

name.

You
name,

will ished cher-

realize the

affectionate

reverence

for

the

brethren and their American by English Masons who have rejectedit,and who have substituted Baal in its place as the name of Deity! And, finally, you will these sympathize with ignorant and erring brethren in their crushing defeat, since the most proved apof Masonic sources theology,the Talmudists, the

Kabbalists, and
them.

the

Gnostics
is the No.

are

unit The

in

demning con-

Jehovah
Christians? be revealed

word.

Hebrew Kabbal-

Jehovah of the istic Jehovah to


and

It is the

by
will
of

Dr.

Mackey,
their

and

Lanzi,

Bro.

Pike. that their

They
dread

show

ignorant

Jehovah is baseless, and further on the Deity of Masonry. us enlighten I have Elsewhere," says Dr. Mackey, fully the alluded the to prevailing sentiment among bi-sexual, or Ancients, that the Supreme Deity was of his being hermaphrodite, including in the essence female the generative and and the male principles, ..." of nature." They all taught prolific powers
"
"

brethren

that and

God,
then

the

Creator,

was

both

male

and

female

"

having stated that sex was to be understood of power, he concludes This in its philosophic : sense all so was extensivelyprevalent among idea, which has also been traced in the the nations of antiquity, of Jehovah, with singular Tetragrammaton or name esting, by Lanci ; and what is almost equally interingenuity been enabled onstrate to demhe has, by this discovery, the true pronunin all probability, what was, ciation of the word." (Symbolism, pp. 185, 186.) Dr. We shall therefore Mackey and accompany afterwards in their great discovery,and deal Lanzi
"

176
with the

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
demonstration.
us

value teaches

of

their

It deal

is what

Masonry
foundations
may

that

interests

; if

we

with

the who

of its doctrine, it is
some

merely
to

for those

need

assistance the

duly
says

appreciate them.
"

Therefore,
"

to

demonstration. Dr.

The

inefifable name," the shem

Mackey,
"

the

Tet-

for it is known hamphorash yod, by all these appellations consists of four letters, ." heh, vau, and heh, forming the word nin' Of these letters, the first, yod, is equivalentto the English i, pronounced as e in machine. letter heh is an and fourth The second aspirate of the English h. and has here the sound

ragrammaton,

"

"

"

"

And

the

third

letter

vau

has

the

sound

of

open

0."
"

I, H, O, H, as the reading these four letters, Hebrew from requires, right to left,we have the word which is really mri', equivalentin English to IH-OH, well come, to the pronunciation as we withstandi notas near can Now,
it forms the word is said the
to
none

of the been

seven

ways
at

in which different

have

pronounced
goes there
on

times
"

word

patriarchs." But, thus pronounced," he gives us no meaning, for by


as

to
no

"

say,

the

is

such
names

word
were

in Hebrew

ihoh;

and

as

all the Hebrew

of something, it is but fair to conclude significative the originalpronunciation,and that this was not we which look for another will give a meaning to must the word.
"

Now

Lanci

proceeds to
follows
a :
"

the

discovery of

this true

pronunciation,as
"

In
a

the

Cabala,

from

word

meaning is often deduced by transposing or reversingits letters,

hidden

178
exclaimed
"I

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
of his heart
"

in found

the

transports

Eureka,"

covered he dis(Ritualist, p. 130), when that Deity could be representedby the rightOsiris and in which Isis,the Sun and angled triangle and and Human, Earth, the Divine Nature, Heaven in like by their union begot Horus, Har-oeri, man ; so discovr Bro. Mackey in the throes of the new manner I have found to a similar Eureka, ery, givesutterance he is male and is in the image of God; how man

have

it"

"

female; for,

were

he

not

such, he could

not

be

in the

image
Here,

of
as

the

Kabbalistic

Jehovah
"

"

the

HE-SHE."

is the basis of Masonic Reghellinisays, here is the nature mysteries dogma and Masonic ; and the essence of Masonry. of the God realize the desperate efiforts made But when to we wring this bi-sexual, this hermaphroditic meaning, out of the word and more Jehovah, we shall realize more of this sensual the importance to Masonry meaning. It is the veriest humbug to speak of the spiritual significat of sex the as applied to this Deity, when of God is twisted and distorted to bring Jehovah name on a sex represented as real and as material par with
"

as

it is with
to

us.

It is

to

trust

too

much
we

to
are

our

ity credulat

speak
time

of

spiritual sex,
man

when
not

told

the of

same

that if he

would
not

be

in the and

image
would the

Jehovah,
and

were

male physically

female;
be

that, without

such
us,

distinction. Genesis

Let unintelligible.

however,

pass

on

to

ment. argu-

place, therefore, both Lanci and our author are guiltyof wilful deceptionwhen they make the yod of Jehovah, the vowel I, and the Vav, the vowel that both of these letters are 0; for they know
In
consonants

the

first

and

not

vowels.

And

this

we

are

told

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
himself

179

plainlyand
"

The

correctly by our author pp. 277, 378. Hebrew alphabet,"he says,


The the reader vowel while sounds

in his Encycloped

"

consists
were

of

consonants.

supplied by
made of each the he
was,

reading, he
the
correct

acquainted with
word
; and

entirely originally being previously tion pronuncia-

if he did not him could


to

possess
not

this knowledge,

letters of

before

supply it, and


the word. the

course,

unable

Every
vocal

Hebrew,
sounds in with the

however,
which different

pronounce knew from the


consonants

practice
were same manner

nounced pro-

words,

in

the

as a

English reader knows every in hat, hate, far, was, and


..."
Now of four this consists

the that

different sounds
knt is

of

pronounced
name

knight."
of God

incommunicable

letters,Yod,
to

He, Vau,
in

and

He,

equivalent in English
is evident be that these

the

combination

four
at

letters cannot least two

pronounced, unless Neither can they in


vowels
were

vowels In other

It JHVH. our language be supplied. words he heard the the

Hebrew. the

known

to

Jew, because

that continuallypronounced, just as we know Mr. stands for Mister, because hear this we continually combination of God, of so pronounced. But the name these four letters are which never symbols, was nounced, proAdonai but another word [Lord] substituted for truth it."

words

Here,
the and

therefore, kind
matter.

reader, you
have four Doctor

have

the

of

You
as

consonants,

JHVH,
Mr. There
us.

not

IH-OH,
for

both

Mackey

and

Lanci

need

their
no

wonderful word in
as
no

transformation.

is,in Hebrew,
True
; we
answer

such

Ih-oh, they tell


way

; but

Ih-oh you

represents

the

Hebrew

consonants;

and

are

relying entirely

i8o

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
their bad

on

the

ignorance of
you
to

when know OH
to

make be

readers or your which substitution

faith,

start
no

utterlyfalse. There with and, consequently, no


to

yourselves you IHis therefore no


HO-HI

by

versal, re-

He-She second

end

with.

In

the

is the Kabbalistic

justified? That do not deny.


both From
tar

of language place,on what principle backwards of reading words practice be found, we exceptionalcases may
was

Able how

ere

saw

Elba, will read


will do the same? Reverse

ways;

but

many
no

sentences

exceptionalcases
and

rule is deducible.

and

pal
and
true

of the letters you have rat ; change the position ? Alp will make Are they the same you have art. and cism mystilap. Oh, a pal has a lap. Sublime !
so

Part forth.

will
And

give us
what

trap and
is true Pike of

rapt

; and

so

forth,

of all

languages.
asserts
was,

Bro.

English is equally (Morals and Dogma,


of the ters letwhere." every-

p.

699),
of

that

"the

reversal

words But

indeed, ancientlycommon

woefully to prove so general an assertion. Exceptional cases, we admit; the rule we that Jehovah is an exceptionalcase. deny. Prove Thirdly,Dr. Mackey himself derives the word from
the

he fails

verb'^'U, to he,

as

do
says,

all Hebrew
"

scholars.
from the

"The stantive subit

ineffable

name,"
verb
mn,

he

is derived

hayah,

to

he, and

combining, as

the present, past and future does, in its formation of the verb, is considered as significations designating God in his immutable and eternal

existence."

clopaedia {Ency-

of Freemasonry, p. 376). ho and not are hi; Lastly, the Hebrew pronouns the final aleph is not graphical orthobut hua, hia, in which (Brown's Dictionary merely, but radical." therefore, consist of of Gesenius). The pronouns,
"

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH

i8i

three have

letters, not
six
as

two

; and

by reversingthem
Hua-hia
as

we

shall

not letters,

four.

reversed

will

give

aih-auh, about

near

Ho-Hi

the He-She

sonry of Ma-

is to the true

God.

windings, therefore, and through all this evident deception. Doctor Mackey and his guide, Lanci, take us, in revealingthe great Masonic contained in the word Jehovah. mystery of God's nature Change the letters;read the word backwards; make
two

Through

all these

forms the

of

the

modify
have know We made

forms

pronoun of these result.

where

there

was

but behold

one;

the
not

desired what
see

and pronouns; But by a similar

you
we

shall
out
us

could made it. have not you later what Bro. Pike says the Kabbalists To
our

process of out

of it. from

introduce
theme.
never

the matter

here

would

distract
"

But may

the

Kabbalists
"

made

God

bi-sexual,"
the you Bro. of what

you

say ;

for

Bro.

Pike

expressly denies
you
sure

fact."

say?
Pike. sexual
never

Slowly, kind reader, are that Are so positive you


He says that the
to

you Kabbalists

understand did
not

attribute he has

characteristics
said that these

the

Very Deity, but


were

characteristics

denied

Jehovah is, as we have seen Bro. found clearlyprove, the Deity of Masonry. Do not conwhat With it calls the Very Deity, the two. It is the concerned. the Absolute, Masonry is not and Pater Agnostos of the Gnostics; the Unknown of modern Unknowable can philosophasters. What But let us people have to do with this? practical
; and

Jehovah Mackey so

allow
"

Bro.

Pike

to

set

forth

his

own

ideas.

Obtuse

commentators

have

said,"

Bro.

Pike

affirms

Kabalah

(Morals and Dogma, p. 765), "that the assignssexual characteristics to the Very

i82

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
for such
an

Deity.
On the
on

There
in the

is

no

warrant
or

assertion
it. is

anywhere
based

in any commentary upon doctrine of the Kabalah contrary, the whole the fundamental

Sohar

Deity

is
or

propositionthat the Very tation limiInfinite, everywhere extended, without


determination, and therefore
whatever. In
was

without

order

to

commence

of
to

creation, it
a

effect

vacant

space

for Him, necessary within Himself. To is

process first of all. this end

any the

formation con-

approximatelyexpressedby all space, formless, as Light filling Himself all sides from on a point within Himself, and thus effects a quasi-vacantspace, in which only a vestigeof His Light remains ; and into this circular or sphericalspace He Emits His Emanations, portions of His Light or Nature; and to some of these, sexual' characteristics are symbolically assigned."
To these space deal and than with the
mass

the

Deity,whose describing Him contracts limitless,

Nature

of absurdities lines
can

crowded

into
more

accompanying
our

would

require
we

little volume
to
a

afford;

would

merely call attention Deity of Bro. Pike is


itself;it makes
emits

few

points.

The

Very
; it
tracts con-

material ; it is extended vacant spaces within

itself;it
has
not

parts of itself.
it is unknown
name.

Existing
and

thus

in itself before and


nor

Creation
even a

unknowable

Neither

the Kabbalists
we

the

Masons,
Pike and

their

have, consequently,as pupils,


to do

have Bro.

said, anything

with
can

its nature

and tell
us

essence.

the Kabbalists

only

here

that

this

Deity
as

is

sort

of

all lightfilling

space.;
to

primitive though the


upon it

Brother, later
the
matter

in his

volume,

seems

look

ether. But all-pervading of no moment; practical

whatever the

it was,

is

Deity of Masonry

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
that
is the

183
question;
of
ours.

is
and

Jehovah.
who

Is

he

bi-sexual?

is this

have "I

said about

Jehovah? What the Very Deity


said
to

obtuse is
no

commentators

concern

Moses," Bro. Pike tells us (Morals and Dogma, pp. 848, 849), "that which Is, Was and Shall forever Be. But the Very God, in His unmanifested Essence, conceived of as not yet having created and Such the as Alone, has no Name. was
doctrine declared manifested of all the Ancient in the Kabalah. in within
a

AM,

God

Sages, and
mrr
,

it is

so

is the Name that of

of

expressly the Deity


taining con-

singleact,
Himself,
to

Creation, and
and form and be

in

idea
with

the actuality,
terially ma-

whole

Universe,
As
"

be invested the

developed during
ages. God
never never

eternal

succession continues the

of Bro.

WAS

NOT," Not, and

Pike,
has
no

he
more

THOUGHT
a

Universe

of which Himself. half


was

way
not

stretches Universe
Word God.
was

Thought than the Deity it is the utterance no more The duration of the Universe is but a point the infinite line of eternity; and God upon inert and uncreative that during the eternity that point. The behind Archetype of the
"

had

beginning than

the Divine

did

never

not

exist in the Divine with NAME

Mind.
and

The

in the the but

BEGINNING

God

WAS
of the

And

Ineffable

is that, not
as

Very
or

Essence

of the Absolute, manifested Existence


or

Being

Existence.

For

is limitation ; and
or

defined, but
all that

is all
and

is,was,

losophers Being, said the Phithe Very Deity is not limited that may sides possibly be, beshall be." etc.. (Italics,

Pike's.)
Risum teneatis amici?
Bro. Pike
essence

has

boldly
and
istence ex-

plunged into
and

of the difficult questions

the

of things,and objective possibility

lo!

84
has

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
not

he

gone The

to

the

bottom,

of

them, but

of

surdity. ab-

Very Deity is, and was, and shall be; is and was of all things; and has been the possibility have seen, everywhere extended as we was, ; contracted itself ; emitted parts of itself ; and yet had neither being
nor

existence, for it

was

infinite.

"

For

Existence
"

or

!!! Bosh ! is limitation Being, said the Philosophers, In this theory, therefore, the Deity of Masonry is something limited and finite. It is Jehovah; which, of the Very Deity, for are told, is not the name we that is infinite and has
no name.

It is the

name

of the

tence; Very Deity only as manifested by Being and Exisin Bro. and Pike's Being and Existence are, philosophy,limitations. Jehovah, therefore,the God of Masonry, is identified with the emanations of Deity ; for apart from the Very Deity and his emanations, there is and can be nothing. He is the Alpha and the If Omega of Creation, the Beginning and the End. therefore discover the Alpha and the Omega we can of Creation, we shall find the object of our search. The lies plain and before path of investigation open us guides will help us in our quest. ; our Now, examining the doctrine of the Kabbalists, there is nothing more is the beevident than that man ginning of Creation and its completion. Man, therefore, is the Kabbalistic, the Masonic Jehovah; for denied Bro. while have we Mackey and Lanci the rightof torturing, by their method, the word Jehovah have into this bi-sexual meaning, we objected merely of arriving at the meaning, and not to their manner to the meaning itself. Jehovah for the Kabbalists,as for

Masons,
the
to

is

man.

For

Alpha, or
the

first of the Divine

emanations,
or

cording ac-

Kabbala, is Adam

Kadmon

arche-

i86 Without

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
fact that

purely spiritual that Angels are an impossibility, beings thus become if it exist, chimeras, and that the Very Deity itself, and female; we hasten on to study the be male must dwelling on
the relation that Bro. exists Pike between Adam Kadmon
us

and

selves. our-

(Morals
"As

and

Man

enlighten Dogma, p. 760). [the unit of Humanity],"


will
so

somewhat

he

says,

"is

microcosm,
As

Adam Causates Man

Kadmon of the

is

macrocosm,

taining con-

all the the Material

First and

Cause.
. .
.

completion of all is the beginning thereof. creation,so in the Divine Man As the inferior Adam receives all things from all,so the superiorAdam supplies all things to all. As the the latter is the principleof reflected former so light, is the terminus of is of Direct Light. The former ing. the Light, descending; the latter its terminus, ascendis the end As
even

Inferior the from

man

ascends

from
so

the lowest

matter

to

First the

Cause,
and

descends lowest The

Simple

Superior Infinite Act, even


the
man

Adam
to the

and

most

attenuated

Potence."
to

relation, therefore, of each

Adam

mon Kad-

is that of the unit to the


to the
man

totality ; of
end

the individual

race,

is the

humanity. completion and


to

The the

individual,the material
of the the

divine

nations, ema-

of which the

Adam

Kadmon,

Divine

Man,

is

of all,the beginning. Each of us is the recipient reflected light of the manifested Godhead. Adam Kadmon, Jehovah, is for us, not we for him; for we the end of which he is the beginning. Primitive are all to us. lightemitted him that he might communicate If he be In

divine, so much
name

more

are

we.

fact the and

Jehovah

is but

the

expression of
nature.

the male

female

of principles

human

THE

KABBALISTIC Bro.

JEHOVAH

187

(Morals and Dogma, p. 771), "is the human Tetragram, which is summed up in the mysterious Yod of the Kabalah, image of the Kabahstic Phallus. Add to this Yod [ ] the ternary of Eve, and you form the name name of Jehova, the Divine Kabalistic and Tetragram, the transcendent magical word, mni."
says
"

"

Adam,"

Pike

Take
add have
race,
to

therefore

man or

or

the male
human

human

it. Eve,
and

the

female

principle; principle; you


the

Adam the

Eve, the progenitors oi the human

divine

Tetragram, Jehovah,

bi-sexual

of which have been in search. we divinity Reversing the letters of the Ineffable Name, and dividing it," says Bro. Pike again, (Morals and bi-sexual as the word Dogma, p. 849), "it becomes YUD-HE or JAH is,and discloses the meaning of much of the obscure language of the Kabalah, and is The Highest of which the columns Jachin and Boaz are the symbol." have Now as we already seen Jachin and Boaz are the phallicpillarsof Masonry; Jehovah is, consequently, the Highest of that which they represent. But the Highest is evidentlythat in which Creation Kadmon is perfected; Adam or consequentlyJehovah is identified with the procreative and prolific forces of
"

man.
"
'

In
'

the

image
created and the then

of

Deity,'

"

he

continues,
and
Female

"

we

are

told, God
He the them:'

the Man

; Male

created

writer, symbolizingthe Divine


tells
us

by
first

Human,

that taken

the

woman,

at

contained

in the Goddess

man,

was

from
was

his side.
a

So

Minerva,
and

of

Wisdom,
of

born,

woman

in armor,

of the brain

before

she

was

Jove ; Isis was the sister the wife of Osiris,and within brahm,

88

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
without
sex or

the Source
was

of all,the

Very God,
the Mother and

name,

developed Maya,
is the First the
awe

of all that

is.

The
;

WORD and

with

which

Only-begotten of the Father the Highest Mysteries were


in respect to the is Nature the Life

regarded
of the of

has

imposed silence
The Word

Holy Spirit. Humanity."


it is that
no

Light
we

and

Thus
we

matter

what
or

road

take, whether
we
verse re-

read

Jehovah
and the

backwards add

forwards, whether
Eve
;
or

make

Adam

the Yod, and


make

whether

we ing mean-

Jehovah
and that

it Ho-Hi of

or

Jah, one

meaning

HE-SHE,

stares

us

this He-She is not invariablyin the face. And Very God, the Very Deity, the Primal Being, for has no name emanation, the Universe, ; but is His he who may is Lord Bro. of the Universe, Man. In

the He and
we

fact if God

believe
man.

Pike, it is
his
"

man

that makes

; not

God,
"

God

acts

by
:

works,"
of human
; and

Dogma,
men.

p. In

736)

in heaven

the

heaven

(Morals and by angels; on earth by manity conceptions,it is husays,


men

he

that creates made them in his

God

think

that God make Him

has in

image,
our

because

they

theirs." We

realize that

here; for

we

chapter should have proved our

is Man Adam : Jehovah of the Kabbala Archetype, being humanity at large, human nature, the individual, the species; and plainAdam, or being the prototype, the son the end for which of God, emanated the primal light. Adam from joined to Eve the celestialJehovah, the omnific word makes of Masonry; is the perfect work. the individual man We have thought, however, that, as Bro. Mackey

minate naturallyterpoint that the Kadmon, the

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH

189

has

give us additional information the difficult and abstruse on subjectof the primitive Deity and His emanations our culminatingin man, readers would not object to further light. His exposition
to

kindlyconsented

may in the main.


"

differ somewhat

from

Bro.

Pike's, but

not

Supreme Being, say the Kabbalists," he tells and scrutab inabsolute us {Encydopcedia, p. 390), "is an Him and unity, having nothing without He is called EN SOPH, everything within Him.
'

The

The

Infinite

One.'

In

this infinitude

he

cannot

be

described in words nor comprehended by the intellect, his existence minds, so as to make intelligible by human therefore, that, perceptible.It was necessary, the En himself comprehensible, to render Soph should make himself active direct and creative. But he could
not

become

the

is without all of which En

he because, being infinite, will, intention, thought, desire, or action,

creator;

are

of qualities
was

Soph, therefore,
in
an

world the

indirect

manner,

being only. compelled to create by ten emanations


a was

finite

The the from he

infinite These

light
ten

which

he

and the ten

in

which

dwelt.

emanations

are

Sephiroth or

Splendors of the Infinite One, and the way in which produced was thus : At first the En Soph they were This emanation. forth into space one spiritual sent first Sephira is called Kether, 'the crown,' because first Sephira it occupiesthe highest position. This
contained
in the

within

it the other

nine, which

following order : At first a male proceeded from it,and this,the second


Chocmah
or

forth sprang active poor tency

Sephira,
forth

is called
an

'Wisdom.'

This

sent

or passive potency, named opposite,female These three Sephiroth 'Intelligence.' Binah, or

I90

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
out

constitute the first triad,and


other
seven. came
'

of them

proceeded the
or

From the And


so

Mercy.'
The

"

and junction of Wisdom fourth Sephirah, called Chesed author our through goes on the God has lost
none

tellige In-

the

ten.^

Kabbalistic the

of

His

surditi ab-

by
In the the

of exposition

Dr.
an

Mackey.

first

place
him
"

"

he

is

inscrutable he
was
"

unity,"yet

Kabbalists

distinguishthat
;

"

contains

within create;
"
"

that
not

he
create to

"

everything necessitated to

that

he could that do he

;" indirectly
How ?

had

create

but only directly," tions." by ten emana"

all this in the indistinguishabl they distinguish How do they know all this of the unknowable?
were

How about

they
of the En ?

able

to

tell Bro. and the mode


arose

Pike of the

the contraction

Soph
And

sending forth
necessityfor
if indeed such
nor a

his emanations En
we

whence

Soph
are

of

making

himself

ble? comprehensi-

Deity Him, thought,nor intention,nor


are

in any wise justified in calling when in it there was neither will,

desire, nor
How and
as

action,
"

"

all

of

which

of qualities if it had
no

finite

being only

How
a cessity ne-

could

it act
to

action?

act

in infinite inertia?

suppose it alone

was,

nothing outside itself to call it into action, if indeed that which was inert,could be called essentially into act. And if thought, and desire, and action,are of finite beings only; the Very Deity even qualities
was now

there

neither

thinks, nor
able to
in

desires,nor
not

acts

; for

the hold acted

Very
that and

Deity
without
made

is infinite and

being
itself upon have,
various in

you act, it nevertheless its emanations. there

unless finite,

finite

Absurdities is
no

heaped
^

to which absurdities,
this

end! quotations,

We

paragraph

and
as

omitted

Hebrevif

characters

in a few other irrelevant.

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH

191

And
was

how, pray,
in that

was

action

in inaction

everything within him ? How of willing ; ; will in the incapable


cannot

thought
and

which

think; determination
terminate indeabsolutely that ? for do

distinctness in the
and

and essentially And

knowing, thinking,willing,acting are infinitely superiorto this absurd godhead, which can neither Ah! thus we come beact. will, nor know, nor think, nor
free-builders.Freemasons
indeed, in this world,
the

you the

thus

have

not see you effects superiorto their total cause

indistinct?

nothing to its superiors. But infinitely of nature Blindly; by necessity desiring. We intending,
where
we

owe

Deity. We,
us?

Men,
How? ing, will-

it created
; without cannot

knowing,
do
we are

its will, for its riors. supeship; of friendcan

it has

none.

We
cannot

cannot

adore

it,for
even

We for the Adam

love it with love the


us

the love We
we

it cannot

in return. yes; but

love be

Kadmon,

race,

should

stupid to
says
"

" The go beyond. Bro. Pike (Morals and

objectsof religion," Dogma, p. 62), are the


true
"

SEEN."
The

Mason,"
of

he

with
is
a

these doctrines
center

" is familiar says again (p. 252), of Philo : that the Supreme Being

Light
; for

whose

rays

or

emanations
for which for which

pervade
sonic all Mathe
.

the Universe

that is the
a

Light

journeys are
and
moon

search, and
are

sun

only emblems." created, not by the Supreme the world "That was Being, but by a secondary agent, who is but his WORD (the Adyos), and by types which are but his ideas, WISDOM ( %o"j"ia ), or aided by an INTELLIGENCE, To the Very Deity, of His Attributes." is one which nothing directly ; if anything is therefore, we can owe the to the Word, are obligations due from us, our
in
our

Lodges

192

THE

KABBALISTIC
who the

JEHOVAH
contains Causates in of

Logos,
Bro.

the

Adam has

Kadmon,
told
"

himself,
all First

Pike

us,

Causes."
We hold
a are

well

aware

that at times

Bro.

Pike

seems

to

different

thought, and
is
not

doctrine, and to assert free will, and he action of God; but in these passages
; he

speaking of the Very Deity,the Absolute which of emanations speaking of the Universe
flowed from it. He
reveres

is

have
to

his masters

too

much

sonry. dogma and that of Maverse, A personal Creator, distinct from the UniHis creatures into being by intelligent, calling the Omnipotence of His Will, is the Christian dogma rejectedby the pagan sages, the Kabbalists and Bro. contradict their fundamental Pike. him
not

Whatever of

being emanations of Deity, the Sephiroth or Splendors as set forth by Bro. Mackey. These ten are Sephiroth,"he says, collectively the archetypalman, denominated the Microcosm, as the Greek called it,and each of them fers rephilosophers to a particular part of the body. Thus the Crown the is the head; Wisdom, the brain; and Intelligence, deemed the seat of Understanding." heart, which was sonry. Behold, kind reader, the Intellectual Change of Ma"

of, suspect you suspect the Brother Christian. But let us return to the

"

The of light Masonic


our

heart, the

affections

are

for the heart path in life, Understanding. The desires


reason;
no

supreme is the seat of the of the heart


are are

the

the Mason's

words

of mine

needed

to

point
"

out

the

logical consequences.
our

These

three," continues

author,

"

represent
the

the

and intellectual;

the first triad

is therefore

Mercy is the rightarm, and Justice and the left arm, Beauty is the chest. These and hence the second three represent moral qualities;

Intellectual World.

194

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
another

point within
the connection

circle,and
between

pregnant
and the

proof

of

Freemasonry

Ancient

Mysteries." But in Jehovah, read Kabbalistically or reversed, we had and not even we have, for the initiates, more; the explicit words of Bro. Pike, we should, true to our practiceof asserting only what we can prove, have avoided the suggestion of it, for our readers even
would have in have doubted
our

word.

What Yahveh is

is it that

we

Jehovah reversed, for


of the
true

only

another

reading
"

word?
name

We of

have

Satan.
the Kabalists

say," Brother Pike (Morals and Dogma, p. 102), asserts is that of Yahveh reversed ; for Satan is not a black god, The Devil is the personifibut the negation of God. cation of Atheism or Idolatry." For the Initiates," he goes on to say, this is not Person, but a Force, created for good, but which a for evil. It is the instrument serve of Liberty or may Free Will. They represent this Force, which presides under the physical the mythologic and over generation,
" "

The

Satan,

"

horned

form of the

of

the

God

PAN;
of

thence the

came

the

he-

goat
and have and

Sabbat, brother
the false Lucifer p. has

Ancient of which

Serpent,
the

the

Light-beareror 102.)
the us?
are

Phosphor,
of the

poets

made

legend."

(Morals
sistibly irrebody everysame

Dogma,
borne

Whither

tide

of

Masonic

instruction for
as

Yahveh,

Jehovah,
read

knows, these
name,

but different forms


or a

of the

Yahveh

reversed,
and

Bro. and

Mackey
now

Lanci,
Pike
a

is to Kabbalistically, bi-sexual Deity, a he-she; it is initiates,


verted con-

to

Bro.

and force

his fellow which

into

Satan,
a

presidesover
but
which

cal physimay be

generation;

force

for

good

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
into man,
was

195
bad

abused.
"

Jehovah
him that

converted

enough
all,
the

behold

converted

into Satan. may say that, after essential difference between Pike

It is true there

Bro.

is,in reality, no

theory of Lanci and his own ; for denying the personality of Satan, of Lucifer, and making him a Force this Force over presiding or generation, Yahveh, will naturallyfind its highest exponent in man. Jehovah in both theories will be, therefore, identified with
man.

We

must

admit

that, while

willingand
do
not

anxious
see
a

to

any reasonable that the two theories


"

make

concession, we
are

clearly
Force the generative

for reallyidentical;
"

is not exactly presidingover generation," force itself; nay the expression seems,
"

rather,
In which But
even

to
case

indicate

separate and

the theories would


a

directive agency. be clearly different.

if,by
the

benignantinterpretation scarcelyjustified by phraseology,we should admit the contention, the


of Bro. Pike
and the

doctrine of its

Kabbalists

loses

none

objectionableness. if the theory be the same, For, in the firstplace, why it in so offensive a form? Why open up to express foolhardiness (the ignorance, or malice, or moral smile at the idea of anything immoral Brethren may in this)the direct road to paying to Satan the worship given to Jehovah, for the Jehovah worshiped by the And Craft is Jehovah reversed. since, in the second balists the personal opinionsof Bro. Pike and the Kabplace, influence in exercise no determining the of Satan, for the Spirit so realityand personality named has his existence and personality independent and of their thought,the worship given him is of them The Brethren appalling to Christian hearts. may

196
smile but

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
unenlightenment,
besides
the

at pityingly
our

our

credulityand
directed
to

words

are

others

Brethren. It is evident- that this be might evidently in


same

doctrine from

of Satan-

ship wor-

deduced

the substitution

Masonry

of Baal

for

Jehovah;

of the two

is concealed

for the Biblical position opBut we from no one. had

might have been answered been reprobated by American Jehovah restored as the name
of Bto.

that this substitution Masons of is in

and general,

Pike that Satan


that in the

tion Deity. The revelaJehovah, and Jehovah, all the interests indeed and

Satan, shows
of Baal the other
as were

restoration
was ever

preserved; as
was

evidenced

by

fact that Baal

is still admitted

explanatory of Jehovah. It is for this enlightenment that


ties that such bound them
to

Masons the

have

broken

all the how

past; and, truly,


this
lightenment? en-

could

ties exist

with consistently
Christian faith

Where
a

is the

in such Satan
a

heart,

to

whom

God

becomes

Satan, and
devoid of

beneficent
a

this power and power, force presiding mere over


from

personality, the sensual desires

of

man.

But, differ
is For

as

we

must,

Masonic of

doctrine,it

the logicaloutcome certainly


Masons Master these
are

Kabbalistic

ples. princiof the


cording ac-

Builders

after the form

Algabilor
to

Builder

of the Universe.
so

Now

by Masons, Deity is Builder in virtue of his generative principle, Yod," says Bro. Pike (Morals symbolizedby Yod. in the Kabalah, the is termed and Dogma, p. 792) of the Deity." workman opifex, Adam is the human Tetragram," he says again (p. of 771), which is summed up in the mysterious Yod the Kabalah, image of the Kabalistic Phallus." The
"

ancient

Sages

revered

"

"

"

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
for

197

Free-Builder, therefore, the Free-Mason,


synonymous terms, is he in whom the

force

they are of physical

generation is subject merely to his Free-Will. Call this force Jehovah, He-She; call it Baal, the God of Fire; call it Satan, or Lucifer, or the Serpent,and give it the worship due to the Deity,it is all one in the Man free in the indulgence eyes of esoteric Masonry. of his God-given passions, whose man understanding resides in his heart, man law is the law of senwhose sual of deified human love, the man passions such is
"

the
"

esoteric Fr^^mason.
If

p. 732 it,and he

CEdipus," says Bro. Pike (Morals and Dogma, the Sphynx, had conquered ) in place of slaying
"

driven
have

it into Thebes
been

harnessed

to

his

chariot,

King, without incest,calamities, exile. If Psyche, by submission and caresses, had or never persuaded Loye to reveal himself, she would Love is one of the have lost him. mythological cause images of the grand secret and the grand agent, beaction and a passion, it expresses at once an a void and wound. The and a plenitude, an a arrow understand initiates ought to this, and, lest the too profane should overhear, Masonry never says
would

much." Bro. McClenachan light, is kinder; and, without saying too much, will tell us of man that the very name (Adam) expresses sensual ing love, thus confirming what Bro. Pike told us in speakWhere Bro.
us

Pike

denies

of the human
"

tetragram.
the

In

Hebrew,
says Bro.

fire of

love, which
"

burns
to

in the On
flesh

South,"
of
. .

McClenachan,
and and

is are,

burn.

Egyptian
man
.

monuments,

in their that

temples, the
of
woman

is

painted red,
name

yellow.
as

Man's

in Hebrew

red, and signifies

198
the

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH
tie of

beings from breast to breast." {Encyclopcedia, p. 941.) Man, or the male principle, symbolized by ardent fire,was represented by red, and the female principle, identified with the idea of lightor flame, was sented reprewhich earth, over by yellow or light-colored the tidings of a the swift-footed bears messenger of obligatory Mason's and the return succor. distress, This lightof the fire, the female of divine beauty, the Egyptian Venus, was called Athor, signifying dwelling of Horus." {Ihid.) Had CEdipus been wise and not destroyed the Sphynx, the symbol of secret and sublimer knowledge, image
of fire is
"

love, it is the universal

but mastered of his


or was was man as

it ; had revealed need


not

he

entered

into the divine

nature to

in the have

his marriage mysteries, offended his moral


sense

mother

provoked
the the

the anger of the sister of Osiris, as sister and wife

gods
well

; for
as

or Isis,

Nature,

his

wife; Juno

of

Jupiter.
would her
not

Had have

Psyche
been
tered mat-

studied
curious

the
to

Kabbalists, she
the he the

know

of identity
was

lover, for it
of Venus.

little that the


"

husband

To

Light," the offspringof the fire and the flame, the possessors of the Royal Secret, such matters of the not to be judged by the false standards are SANCTA SANCTIS, we profane. repeat again," the {Morals and Dogma, p. 772) : says Bro. Pike Holy things to the Holy, and to him who is so, the will be holy. Seek and ye mysteries of the Kabalah knock and it shall be shall find, say the Scriptures: If you desire to find and to gain opened unto you. have admission said enough to to the Sanctuary, we
of
" "

Children

show
to

you

say

the way. If you do not, it is useless for us it has been useless to say so much." as more,

THE

KABBALISTIC

JEHOVAH

199

Subscribing
of Bro.

perfectly,
Pike,
close
our

for

once

at

least,
in
"

to

the last

ments senti-

as

expressed
chapter.
of

these

two
"

sentences,
we

we

Sancta

Sanctis
know

know and

the

holy

things
of its

Masonry;

we

the

nature

essence

God.

CHAPTER

American

Freemasonry

and

the

Human

Soul

When door of

the

candidate,
he
"

seeking
was

light,

knocked he would and both. about him

at

the be the We

Masonry,
Divine soul
"

assured the truth and has

that of God

taught
human have let
us seen

Truth the

of

nature

essence

of him
to

what

Masonry
what

to to

tell reveal

God;

now

study
human

it has

ing regard-

the With

soul.
to

respect
Albert that

various
informs

questions
us

concerning
and takes little

the

soul, Bro.
pp.

Pike

(Morals
present

Dogma,
terest in-

76, yy),
in
"

humanity
he

at

them. the

To

ancients,"
from the of

"

says, To

it

[the
us,
as

light]
to

was

an

outflowing
the

Deity.
truth and of
we

them,
To

it
us,

is

apt

symbol upward

knowledge.
the Soul
as

also, the

journey
; but comes,

through

the
as

Spheres
they
and have

is

symbolical
the soul it goes belief

are

little informed it has its

whence whither
some

where

origin,
to

after and

death.
some
men

They

endeavored upon

faith,

creed,
are

those
to

points.
think that and
to

At

the in is

present

day,
to

satisfied

nothing
the soul

regard
a

all that, and

only
from before

to

believe

something
whether No
or one

separate

the

body

out-living it, but inquire


the
nor care.

existing
asks
out

it, neither
it emanates

whether of

from

Deity,
like the

is

created and
200

nothing,
of

or

is of

generated

body,

the

issue

the

souls

202

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

of

the

ancient

sages;

lay firmly in
doctrine

foundations Divine the

of Masonic

heart the your that the soul is of a


a

Nature; that it originatedin


it is
an

sphere nearer
it; that it

Divinity;that
to

emanation

from

will return

be

re-absorbed from
to

into it after

death;
be

that

it must
is in

be

purged
with

sin ; that sin cannot mortal sin

avoided,
the
a

fact,connatural
the

existence, since,by
becomes,
Admit
as

soul's union

body,

it were,

part of its substance; that sin is hence


the
a

attributable to
all this without

body

and of

not

to

the soul.

word

proof,

and

Masonry

will build

wide, and
soul? Pike of

deep, and high, on your Masonic What, therefore, is the Masonic


On 570 of his Morals page denies in plain terms that He that had and
we can

credulity. theory of the Bro. Dogma,


form asserted
can

any
on

idea

the immaterial. page would


seem

already
the he
"

only

material
must

the ceding preexist. It

therefore

that

that the soul is material.


to

Nor

form

in

ourselves," he says
idea of that which
to

hold consistently the capacity have we (Morals and Dogma, is immaterial. We

p.
use

570), "any
the and and
to

word, but it conveys

absence

Space
to
us
"

only the idea of the negation of materiality vanishing, ; which Time alone, infinite and boundless, seem
us

be left."

Our

is," he says again (Morals greatest difficulty


p.
our

and
to

Dogma,

569),
.

"that

language
our

is not words

adequate
refer
to

express things, and material.

ideas ; because

are

images
use

of

what
'

is substantial
our

and

If

we

the word
'to

emanation,'

mind

recurs involuntarily

out

of

some

reject the
emanation

something material, flowing other thing that is material; and if we idea of materiality, nothing is left of the but an unreality. The word thing itself
'
'

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

203 the

suggests

to

us

that

which

is material

and

within

of the senses. If we cut jurisdiction from it the idea of materiality, it presents itself away to us as which no thing,but an intangible unreality, the mind and Existence vainly endeavors to grasp. that have the same color of maBeing are terms teriality; and when we Force, or speak of a Power the mind immediately images to itself one physical and material Eliminate thing acting upon another. that idea ; and the Power or Force, devoid of physical the shadow that unreal as as characteristics, seems dances absence of light;as on a wall, itself a mere is to us merely that which is not matter." spirit Confounding, as Bro. Pike does, the intellect with the imagination, he stumbles around blindly in all directions. We cannot imagine an immaterial being any
more

cognizance and

than, with

the

object proportionedto and fancy, is material.


intellect.
of

eye, we each of Not


can

can

see

one.

The

the

faculties,sight
with the the realms

so,
soar

however,

With

this We

we can

beyond
the

the sensible.

know

virtues

in themselves,

kindness. We can honesty,justice, ize, generaland know e. can g. humanity in general. We is possible: what could what but never know exist', will exist. We existed nor can know, even according
to
can our

author, the infinite. No


these for

mere

material

sense

have

object.
order and

The soul

intellect is of another alone. in form Pike and and

inherent
words words
"

in the ative negtive nega-

confounds,
in positive

moreover,

negative in sense,
sense.

with

in form

To

say

he did

nothing
untruth.
not

"

is

quite different
forms

from

Both

contain It is true

purelynegative.

saying he told an but both are a negation, the soul. that, logically,

204

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

according to
we

Bro. it is

Pike, should
an

be

material, since, as

shall see, is
"
"

emanation

from all

which

extended

through

Very Deity space," contracts


"

the

itself," emits
is

parts of its substance."


such the modifications. Brother wheel But

Matter be
not

alone
tonished as-

subject

to

should when

completelyaround
a

it suits his purpose, inform that us

and, without
the soul of

word

of

planation, ex-

man

is immaterial.

"

In

the

Beginning," he

Universe was p. 582), "the The and All, alone with Time

says but

(Morals
One

and

Dogma,
He
was as

Soul. and
'

Space

Infinite

they.
whose And mind
"
"

He
. . .

had be my

this

Soul lo! !
"

shall with

Thought : image, and

I Create he
a

man,

shall

rule.'

Man,
yet

senses,

instinct,and
he

reasoning
but
an an

And that

not

Man

"

continues,
Infinite the

"

mal ani-

breathed, and

saw,

and
own

thought :
Soul:

until

material im-

spark
the the Immortal! is

from

God's became

Being
and of

brain, and Man;


reasons

penetrated lo, Man

Thus,
that
sees

threefold, fruit
and hears is in and loves and

God's

thought,
thinks

feels;that
with

and

; that

harmony
man;
man:

the Universe." Here sensitive for all is


a

therefore
man,

we

have

the
man,
as man

threefold
the divine

the

the

rational in
as

yet,

that,Man,
animal. And
"

much

in the in
senses,

mere

I create
man

image of God, image, said my


instinct and
a an

God.

behold
"

with

reasoning
that It is the man's

mind

and
saw,

yet
and

not

Man

! but

animal

breathed, and

spark

from

God's

is ray separable and distinct soul.

This

thought," says Bro. Pike. own Being that is properly tirely something, therefore, enfrom the

sensitive

and

FREEMASONRY
rational
soul of

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

205

fore thought beit. Man, consequently, even receiving thinking and reasoning is, according to our author, only an animal; even thinking and reasoning,his actions are not such only by trulythose of man, for they become the reception of the spark of the Divinity. Ah! reason! reason! You that Masonry pretends
man;
man

for

felt and

to

make

and

dethroned you are placed in the rank of brutes, when it suits the purposes of the Craft ! You do not constitute man, man.
so
a principle;

much

of, behold

how

It is another distinct
our

direct
our our

ray

from

the

Deity,

from and

you,

that

enters

brain
brain the

and

becomes

soul:

this will leave

leave

if you you to constitute, before. as the ray moral


cannot

can,

again; and mal breathinganiThe

And

effects
sin. The

of

this

doctrine? do

Divine
A
mere

Deity

cannot

breathing animal, on the other morally responsible. Man, indeed, is responsible; and that which but he is responsible as stitutes conman; sinless. But him is Divine, and hence man,
more

wrong. hand, is not

of this later.

Conformably, therefore, to this Divine theory of its union with the body. the soul, it existed before of souls, as pure This opinion of the pre-existence
"

and

celestial

substances, before
on

their union which

with

our

(Morals and Dogma, Rabbi, is one of great antiquity. A modern p. 440), Ben Israel,says it was Manasseh always the belief of who It was that of most philosophers the Hebrews. therefore the immortality of the soul: and admitted it was ; for, as Lactantius taught in the Mysteries says. that the soul possible they could not see how it was
says Bro.

bodies, to put from Heaven,"


"

and

animate

they

descend

Pike

2o6

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE*

HUMAN

SOUL

should

exist

after

the

body,
was

if it had
not

not

existed

fore be-

independent of that doctrine was The of the body. same adopted by the of learned of the Greek most Fathers, and by many the Latins: and it would probably prevaillargelyat themselves the present day, if men troubled to think the this subject at all, and to inquire whether upon soul's immortalityinvolved its priorexistence." held that the Some he continues, philosophers," soul was incarcerated in the body, by way of punishment How for sins committed by it in a prior state. soul's unconsciousness they reconciled this with the same of any such prior state, or of sin committed there,
it,and
if its nature
"
"

Others held appear. will, sent the soul to inhabit does


not

that the

God, of his

mere

body.
held

The
that

Kabthere

alists united
are

the

two

opinions. They
Aziluth,

four
; the

worlds,
world

Aziath

Briarth, Jezirath, and of emanation, that of creation, that


world
;
one

of forms, and

the material the

above

and
as

more

perfect than
their them. the
own

other, in that order, both


and
are

regards
inhabit

nature

that

of

the

beings who
the world

All

Souls

in originally

Aziluth,
pure and it without

Supreme Heaven, abode of God, and of immortal who descend from spirits. Those
fault of their own,
a

by

God's

order,
from

are

divine

which fire, and

of

matter,

them preserves them restores to Those world

giftedwith the contagion


as soon as

Heaven

their their

mission
own

is ended. from

who
to

descend

through

fault, go

world, insensibly

losing their love of Divine things, and their selfAziath, contemplation; until they reach the world weight. This is a pure Plafallingby their own tonism, clothed with the images and words peculiarto
the Kabalists."

FREEMASONRY To
was
a

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

207 there of

read

Bro.

Pike,

one

should learned

imagine that
Greek

consensus

of the most of the

Fathers

the Church
the

fact
an

held

of souls,when pre-existence is emphatically the contrary. Origen alone opinion reprobated and condemned by the
not
one

in favor

rest; and

Latin

Father

ever

shared

it.

How

quent trustworthy Bro. Pike is, may be gleaned from frenature! The specimens of the same bility impossiof understanding the after immortality of the soul independently of an immortalitypreceding,is absurd for Bro. Pike, who holds that every thought, every ages
we

will, every
once

action

will Does

subsist

throughout

the

that it exists.

he hold that the

thought
we

now

have, the action

which, for the first time,

now

the

from perform pre-existed eternity? If he does, absurdityof one theory will be the best refutation

of the other. And what


"

yet with
a

all this

and pre-existence of the Divine in man," "what He and

Divinity,
in man! he

sorry

If there be and
more

picturehe nothing of
Dogma,
some

draws

the Divine p.

asks,
fault in

(Morals
all,but
or
a

857), animal? intelligent


beast
a

is he, after hath


no

vice

which
he

hath of
a

not;

therefore

higher order; and he which hath hardly any moral excellence,perhaps none, the animal hath not in as great a degree even some and excellent of these,such as generosity, more fidelity magnanimity." Bro. Pike, we confess, has a queer way of arriving he says, with at the divine in man. Compare man, animals who are considered his inferiors. Weigh vices In vices, against vices and virtues against virtues. his superiors and in virtues, the beasts are his equals, : Inbe something divine in man. therefore there must
"

his vices

is but

beast

2o8

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

stead the

of

proving

the

divine, dear
of

Brother, you
man a worse

prove better

beast; and
As
says

instead

proving
him above

to

be
one.

animal, you
"

manifestly make
matter

the

is far and

pur

he the

again {Morals
Genesis

Dogma,
that

comprehension," and in p. 858),


"

Hebrew the

the

words

are

used

to

press ex-

and word
we or or

with
'

origin of things are equal propriety may


'

of uncertain be
'

meaning,
'

translated

generated,' produced,' made,' or the Soul whether need not dispute or debate emanated that has be a Spirit of man ray flowed the Supreme forth from or Intelligence,
the Infinite Power hath called each from

by the created,'

whether

ence into exist-

nothing, by
it with

mere

exertion

of Its

will,and

endowed
unto

the Divine
man

and with intelligence like immortality, it may : for, in either case Intelligence the Divine is united
to the

be said that in Of the


"

Human. within

this union

the
a

equilateral Triangle inscribed


Soul, Plato
of

Square
We
see

is

Symbol."
said," he continues,
from the which
"

see

the

as sea

men

the statue it had

Glaucus, recovered
many
"

wherein
was

years not to discern easy, if possible, nature, its limbs having been

partly worn
of the waves,
to

viewing, it what its origwas inal partly broken and and by defacement changed, by the action and shells,weeds, and pebbles adhering
it
more

lain

it,so

that

resembled
was

some

strange

monster

t'han that which Even


so,

it

when
see

it left its Divine

Source.

he

said, we
it.

the

Soul, deformed
it

by
hath

numerabl in-

things that
and ROYAL defaced

have But

done the

harm, have
who him

lated mutithe

Mason

SECRET,
love what of with

can

also with

beholding its

wisdom,
is divine

from argue, its tendency toward sociation as-

and

immortal,

its

larger

210

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

lifeless

mass

of

effete matter,

fitted

only

for

rapid

decay."
Yet
as

defaced it may is certain


to us,

and

degraded
mire is Pike
no

in the
:

low the soul may be ; walof vice, of one thing Bro.


as

Pike

there

Hell.

In

manifestingthis
same

doctrine
a

Bro.

will at the

time

reveal

literary discovery.
"

Commentaries the Divine

and

studies

have

been

multiplied

Comedy, the work of Dante," he says (Morals and Dogma, p. 822), and yet no one, so far know, has pointed out its especialcharacter. as we
upon
"

The

work

of the great Ghibellin is bold

declaration of the

of

war

Mysteries. is Johannite and Gnostic, an audaThe Epic of Dante cious like that of the Apocalypse, of the application, of the Kabalah to the Christian figures and numbers dogmas, and a secret negation of everything absolute in these dogmas. His journey through the supernatural is accomplished like the initiation into the worlds He from Mysteries of Eleusis and Thebes. escapes the gulf of Hell over the gate of which the sentence of despair was of written, by reversingthe positions the direct hrs head and feet, that is to say, by accepting oppositeof the Catholic dogma ; and then he reascends to the light, by using the Devil himself as a monstrous ladder. Faust ascends the to Heaven, by steppingon head of the vanquished Mephistopheles. Hell is impassable for those know how not to turn only who it. We free ourselves from its bondage by back from audacity." Bro. Pike, but the kind of audacity It is not audacity, that will free us from Hell. It is not the audacity which feet where head consists in putting our our should be and vice versa, but keeping our head and

against the Papacy, by

revelation

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

211

feet should and you


not

in

proper be, thus

not

position as God intended followingour nature as God Kabbalistically reversingit. It is


to

that

they purposed,
than
are

worse

think

go

head

foremost

into

Hell.

You

afterwards to get a chance to reverse likely your position. We praisea reasonable audacity;we blame The is far too importmatter unreasoning rashness. ant to be settled by a careless shrug of the shoulders or Our a sneer. or Hell, thought does not make Heaven than our our thought does not destroy them, any more of ourselves or or thought makes destroysthe reality of hold and the the Death

world

around but

us.

Christian
comes

Scientists
to

may
one,

contrary;
reaps

sickness
among earth

every

his harvest

those is not

who

deny his

existence; immortality on
our mere

belief that

we

shall live

dependent on forever happy here.


sustain
a

Weigh
belief

well the motives, then, which

similar

life beyond the portalsof the tomb. i-egarding doctrine of Masonry in regard to the soul is, The (Morals and therefore, succinctly put by Bro. Pike is immortal; Soul of Man Dogma, p. 533): "The the result of organization, nor an not aggregate of succession of phemodes of action of matter, nor a nomena but an and and Existence, one perceptions; a identical, a spark of the Great Central livingspirit, Light, that hath entered into and dwells in the body; to God therefrom at death, and return to be separated vanish at death, or who gave it : that doth not disperse like breath
or a

smoke,

nor

can

be annihilated ; but still

and even as intelligence, activity possesses it existed in God, before it was enveloped in the body."

exists and

This

was

the

doctrine

of

the

Gnostics

and
our

it is

given in a little more {Morah and Dogma,

p.

general 248) :
"

form

by

author from
the

Emanation

212

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

Deity

beings, progressive degeneration spiritual emanation of these beings from to emanation, of all to the return purity of redemption and
of all

the

Creator;
condition

and, after
of in all, of

the

re-establishment
a

of

the

primitive harmony
divine the fundamental

all,

fortunate of God

and
; such

truly
were

the bosom

teachingsof Gnosticism." How and consolatoryall this is to human flattering who does there is no one passion and human frailty, The see! not question, however, is not this. The It is not hard to frame question is : Is it true? tems syssubservient to our more even appetites;but the approval of our lower nature is no guarantee of truth. sin and admits Bro. Pike admits the need of purifying
the soul. He has
not

yet, however,
were

told

us

the it in

process of the Shock


"

We purification. of Entrance understand. is to


"

indeed
we were

taught

but

simple then,

and
"

did not There


"

not p. 23, extinction an


a

be," says Mackey's Masonic Ritualist, simply a change for the future, but also
of the

past; for initiation is,as


and
a

it were,
new

death

to

the world it
was

resurrection

to

life.
same

And word death


new
"

hence

that among the old Greeks the both to die and to be initiated. signified
to

But
a

him

that

believes

in

immortality is only
"

birth."

Initiation," says Bro.

Pike,

was

considered

to

be

mystical death; a descent into the infernal regions, where and the stains and imperfections every pollution, evil life were of a corrupt and purged away by fire and water the perfect Epopt was then said to be ; and ence existregenerated, new-born, restored to a renovated of life,light and. purity; and placed under the Divine Protection." {Morals and Dogma, p. 373.)
a

FREEMASONRY
What

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

213

Initiation is in Christianity, Masonry ; nay it is more the bap: for in Christianity, tized soul may, by its own be lost ; in Masonry, fault, the regenerated soul begins its immortal life.
"

Baptism

is in

Thus Pike

earth, which

binds

many

in

chains," says

Bro. Mason

both

(Morals and Dogma, p. 144), "is to the the starting-place and goal of immortality.
in the rubbish of dull
cares

Many

it buries

vanities ; but to the Mason

it is the and

wearying of loftymount

and

meditation, where
are

Heaven,

and Infinity,

To spread before him and around him. minded, the pure, and the virtuous, this life is the beginningof Heaven, and a part of immortality." To read this passage of Bro. Pike one would imagine Mason the busied continually,like some hoary anchorite of the desert, in deep meditation the on truths of eternity; but the poeticfaculty was at times strong within the Brother, and tinged with romance His his serious writings. sonic even standing as a Ma"

Eternity the lofty-

author

and

historian," says

Bro.

McClenachan

withal as a (Encyclopedia, p. 993), "and poet, is and his untiring zeal is without most a distinguished, parallel." man Such is the doctrine of Masonry touching the huA doctrine split soul: divided among up and as drous wondegrees,and manifested, littleby little, many when find it with wisdom he can to the initiate, less labor and in beautiful

clearness

and

order

in the

(Funk " Wagnalls Co.) Vol. Encyclopcedia Cabala." Ill, p. 476, under the word The psychology of the Cabala," says the author connected of the article, is closely with its metaphysical
"
"

Jewish

"

doctrines.
man

As

in the

Talmud
sum

so

in the the

Cabala,

is

as represented

the

and

highestpro-

214 duct

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

of

Creation.
in the but
man

The

very

organs

of

his
to

constructed wisdom:

mysteries according

only the garment,


man

is the soul; for proper the covering in which the true

body are the highest the body is


inner

soul is threefold, The being composed appears. Nefesh of Nefesh, "Ruah and Neshamah; corresponds
to

the

Asiyyatic world,
to

Ruah

to

the

Yeziratic, and animal,


sitive sen-

Neshamah

the Beriatic.

Nefesh

is the

in man, and as such is in immediate principle touch with the body. Ruah ture represents the moral na; being the seat of good and evil,of good and evil towards Neshamah or desires, according as it turns is pure Nefesh. Neshamah spirit intelligence, pure the incapableof good or evil; it is pure divine light, climax of soul-life. The genesisof these three powers of the soul

is, of

course,

different.

Neshamah Ruah Nefesh from from from this

Divine from Wisdom, directly Sefirah (emanation) 'Beauty;' and

proceeds the the

Sefirah,Malkut,
of the soul there the idea of the

'

Dominion.'

Aside

is also the individual

person seat in the heart.

body with the traits and the spirit of individually,


But
as

trinity principle ; that is belonging to each


Hfe which
two

has

its
no

these

last

elements of man,

longer form
are
"

nature part of the spiritual

they
soul mation for-

not

included

in the divisions of the soul."

The

Cabalists
as

explainthe
:

connection

between the

and

body
in

follows

All

souls

exist before

of the united bodies. the

body,
course

in the of of

suprasensibleworld, being time with their respective


the soul of

The

descent

into
the

the

body

is

necessitated
bound in the
to

by

the with
to

finite nature
the

former; it is

unite

Universe,
to

body in order to take its part of Creation, contemplate the spectacle


of itself and

become

conscious

its

and origin,

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

215

to finally

return, after

to the life,

having completed its tasks in inexhaustible fountain of lightand life in


ascends
to

God."
"

When
to

Neshamah

God,

Ruah

enters

Eden remains

enjoy
in peace

the
on

and pleasures of paradise, earth. This statement, of the

Nefesh

however,

applies only to the just. At Neshamah being stained with


that make until it has

the death

godless,
obstacles
; and

sins encounters
to

it difficult for it to return

its

source

returned, Ruah
no

Nefesh
with

finds

this view
on

on peace is the doctrine

Eden and not enter may earth. Closely connected of the

transmigration
stress.

of the soul order that

which
soul

the Cabala

lays great

In

the

have previously

it must to its source, return may full development of all its perreached fections If it has
one

in terrestrial life.

not

fulfilled this

condition
over

in the

course

of

life,it

must

begin

all

again in another body, continuing until it has Cabala added Lurianic to completed its task. The metempsychosisproper the theory of the impregnation souls do not feel equal to their of souls ; that is,if two body, so that they may tasks, God unites both in one support and complete each other, as, for instance, a do (compare and a blind one lame man conjointly may of the two souls the fable in Sanh. 91a, b). If one needs aid, the other becomes, as it were, its mother, ^ bearing in its lap and nourishing it." in full in order to give We have quoted the passage
our

readers in

clear and

connected

view

of Kabbalistic

doctrine
to

ing soul,without intendregard to the human assert that Masonry accepts the theory in every
also Die

Cfr. tik und


1

Kabbalah.

1903,

Geheimwissenschaft. pp. 63, sqq.

Einfiihrung in die jiidischeMysBischoff. Dr. Erich Von Leipzig,

2i6

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

detail.
shown

That
from
to

it the

accepts the

main

points, we
Pike.
no

have do
not

writingsof
more,

Albert
we

We
to

intend
more.

assert

for

have

time

prove

The

soul,therefore, of
an

man,

in the
from

is illumination, Divine fire, and the human

emanation

hence

itself Divine

lightof Masonic God, a spark of the ters en; a spark which


the human from soul.
reason,
quently, conse-

brain and
reason,

constitutes and

This which

soul

is above
to

distinct
man.

belongs
is not

the
true

animal

Reason,

either as regards guide of man, truth or as regards morality is man in ; for man This virtue of his Divine principle and not of reason. Divine part of man, however, entering into the brain and unitingitself to the three other parts of the living in man, ferior or more principle properly,the three other inviz : the lowest soul by which livingprinciples, of and soul or feels, the middle man sees principle becomes filed deaffection,the higher soul or intelligence, Sin becomes, as it were, by union with matter.
the
"

part of its substance."


to return to

From it must

this be

defilement, in
freed. There
a

order here
two

its source,

And
are

is the inestimable ways back


to the

benefit of Divine of the

Masonry.
One

source.

short and

the elect, by enlightened, and of the inner a purification of Divine man; initiation, by which all the pollutions the past are washed and the Children of light," away, leads directly which the lightof the Kabbala to the Primitive and Eternal Light, begin their immortal istence exmediatel that at death the Divine secure spark will imreturn to its source, and the lower principles of life be at rest on earth. The other way is a long in another of purification and difficult way life, by

flowery way, the which initiation,

way is

"

2i8

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

What
of
"

do

you

reallyknow

and certainty, In the in first the

Mysteries? Little much of mere theory. place, I contend," says Dr. Mackey,
of the earliest truths ages of the world there

"

that

very certain

were

existent and

welfare

happiness of
"

communicated

no

matter

importance to the had been humanity, which how, but, most probably,
of vast God
to
"

by
"

direct These

from inspiration

man."

"

consisted principally in the abstract propositions of the unity of God and the sonry, immortality of the soul." {Symbolism of Freemap. 12).

truths," he continues,

"

No

matter

how
from

"

: us

yes,
our

Doctor, it
here and

matters
our

much

how. in return

You

ask

hereafter,

for Masonic

how

identityof
not

enlightenment ; it matters thing everyMasonry obtained it. Though you claim with the pagan mysteries,you do purpose
from them. You

claim

descent

know
own

that

these

mysterieswere
under worth

communicated that them. it


was

oath, and
to

like your than more

to initiates
was

their life

reveal

So, Noel

quoted by
"

secret

tells us. you, ceremonies which and whose


were

{Diet,de la Fable), Mysteries, he says, were were practisedin honor of


secret
was

certain initiates and


was

gods,

known

to

the

alone, who
to

admitted

only
than

after

long
member, Reselves our-

painful trials,which
worth

it

was

more

their life

reveal."

{Encydopcedia,p. 513).
are

Doctor, that you

not

as

fortunate the

as

having books like your initiates, own,


in of
so

written and

for Bro.

instruction

of

Pike's, and

those
you

other Masonic authors. And many yourselfin the clearest of terms confess.
"

this

And

then, for the pre-historic era,"


"that which

you

cyclopcedia, p. 297),

connects

say it

{En[Ma-

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

219

mysteries of the pagan world, and with the old priestsof Eleusis, Samothrace, or of Syria, let us honestly say that we now no longer treat of Freemasonry under its present organization, which know did not exist in those days, but of a we science peculiar, and peculiar only,to the Mysteriesand to Freemasonry, science which call Masonic a we may symbolism, and which constituted the very heartblood of the ancient and the modern and institutions, of form, a dissimilarity gave to them, while presenting of spirit." an identity lowing attention to the folNow, kind reader, pay special
" "

sonry]

with

the

admissions:
"

And the

then, in showing the connection


germ of

and

in tracing

Freemasonry in those pre-historic days, although we shall be guided by no documents, and shall have no authentic spoken or written narratives shall find fossil thoughts emwhich to rely, on we balmed ing in those ancient intellects precisely like the livwhich in modern out ones Masonry, and crop which, like the fossil shells and fishes of the old physical formations of the earth, show by their resemblance of the to livingspecimens, the graduated connection past with the present."
Is it
our

on

such
our

uncertainties
eternal

soul and

that you ask us to stake future ? tain Mysteries of uncer-

at best, of uncertain origin? Mysteries,consequently, only through authority? Mysteries known fossil thoughts embalmed (we are not told why fossils were embalmed) in ancient intellects? Pride indeed be flattered by fancying itself the elect; passion may be flattered by pooh-poohing the idea of Hell; may be humbled reason by denying its right to be may in spite will still, nature the guide of man ; but human

220

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

HUMAN

SOUL

"

of

all, loudly
seeks

and

persistently
Truth better that it the

protest

that the

the human than values

man

who

sincerely
will have of will
not

Divine

regarding
substantiated
who such

soul,
the his trine docsoul and

something Masonry;
abandon

man

recklessly

to

uncertainties

absurdities

as

these.

CHAPTER American

XI

Freemasonry

and

the

Bible

If

any

one

of

our

readers
cannot

has have has

ever

glanced

over

Masonic
the and

ritual, he

but that he

been found

impressed
to

by
in

frequent
the
a

references

the
seems,

Bible,

deep
of

respect

professed
"

for

it.

It says

fact,
Masonic

part

Masonry.
"

A
an

Lodge,"

Mackey's
of Masons and

Ritualist,

p. 47,

is the
or

assemblage

duly congregated, Compasses, authorizing


Nor and them
a

having
Charter
to

Holy
Warrant

Bible, Square,
of

Constitution

work."
on

is this

all; for

the

next
us

page
"

we

have

the

following assemblage
be that
'

information
of and

afiforded

Every
for

lawful
will

Masons,

duly congregated
constituted
when

work,
It is the

just

legally
form

Lodge.'
it contains
and when

just,

is, regular and


number
to

orderly,
a

site requiBible,

quorum,
are

the

Square
The p. 34.

and

Compasses
of
the

present."
in the

purpose
"

Bible
is

Lodge
to
us as

is told
the
our

us

on

The
our

Holy

Bible

given
to

rule

and

guide
and

of the

faith; the
to

Square
with

square
our

actions;
and
more

Compasses
in

circumscribe
all

desires but the


our

passions
is the

due

bounds
Brother

mankind,
and hence of

especially
God;
the
to
our

with

Masons;
the

Bible
to

light

which

enlightens
that which
; and
our

path

duty path
that

Square
the

enlightens
the

the

of

duty

fellow-men

Compasses,
to

which

enlightens Again,

path

of

duty
is

ourselves."
to
"

on

p. 54,

the

Bible
221

presented

us.

The

222

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

Lodge," we are informed, consists of a Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. The Holy Bible is dedicated to God ; and the ; the Square to the Master The Bible is dedicated to Compasses to the Craft. God, because it is the inestimable giftof God to man, * * * 1 ^-he Square to the Master, because it is the
furniture of
a

"

proper

Masonic
to

emblem

of

the

office;and
due

the

passes Com-

the
are

Craft, because

by
due

attention

to their

use,

they

taught

to

circumscribe

their desires

and

keep their passionswithin Passing on to p. 60, we


from asserted and
as

bounds."
a

find in
one

foot note

tion quota-

Dr.

Oliver, in which

of the similarities Ancient Tabernacle


"

existing between
Masonic God's Ark is of

the

modern

Lodges
revealed the

is that in the former will and law and


was

the posited de-

sacred

roll of in the

Covenant,"
a

that

"

the
our

same

holy record Lodges." But Masonry


open Bible upon ; it would

placed in
content

conspicuouspart merely
with

of

is not

the placing
blages assem-

its altar in the secrecy of its make of its an open profession Bible

respect

by bearing the
Turn
to pp.

overtlyin

its solemn

143-144

of the Masonic of

processions. and you Ritualist,


in the After

will find the order


consecration and

processionto
of
a new

be observed
new

dedication

lodge.
"

the members
the
"

of the

lodge and immediately preceding the Holy Worshipful Masters," are

Writings
not

carried

by

the oldest More

or

some

suitable
on

ber, mem-

in office." find the

than

this, lower
for theBible
"

page

during A the of consecration." platform is ceremony and provided with seats erected in front of the pulpit for the Grand officers. The Holy Bible, Square,and
144,
we

place set apart

"

These

asterisks

are

Mackey's,

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

223

placed upon a table in front of the Grand Master ; the Lodge is then placed in the centre, upon the platform,covered with white satin or linen, and encompassed by the three
are

Compasses,and

Book

of Constitutions

tapers and
In the
"

the vessels of corn, wine, and oil." the " Worshipful to charge that is made
elect
on

Master

his induction notice.


"

into office, the Bible

is

ance observBy a diligent your Lodge, the constitutions of which Masonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, are given as a rule and guide of your faith,you will be and reputation, enabled to acquityourselfwith honor and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall continue where time will be no more (Ritualist p. 159). In the charge to the Grand Chaplain (p. 190) the Bible is brought prominently forward The : which you have chosen for your lot in life is profession the best guarantee that you will discharge the duties and of your present appointment with steadfastness in well-doing. The Holy Bible, that perseverance great lightof Masonry, we entrust to your care." St. John's the publicprocessionon In placeswhere the various items day is held (p.202), we find among velvet the Bible, Square and Compasses on a crimson cushion carried by an aged Master Mason, supported is by two deacons, with their staves ; and the same to be procession on prescribed page 204 for the solemn Masons made when lay the foundation stone of public
" ^ " "

again brought to our of the by-laws of

"

"

"

structures.

Even holds when

at

the dedication

of

Masonic

halls the

Bible

the

same

placein
"

the hall has been


near

put in its place,


Bible open, and

procession(p. 217) ; and reached and the Lodge has b^en with the it stands a pedestal,
the and compasses

the square

laid thereon ;

224 and

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

upon

another

the pedestal, the Master

Book

of Constitutions."
to

The for

Bible

follows

Mason

the

only a
"

Master No

Mason

is entitled to
can

Masonic with

grave, ment. inter-

Freemason
.

be interred unless
.

the formalities received

of the Order
.

he has

the
can

Master's be
no

degree;

and

from

this restriction

there

solemn

In that exception." (Ritualist, p. 230). function we passes find the Bible, Square, and Com"

on

blue

velvet

cushion

covered of the

with

black
"

cloth, carried by the oldest member

lodge

(p.

gives us the rules for the Bible's place Masonic when enter processions publicbuildings. In the Bible, Square, and Compasses, enteringpublicbuildings, and the Book of Constitutions to be placed are
240
"

231)Page

in front and

of the Grand Deacons

Master, and
must

the

Grand

Marshal

Grand

keep
Past
on

near

him." adorn left-hand page page


we

The
The real
" "

implements
an

of

Master whose

307.
we

first is

open and

book
on

Ezekiel,"
XX."

whose

right-hand

read

naturallytake the book for the Bible. The following is the accompanying explanation. The Book of the Law, that great light in Masonry, will guide you to all truth; it will direct your path to the temple of happiness and point out to you the whole The duty of man. Square teaches us to regulateour actions by rule and line,and to harmonize conduct of morality and virtue. our by the principles The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station; that rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted." Listen even to what a seems plain avowal of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. It was at the Burning Bush," we are told on p. 361, that Moses Chap.
"

We

"

"

226

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

(p. 159) ; it is of the Grand that Chaplain as put into the hands (p. 190) ; it will guide the great lightof Masonry direct his path to the temMason to all truth ; it will ple of happiness, and point out to him the whole duty of man at the burning bush ceived re(p. 307) ; Moses
no more
" " " "

continue

when

time

shall be

"

the
was

divine

commission,
Pentateuch

the

fulfilment

of

which

realized

in the
texts

than

this, Bible
the

an Ritualist,

(p. 361); and more scattered profuselythroughare out appropriatepassage being read
this of Masonry's presentation the Bible,as an unfair reveres
one

in each No claim

degree.
one

will

accuse

that it respects and


one.

It

is, on

the

contrary,
so

which

at

first the

sightseems
facts,so
the

unanswerable,
and many Doubtless
ear

and many seemingly orthodox here expression and

publicare
are

the

ments. sentistrikes

an as

there

Christian

strange.

"

The

Holy
"

Bible

is

given to us as the rule and guide of our faith; the actions ;" the Bible Square to square our the path of our is the lightwhich enlightens duty to God; the Square, that which enlightensthe path of (p. 34). These expressions duty to our fellow-men sound to limit strange to Christian ears, for they seem the sphere of Bible influence. To the Christian,the Bible is not only the rule of faith, but of action also; the path of our it enlightens duty not only to God, but and that of our to ourselves. duty to our fellow-men restricted light. Another It is a universal, not a theory that strikes the listener as strange is that the Bible should be proposed as a rule of Masonic faith
. . .

"

when
creed

"

belief in God
.

constitutes
.
.

the

sole he is

of

Mason

"

at

least the

only

creed

that

obliged to profess" (p. 44).

But

aroused suspicions

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

227

are

soon

soothed
to

aptly

framed

tranquil slumber by sentences produce this very effect,and had we

into

the softness of Masonic nothing else to urge, those whom would still believe that phrase has captivated, Masonry was, in great part at least,misunderstood. Fortunatelywe have something else to set before
our

readers. To
one

unacquainted
mere

with

the

methods

of

sonry, Ma-

in

of the Bible in the Lodge or presence the reverent procession is enough to demonstrate for it ; he overlooks the is never found alone. the and Let Bible in

the

respect of Masonry
fact that the Bible
not

significant
He
never

realizes that it is
covered of

but the Bible itself, that is the

by

the square

compasses
him

object
on

Masonic

respect.

accept the truth

the

masonry authorityof Dr. Mackey in his Encyclopedia of Free(p.698) : the By an ancient usage of the Craft," he says, Book of the Law is always spread open in the Lodge. There else that is Masonic, is in this,as in everything is an appropriatesymbolism. The Book of the Law To close it would be to the Great Light of Masonry. from the rays of divine lightwhich emanate intercept it, and hence it is spread open to indicate that the Lodge is not in darkness, but under the influence of its But the Book of the illuminatingpower. In each degree there is not opened at random. Law allusion to the design whose are appropriate passages it of the degree, or to some part of its ritual,makes expedient that the book should be opened upon those sidered passages." Then after enumerating the passages conIn conclusion, it appropriatehe continues : their due that to give these passages be observed may IMasonic importance,it is essential that they should he
"

"

"

228

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

covered
square,

by
and

the

square
are

and

compasses.
to

The

Bible,
of sonry. Ma-

compasses They are said of


our

significant symbols
allude the

to

acteristic peculiarcharThe Bible the

ancient the

Grand
of

Masters.

is emblematic

of

wisdom

King Solomon;

of Hiram square, of the power the skill of the Chief Builder. have further

; and

Some

the compasses, of Masonic writers

these symbols by supposing spiritualized of the them to symbolizethe wisdom, truth, and justice In any view Grand Architect of the Universe. they connected instructive and inseparably become portions of
must

the

true

Masonic

ritual

which,

to

be

understood,

together." (Ibid., p. 699.) Do want anything plainer? It is essential you that the Bible be covered by the square and compasses
be studied that these passages
are

may

receive

their due

Masonic

port. imof be

They
the
true

inseparably connected
Ritual and
to

portions
must
we

Masonic

be understood

studied
Bible
to

together.
Bible
as

It is not

therefore, as
Masonic

said, the
and them

in itself that is the Christian

objectof

respect, for
square
covers

the

revelation, the
Christian

essential ; no not are compasses with the square and compasses. But perhaps our author will

kindly inform

us

of the

meaning
Masonic

and compasses familiar in so square symbols, for thus only we shall be able to preciate apthe meaning of the Bible read in the lightof of He
turn

the

square and compasses. have the patience to

will,with
to

pleasure,if
"

you
"

the

word

Talisman

(Encyclopedia, p. 788-789.)
"

We

do

not

need," he says,
of

"

better

instance

of

this transmutation

Gnostic

talismans

into Masonic

symbols, by a gradual transmission through alchemy, mediaeval Rosicrucianism, and architecture,than a

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

229

plateto be Valentine,
"

Philosophorum of Basil who the Hermetic flourished philosopher, in the seventeenth century." This plate,"he continues, which is hermetic in its design,but is full of Masonic symbolism, represents a winged globe inscribed with a triangle within a and it reposes on a dragon. On the latter square, stands human a figure of two hands and two heads, surrounded and five stars repreby the sun, the moon, senting
found in the Azoth
"

the
a

seven

planets. One
a

of the heads The


a

is that of

male

the other, of

female.

hand

attached
; that to

to

the male

part of the figureholds


a

compass compass that these

the
tributed dis-

female,

square.
seem

The
me was

square
to

and

thus

to

indicate
to

phallic meaning
there
was

attached

a originally symbols, as

to

the

point within
in the

the circle, which of the

in this The

plate also,
compass

appears

centre

globe.

by the male figurewould represent the and the square held by the male generative principle, quent subsefemale, the female productive principle. The and given to the combined interpretation square
held compass
was

the the

transmutation

from

the

Hermetic

talisman Where

to

Masonic

Pike (Morals Mackey and Dogma, pp. 850, 851), in his instructions to the of the Thirty-secondDegree, will continue. Brethren You at the beginning of this reading ter] [chapsee old Hermetic he says, an Symbol, copied from furt, of Valentinus, printed at FrankMateria Prima the in 161 3, with a treatise entitled Azoth. Upon it tained a see Triangle upon a Square, both of these conyou above this, standing upon in a circle; and a only,but two body, with two arms dragon, a human
Bro.
"
"

symbol." leaves off, Bro.

"

'

'

230

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

heads,
the

one

male head

and is the the

the

other and

female.

By
of the male

the the

side of female

male the

Sun,
crescent

by

that

head,
full
a

Moon,
And

within
on

circle of the side holds


a

moon.

the

hand

the the

that and on Compass, Square." The Earth, therefore, the


. . .

female

side,

"

great
as

Producer,
the Earth."
.

was

always represented as a female, Great, Bounteous, Beneficent Mother


"

Mother,
.

"

generative agents, the Heavens the Sun have and always been regarded as and male; as the generators that fructifythe Earth it to produce." cause The he continues, is the Hermaphroditic figure," Symbol of the double nature ancientlyassignedto the and and Producer, as Brahm Deity, as Generator the Aryans, Osiris and Isis among the Maya among male, so the Moon was Egyptians. As the Sun was
" "

As

the

procreative and

female; and
Osiris. The

Isis

was

both

the

sister and

the

wife

of

Compass,

therefore, is the
the

Hermetic
of the

Symbol of the Creative Deity, and productive Earth or Universe."


"

Square
the

From

the

Heavens,"

he

adds,
; from

"

come

spiritual
his
terial ma-

and

immortal and

portion of man mortal portion.


formed into his
man

the Earth

The

Hebrew dust

Genesis of the

says

that and

Yehovah

of the

Earth,
of life.

breathed

nostrils

the

breath

planetary spheres, represented by Through the seven the Mystic Ladder of the Mithriac Initiations,and it in his dream (not with three, by that which Jacob saw but with seven steps),the Souls, emanating from the bodies ; Deity, descended, to be united to their human and through those seven spheres they must re-ascend,

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

231 of the

to

return

to their

origin and

home

in the bosom

Deity." Compass, therefore, as the Symbol of the Heavens, represents the spiritual, intellectual,and moral portion of this double nature of Humanity ; and the Square, as the symbol of the Earth, its material, sensual, and baser portion." Read, therefore, kind reader, your Bible illumined the as by the Square and Compass, which are the same and you have the Masonic Bible, point within a circle,
but not
same,
"

The

the but

Christian.
what

The

material

book

may

be the

is the
Will have have

material

book,

by interpreted
respect and
on

such
reverence

symbols!
? We

Christians
seen

call this the very

how

letters

the

Cross
Bro. Cross is

of Pike

Christ

been

calls the Ancient


a

itself perverted into

perverted by those whom the Sages; we have seen sensual symbol ; such use
to

desecration; argument,

therefore,
but

be

valid must
use.

establish not

only Understanding
which
is
we

the use,
now

the Christian of

the

object

Masonic
and
not

ence, rever-

the

Masonic

Bible
over

the in the
not

Christian,
solemn

could

Masonic

easily pass if processions,


character
the

its presence

its very

place in
did

and the procession, throw new lightupon

of

its bearer,

subject.
The

And
the

first

as

to its
;

place.

Bible does
for the Bible

not
"

occupy Book of

place of

honor of

this is reserved

Constitutions"
comes

Masonry.

The

invariably

and, if at all in the procession, of the beginning; the Book Grand Lodge, it is near Lodge at the end of the Constitutions is in the Grand ter. Masand immediately precedes the Grand procession, of honor, MackThat this latter is the position
earlier in the

2^2

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

ey's Ritualist
post of
rear." him who

"The us: (p. 240), clearly informs honor in a Masonic processionis always in the Neither be caught by the venerable aspect of
carries the

Bible, for he
The the idol

is not of the of

the Craft

type of
is the

perfectionin Masonry. in strong, vigorous man the reproductivefaculties


old age, in

prime
race

life,in whom
their sway
;

of the

assert

passions are virtually dead or hastening to decay, is not the symbol of human sonry dignity to Masonry, but of human decrepitude. Matherefore makes quite other provisions for the
which
the sensual

bearer
"

of

its Book

of

Constitutions; for
"

instead

of

the oldest member of the lodge being (p. 200) ; "an son Ma(p. 217); "an aged Master aged Mason" Master (p. 217), etc., as for the Bible; it is the of the oldest lodge is its (p. 202, 204, 216) who
" "
"

bearer. for
no

This
man

makes

all the
"

difference
"

in

the

world,

in a lodge who Master to be eligible is beyond life's prime and incapableof Masonic work. Master of the oldest lodge is the person of The honor in Masonry, as the rear is the place of honor. The when covered Bible, even passes, by the square and com"

is

"

has But learn


are

the

worst

of it in both of

respects.
say when

what

will the friends is the


no more

Masonry
sacred the
to

they
than any

that theBible the

Masonry
or

Koran,
of any

Vedas,

Zendavesta
that

sacred

what religion it may ? What becomes of all those fair phrases about the Bible, the inestimable ;" the giftof God to man rule and guide of faith enlighteningthe path of our roll of God's the sacred revealed duty to God ;"
" " "

book

other

be religion,

will ; of

"

that

which

will enable

"

us

to

lay

up

crown
no

which rejoicing

will continue

when

time

will be

234

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

trestle-board,so
endeavor

should
to

to the rules and

operativeand speculative, erect our spiritual building agreeably designslaid dowrn by the Supreme
we,

both

Architect and

Universe, in the great books of nature sonic revelation,which are our spiritual, moral, and Maof the trestle-board." Then follows the passage
we

have and

quoted, putting Koran, Bible, Vedas, Zendavesta,


all other
as

so-called

sacred of

books,

on

perfectequality
man.

manifestations
says

the

Deity
it

to

What
; the

Masonry
the for faith each each

of the

Bible, it says of each


for is "a the rule

in turn

respect it professes for the Bible


reverence

professesfor each;
Bible, it manifests
for the Mason's
to to
man

it manifests Each
"

all.

in the

turn

;" each
"

inestimable

gift of
revealed

God

will
"

the path light roll of

of the Mason's

duty

God

;" ;"

is the

God's

will," etc., etc.,

for equallyappliedto all. Such praiseand reverence the Bible is mockery. Imagine a critic who would bestow equal praiseon obscure writer from Shakespeare to the most every in one of our dailies;a panegyristwho penny-a-liner has the same ter being, no mateulogiesfor every human how who merit is different in mind and

achievements;

an

artist

value when

equallyin raptures and discovers equal artistic in a masterpieceby Raphael and in a rude charcoal sketch by a country bumpkin; and tell me what their praise and reverence, set upon you would and eulogize a favorite they profess to revere
or a

poet of yours, revelation, when


divine.
"

statue,

or

historic

character!
as as

No divine

revelation, it is evident, is reallyrevered


all revelations
are

revered

equally
no

But
revere

you.

hold, then," it will be said,


the Christian

"

that
we

sons Ma-

Bible; and

this

know

by

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

235

experienceto

we Softly! we answer, have said no such thing. We are deahng here, as we have dealt throughout this book, with the Masonic well-instructed system; with esoteric,or Masonically

be

false."

members
as

of the Craft.

That

no

Mason

well-informed

of his Order, can, from a Christian principles the Bible as Divine, this chapter revere standpoint, will conclusively We ing attempt and assert nothprove. It is impossible for us to enter into a Mason's more. mind to find out justhow much how littlehe or knows that to beheve us obliges ; and Christian charity he rather knows less than
more.

to the

From

what

Dr.

Mackey says about the Christianization of Masonry {Encyclopcedia, p. 162), and from the fact that Oliver, Hutchinson, and the earlier English ritualists were such Christianizers,it is not hard to imagine how sincere Protestants,English and American, may many for they went have been duped in the matter; to the Bible and not to the ancient pagan as mysteries, they for the interpretation should have gone {Ritualist, p. 41, etc.), the Blazing of Masonic symbols. Hence the Star of Masonry was as interpreted by Webb of the Star which appeared to guide the wise men Savior's nativity {Ritualist, East to the placeof our author, "this, which is one p. 56). "But," says our of the symbol, being of the ancient interpretations
" "

considered
to

as

too

sectarian

in its character, and

suitable un-

the universal

omitted

since the in

of Masonry, religion meeting of Grand Lecturers

has been
at

timore, Bal-

1842."
Grand
'

"In

1820, the
"

Lodge
not

resolved that Mackey, tests shall religious


or

says Dr. Main the first degrees of sonry of

Ohio,"

be

mission barrier to the ad-

advancement

of

professa

belief in God

and

provided they applicants, his holy word ; and in


'

236

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

1854, the same that Masonry,


'

body adopted
as we

resolution
it from
our

declaring
fathers,

have

received

of the Holy Scriptures.' authenticity In 1845, the Grand Lodge of Illinois declared a belief in the authenticity of the Scripturesa necessary fication qualifor initiation. Although in Christendom very few Masons deny the divine authority of the Old and New Testaments; yet to require, as a preliminary to the declaration of such a belief,is directly in initiation, opposition to the express regulations of the Order, belief in God in demand which and, by implication, a the immortality of the soul as the only religious tests {Encyclopcedia, p. 698). On Encyclopcsdiaof Freemasonry p. 97 of the same teaches the divine
"

our
"

author A

touches

upon

the
"

same

matter.

belief," he

says,

in

the

authenticityof

the

Testaments as a ligious reScriptures of the Old and New of initiation, does constitute not qualification of the laws of Masonry, for such one a regulation would of the Institution, and destroy the universality under its action hone but But
a

Christians
in

could Grand of
a

become

for eligible of the Ohio

admission.
'

1856

the

Lodge
belief in

declared

that

distinct

avowal

divine

authority of

the

required of every one who of Masonry, and that a denial of the same is an offence cipline. against the Institution, calling for exemplary disIt is hardly necessary to say that the enunciation of this principle with the almost universal met of the Grand condemnation Lodges and Masonic ists jurThe Grand of this country. sequently Lodge of Ohio subrepealedthe regulation. In 1857, the Grand but the Lodge of Texas adopted a similar resolution;

Holy Scripturesshould be is admitted to the privileges

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

237

general sense
tests

of the
a

has rejected all religious fraternity

except

belief in God."

there may have been in the action sincerity of these Grand of judging. Lodges, we have no means It is hardly necessary to say," states author our (p. 97), "that the enunciation of this principle with met
"

What

the

almost

universal

condemnation

of

the

Grand

of this country." Hence Lodges and Masonic jurists the principle had for it came into to be abandoned, conflict with the universality of Masonry, which is For if Masonry were not Christian. tian simply a Christhe Jew and the Moslem, the Brahman institution, and the Buddhist, could not conscientiously partake of its illumination" Thus the {Encyclopcedia, p. 163). if sincere, had to be content to drop the lodges, even question of the authenticityof the Scriptures; and whether the Bible is open their altar,whether on they whatsoever or publiclycarry the Bible in procession, else they do with it, whatsoever orthodox-sounding into their ritual,we will not phrases they may weave into believingthat any word be deceived action of or theirs is a professionof Christian faith.
"

When

our

author

tells

us

that

"

few

Masons
the

in and plying im-

Christendom
New

deny they
not ten

the he

divine
must

authorityof
not

Old
as

Testaments,"
that
we

be understood
not not

affirm

such

authority. By
do

do
are

that

we

affirm
foolish

it.

We

We affirm. necessarily thousand old; years it. say nothing about

denying, deny
do
we are

neither
If

others

enough to attribute to us such a great age, the them. rests with We, on our part, deny responsibility We nothing ; we are silent. We don't believe it ; no. Neither do we don't affirm it ; no. deny it.

238
But of the

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

perhaps our
Bible made
texts

readers

would

like to

see

some

use

shall select two first is taken The

by Masonry in its Ritual. side by side. and place them


272, of the Masonic

We The

from

pp. 271,

ist. Ritual-

"

are

from

and

Mackey, taken with modifications, slight but necessary the second chapter of the First Epistleof Peter, the 28th chapter of Isaiah."
verses
MASONIC VERSION. BIBLICAL VERSION.

themselves, according to Dr.

"

Wherefore,

brethren, envies, and


have

lay
all

"

Wherefore

laying
and

away

all

aside all malice, and

guile, and

malice, and
detractions.

all guile, and

simulation dis-

hypocrisies, and
evil
"

envies, and
. .

all

speakings.
If
so

be is
as

ye

tasted that
to

"

If

so

be Lord

you

have
sweet. to
a

tasted Unto

the

Lord

gracious,
a

whom

that whom
stone, but

the

is
as

coming
chosen
ye

unto

living stone,
of
men,

coming,
chosen
and
:

living
men,

disallowed
of
as
a

indeed

but

rejected,indeed, by
made
Be
you
a

God,

and

precious ;
ye
an

able honoralso
as

also

built up

living stones, be spiritual house,


to

by God living stones house,


to
a

built up,

ual spirit-

holy

priesthood,

offer
to

up

holy priesthood,
fices, spiritual sacrito

sacrifices

acceptable

God.
tained con-

offer

up

Wherefore,
in the I

also, it is

acceptable
JESUS
CHRIST.

God

by

scripture.Behold,
a a

Wherefore,
Sion

it

lay in Zion, for


a

tion, founda-

is said
I

in

the

hold, scripture: 'Bea

tried

stone,
a sure

precious
tion foundaand
he

lay in
that
not

chief
in

corner-stone,
;

corner-stone,

elect, precious,
shall
be

he

that haste

believeth, shall
to

believe

not

make
you,

pass

it

over.

him, shall
To
HE

confounded.

Unto

therefore, which
an

lieve, beeven

you

therefore, that believe,


but
to

it is
to

honor;
be the
same corner.

and

is honor;

them

that the
is

them
stone

which which

disobedient,
builders is made

believe not, the stone builders made And and who


a

which
same

the

rejected, the
head
stone

disallowed, the
the
"

the
a

of the
of

corner:

head

of

the

stumbling,
to

Brethren
that

this is the will of with well

rock

of

scandal,
at

them

God,

doing

ye

stumble

the

word,

FREEMASONRY
put
to

AND

THE

BIBLE

239

silence
men.

the
As

ignorance of free, and


not

neither

do

beHeve, whereunto
set.

foolish

also they'are
a

But
a

you

are

using your libertyfor a of maliciousness, but as


ants

cloak
serv-

chosen

generation,
a

kingly
a

priesthood, purchased
may

holy
his

nation,
that
you

of

God.

Honor

all men;

people:
out

love

the

brotherhood;

fear

declare called

virtues, who
of ness dark-

God."

hath

you

into his marvellous who


in

light:
not
a

time
but

past
are now

were

people:

the

ple peotained obhave loved, begers stran-

of God.
mercy,

Who
but

had
now

not

obtained

mercy.

Dearly
you
to
as

I beseech and

pilgrims,

refrain desires

yourselves from
which
war

carnal

against the

soul."i

The about
the

omission

of Christ
one

in

passage

Him,

is

of the the

omission

of

but slight charge of the

specially changes ; necessary Apostle concerning

written

is another. But when one bers remempleasures, that stone worship or pillarworship (Encyclowas pcediaof Freemasonry, p. 583 ) only one form of Phallic worship," and that the ninth Sephirah of is Foundation the generativeorgans, the Kabbalists or both the reason of the omission he will easilyunderstand and the meaning substituted for of Christ's name done this was it. But as by making Jehovah a Heis done that the same She ; we not to be surprised are Bible read The in the light of in regard to Christ. the square and compasses can give no other meaning. The second text is from Mackey's Masonic Ritualist,
"
,

sensual

pp. 431,

432. capitalsmine.
A. P.

Italics and

"

240

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

MASONIC

VERSION.

BIBLICAL

VERSION.

"For of

this

Melchizedek,
met

king
Most

"For

this Melchisedech of

was

Salem,
God

priest of the (who


from the

King
most

Salem,

priest of
who from

the
met

High
of
to

Abraham

high
of

God,
the
To

returning
the

slaughter him;
gave
a

Abraham

returning
him.

the
and also

kings, and
also of

blessed

slaughter
blessed
Abraham

kings,
whom the

whom

Abraham

tenth

part

all; first being, King


after of that
and

divided

tithes of
pretation, by inter-

by
also

interpretation, King
of

all: who

first indeed is

Righteousness,
of

king king

of

justice: Salem,
without out withneither
end the

Salem, which
; without

is.

and that

then

also

of
:

King

Peace

father, ning beginof

is,king of Peace genealogy, having


nor

without

mother, having days,


like

without

scent; father, without de-

mother, days

neither
nor

of

end
the

life;
of

beginning life,but
of
ever.

of

of Son

but

made

unto
a

Son

likened

unto
a

God),
this the the

abideth
Now

ually. priest continhow whom

God, continueth
Now
man

priest for
how great
also
gave

consider
unto

great
even

consider

man

was,

this

is,
the
out

to

whom

patriarch
tenth of

Abraham

gave

Abraham tithes

patriarch
the

the
are

spoils.
of the

And
sons

of

principal they that Levi, who


a

verily,they that
of

things.
are

And
the

indeed
sons

receive the Levi, who of the priesthood, have a


to

office
mandment com-

of

of

receive

the

priesthood, have
to

take

tithes
to

of
the

commandment

take
to

tithes of the law, ren: breth-

the

people, according
is of
come

the people according


that is to
say,

law, that though

their
out

brethren,
of he

of

their

they

the
tes-

though
also
came

they
of

themselves the loins of

loins of Abraham.
Thou tifieth.
art
a

For

out

ever priest forof chizedek. Melas wr.2

Abraham. is
not

But

he, whose
tithes of
him
.

gree pediamong

after

the
And

order

numbered

inasmuch
an

them, received
and
the of

ham, Abra-

not

without

oath, he
those

blessed

that had For


.

made

priest. For
without with said
an

priests
were

promises.
whom

he,
are

(under the Levitical law)


made this that
an

these

things

oath; by
The

but him Lord

spoken, is of another
which altar.
no one

tribe, of
on

oath,
him
:

attended it is

the

unto

For

evident

that

242
"

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

The

Holy
was

Kabalah,
carried

or

tradition Chaldsea

of

the

children

of

Seth,

from

by Abraham,"
"

taught p. 97), says Bro. Pike, {Morals and Dogma, and to the Egyptian priesthoodby Joseph, recovered purifiedby Moses, concealed Bible, revealed by the Savior symbols in the to Saint John, and tained, conentire,under hieratic figures analogous to those in the Apocalypse of that Apostle." of all antiquity, Bro. entirely different Pike, however, gives an he treats version of the whole exproceeding when of From the bosom of the Mysteries. professo dom, wisof consummate man a Egypt," he says, sprang initiated in the secret knowledge of India, of Thoth Phtha Persia, and of Etheopia, named or by his compatriots,Taaut by the Phoenicians, Hermes bins. Trismegistus by the Greeks, and Adris by the Rabunder
" "

Nature
. . .

seemed have

to

have
on

chosen him her


to

him all the

for her

favorite,and

to

lavished him
to

to enable qualities necessary her thoroughly. The know

study
so

and

to

Deity had,
and

into him he

the

sciences

fused say, inthe arts, in order that


. .

might instruct the whole world." Bro. In Egypt," continues he instituted Pike, selected a certain number of per: he hieroglyphics sons whom he judged fittest to be the depositaries of his secrets, of such taining only as were capable of atthe throne and the first offices in the mysteries ; he united them in a body, created them Priests of the Living God, instructed them in the sciences and arts, and the symbols by which explained to them they veiled. were Egypt, 1500 years before the time of in the Mysteries One Moses, revered Supreme God, called the Only Uncreated," etc., etc. als {Morand Dogma, p. 364).
.

"

"

FREEMASONRY
"

AND

THE

BIBLE

243

Joseph,"
monarch

he

initiated.
that ride

After

was undoubtedly on, says further he had interpreted Pharaoh's dream,

"

made

him

his

Prime

Minister, let him


fore they proclaimed beset

in his second

chariot, while

him
land him of
a

Abrech!

(bow down)
In addition
to

and

him

over

the gave

Egypt.
new

this, the

King

Tsapanat-Paanakh, and married him to Asanat, daughter of Potai Parang, a priestof An where the Temple of Athomor was Hieropolis, Great God of Re, the Egypt; thus completely could not have him. He contracted this naturalizing out withmarriage, nor have exercised that high dignity, being first initiated in the mysteries." (Morals and Dogma, p. 368). Where the Mysteries originated is not known." (Morals and Dogma, p. 353). "It is supposed that from of Chaldaea, into India, by the way they came into Greece." carried Egypt, and thence were
name,
"

In

order
Bro.

to

make knows

the

Bible

the

Kabbala

in

guise, dis-

Pike

Joseph teaches the priesthood. When, however, the story, Egypt and reverse
97,
some

everything; and hence on p. mysteries to the Egyptian


it suits the its Brother
to

of
two

Moses

have the priests before Joseph, for the 1300 years and separated by only Joseph were

mysteries times

about

centuries..
Bro.

Pike, too, accordingto the

more

modern

ren, Breth-

that Christ revealed in asserting grievously in anything to St. John which the latter embodied who McClenachan, assures us the Apocalypse. Bro. of the Brethren, that he is giving us the latest researches the word Cannes gives a different story. Under (Encyclopcediaof Freemasonry, p. 987), he says:

erred

"

The

earliest instructor

of

man

in

letters,sciences,

244 and

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

in architecture, geometry, botany, especially and agriculture,and in all other useful knowledge, the (myth). This universal was fish-god Oannes sian teacher, "according to Berossus, appearedin the PerGulf, bordering on Babylonia, and, although an

arts,

animal,
of and with At

was

endowed
usual
a

with

reason

and

edge. great knowlwas

The
a

appearance human
a man.

of the head This

creature

that
a

fish,having
feet like unto
men

beneath

that

of

fish,

personage
never

conversed

during
The

the
was

day, but
a

ate statue

with
of the

them. fish-

Kouyunjik
Oannes.

there

colossal

the Book of following is from hold their Masons Enoch (vol. II, p. 154): 'The grand festival on the day of St. John, not knowing that therein they merely signifythe fish-godOannes, of the Mysand the first founder the first Hermes teries, whom the Apocalypse the first messenger to with was given, and whom they ignorantly confound author of the common the fabulous Apocalypse."

god

What

remains and

of

the have

Christian
"

Bible, after
"

the
mains re-

Square

Compasses
that

covered hearts

it?
on

What

of respect in Masonic

fed

fish-stories
one

regarding it,like
Oannes?
we

of

the

contemptible
his
own

about

Let

the

reader another

make

comments, Bro.

shall close with he compares

citation from
and Kabbala:

Pike,

in which
"

Bible

he says, (Morals truly dogmatic religions," have issued from the Kaand Dogma, pp. 744, 745), balah and return to it : everything scientific and grand in the religious dreams of all the illuminati, Jacob Boehme, Swedenborg, Saint-Martin, and others, is borrowed from the Kabalah; all the Masonic tions associaand their Symbols." to it their Secrets owe
" "

All

The

Kabalah

alone

consecrates

the

Alliance

of

FREEMASONRY Universal

AND

THE

BIBLE

245
it

the

Reason

and

the

Divine
two

Word;
forces

tablishes, es-

by the counterpoisesof the eternal balance opposite,


reconciles Reason

of

being;
with of the

apparently it alone

with

Faith, Power
it has

Liberty,
Present,

Science
the
"

with

Mystery;

the

Keys

Past, and
The in

the Future."

Bible, with
an

it contains,expresses, allegories only, incomplete and veiled manner

all the

science of the Hebrews. The doctrine of religious Moses with that and the Prophets,identical at bottom of the ancient Egyptians,also had its outward meaning written books its veils. The Hebrew and were only the traditions; and recall to memory to they were the Profane. in written to symbols unintelligible The and the propheticpoems Pentateuch were merely and elementary books of doctrine, morals, or liturgy; traditional philosophy was the true secret only or the

written
Thus
was

afterwards, under
a

veils still less transparent.

second

Bible born, unknown


the last instance

to,

or

rather,

author's) of the adept says, absurdities; a monument, monstrous is everything that the genius of philosophy wherein formed or ever and that of religionhave imagined surrounded of the sublime; a treasure by thorns; a concealed in a rough dark stone." diamond into is filled with admiration, on One penetrating the Sanctuary of the Kabalah, at seeing a doctrine so time, so absolute. so simple,and at the same logical, union of ideas and cration The signs, the consenecessary realities by the primfundamental of the most itive Letters, and characters; the Trinity of Words, found Numbers; a philosophysimple as the alphabet,proour
"

uncoinprehended by, in this (italics say,

Christians;a collection,they

and

infinite as

the Word

; theorems

more

com-

246

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

plete and
Infinite

luminous up
can

than

those

of
on

summed which
ten

by counting
be

ology Pythagoras; a theone's fingers;an hollow of


an

held

in

the

fant's in-

hand;
a

ciphersand
and
a

twenty-two
"

angle, triletters, a
are

square, of the

circle ;

these
are

all the

ments ele-

Kabalah.
the that

These

the

elementary
of

principlesof spoken Word


We do
not

written
created

Word,
the
we

reflection
!
"

that

world

know,

indeed,
have
to

confess, how

doctrines

like the of the

following look
we

in the
never

light of

the

Sanctuary
we

Kabbala, for

entered

it ;

know If my

only how
readers consult
"

they
wish
a

appear fuller

plain common

sense.

assortment,

they

have

only
that Rabbis

to

the volume

quoted.
does of

The wash

not

of truth have written, He sages his hands before eating, as the memory have where

blessed
into
a

ordained,
he

will be
no

transmigrated
rest, into
even as a
^

cataract, who

will have

murderer,
"

transmigrated (Universal Classic Library, Hebraic The Kabbala," p. 276.)


Shun

is also

water."

Literature.

Sit not down to fate, all ye unwashed. your table with unlaved hands, lest ye share the fate of murderers and be transmigrated into Niagara or some kindred
"

rollingflood! after Eating meat


after meat, is
a

cheese,"

we

are

told,

"

or

serious sin; and very stated in the Zohar, section Mishpatim, that upon who is without scruple in this regard, an evil cheese will
rest

it is him

spirit
the

for

forty days;
no

his
^

soul

will

be

from

which spirit
1 2

has

holiness."

(Ibidem, p. 280.)

Kitzur

Kitzur

Sh'lh, fol. 17, col. Sh'lh,fol. 18, col.

2. 2,

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

247

The
"

following
should trim

is

One

equally profound his finger-nails every


the nails will Sabbath. He

and

practical: Friday, never


ing growthe pare the fourth he should

on

Thursday, otherwise the following on


of the left hand

commence

should
at

nails

first,beginning
the thumb; and

fingerand
pare the

ending with
nails of the

then

right hand, beginning with the and thumb ending with the fourth finger;he should the following order: not 4th, 2nd, 5th, 3rd, ist, vary of the left hand; then the ist, 3rd, 5th, 2nd, 4th of the Never two (contiguous) fingers right hand. pare pairs after the other, for it is dangerous and it also imone
the memory. for The
reason

and

mystery
known

about
to

the

order

^ expert."

pairing the nails are well (Ibidem, pp. 282, 283.)


my
now

the

If any memory,

of

readers

have the

suffered
cause.

they
would
in the

know

impairment of What splendid

memories
sooner

paring
Bro. the

they have, had they been instructed had kabbalistic mysteries and they avoided nails of two contiguous fingers!
himself
he
so

Pike

is not

unaware

of the

the

nature

of

Bible
as

which he p.

prefers to
will

Christian
us

himself

inform

Scriptures, (Morals and


after

Dogma,
"

741). Masonry," he
search
leads

"

says,
us

is

search
...

Light.
to

That

directlyback
and

the

Kabalah.

In that ancient

little understood

medley
come

of absurdity and
source

the philosophy,

initiate will find the


may in time
to

of

understand
all the

Emanuel
1

the Alchemists, philosophers, Anti-papalThinkers of the Middle Ages, and Swedenborg."

many the

doctrines; and
Hermetic

Kitzur

Sh'lh, fol. 61, col.

2.

248

FREEMASONRY

AND

THE

BIBLE

Here,
leads from

therefore, kind
a

reader,

on

the

road

which

phy medley of absurdityand absurd philososhall leave the to the vagaries of Swedenborg, we initiate. American We prefer the road which leads from the Christian Bible to Jesus Christ.
We have not,

indeed, denied
but is not the

the
we

use

of

the

Book that
erence; rev-

in American the Christian that

Freemasonry,
Bible such

have of

proved
Masonic

object
the
"

object are
to

Bible, square,
as an

and

which are compasses, if we whole would


"

be

taken

inseparable

"

their

due
a

Masonic fact is
so a

if indeed
such
a

of the Bible give the passages have shown, importance." We evident needed demonstration, that and
not
a

Bible

Masonic is

Christian
its contents have shown the the

Bible,
are

for the material

book

nothing when
We

mutilated, rejected or
in solemn and of Masonic its bearer Masonic

distorted.

that Bible Book the

the place of processions, to symbolize its inferiority We


mean

Constitutions. the
to

have

shown
on

that the

praisesgiven
Masons,
the books since of

Bible

nothing
the Bible

lipsof
one

Masonry

is

only

of

divine

revelation; with
exact

all of which, the Sacred shown

Koran,
texts

Vedas,
on

Zendavesta,
an

etc., the
We

tures Scriphow the

stand
are

level.

have

robbed the

of
name

their

Christian

meaning by
We have
seen

suppressionof

by what of books is rejected. absurdities the authenticity the Bible disparaged when We have heard compared with the Kabbala, a book admitted even by Bro. Pike to be a medley of absurdities mingled with what he calls philosophy. It is even held to be an imperfect
form of this of the
same

of Christ.

Kabbala.

If this be

Masonic pray, is

erence rev-

Holy

what, Scriptures,

tempt con-

for them?

2SO

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

forgets that
and

he

sends

us

back

to

the the

Ancient

teries, MysKabwe as

pagan
we

and philosophies,

profound
content

bala; however,
are

Catholicity. ity CatholicAs, therefore, all these ancient religions, Truths for the time," the best included, are only that a race barism or country, according to its degree of baror imperfectenlightenment, is fitted to receive ; will not be offended, if any member Masonry, in its pity, Masonic after having admitted of such religions, of these further a dogmas, should make application with his peculiarfaith. dogmas in accordance We do not," says Bro. Pike, {Morals and Dogma, the importance of any Truth. p. 524), "undervalue be deemed irreverent word that can We utter no by
to
" "

know

pass his idea of

all this over,

faith. do of any We one any that it is only important for him is but
one was

not to

tell the

Moslem

believe that there


whether homet Ma-

God, and
his Messiah
two

wholly prophet. We
whom he thousand he

unessential do
not
was

tell the

Hebrew in Bethlehem

that

the

expects

born

nearly
a

heretic
we

because

years ago; and that he is will not so believe. And little as Christian
or

do
was

tell the sincere but


a man

that his

Jesus

of Nazareth the
real un-

like us,
an

history but

revival
our

to

yond legend. To do either is belongs jurisdiction.Masonry, of no one age, beit finds its great all time ; of no one religion,
of all the
sees

older

truths
"

in all."
reverences
"

It

p.

525.
in

It

great reformers," he says in Moses, the Law-giver of the


and

Jews,
of and

Confucius

Zoroaster,

in

Jesus
no more:

of

Nazareth, and
allows

in the Arabian Eminent of

Iconoclast, Great Reformers, if


the

ers Teach-

Morality, and
every

brother

Order

to

assign to

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

251
as

each

such and

higher
Truth

and

even

Divine

Character

his

Creed
"

Thus

require." Masonry," he continues,


teaches unbeHef lower in
no

"

disbelieves
so

no

truth, and
as

creed, except

far

lofty estimate of the to the level of the passions of Deity, degrade humanity, deny the high destiny of man, impugn the goodness and benevolence of the Supreme God, strike at those of Masonry, Faith, Hope, and great columns inculcate immorality, and disregardof the or Charity,
may Him active duties of the Order."
"

such

creed

its

Masonry teaches unbelief in no creed, except pay good attention,kind reader, to the exception. lowers the loftyMasonic first, idea of Catholicity, the Deity. Of the of whole mankind," says Bro. Pike, (Morals and Dogma, pp. 295, 296), "not one in ten thousand has any aspirations beyond the daily needs
"

of the gross animal life. In this age and in all others, all men countries,are born to except a few, in most be
mere

beasts
ox.

of

burden, co-laborers
and like

with in the
'

the

horse
'

and

the

Profoundly ignorant even


think which
reason

civilized

lands, they
the side
of

animals

by

they toil. For them, God, Soul, words, without Spirit, Immortality,are mere any real God of nineteen-twentieths of the meaning. The is only Bel, Moloch, Zeus, or at best Christian world
Osiris, Mithras,
with
formulas.
as a or

Adonai, under

another

name,

shiped wor-

the

old

It is the the

and ritualistic Pagan ceremonies of Olympian Jove, worstatue shiped in the Christian
statue

Father,

Church

that

was

Pagan Temple Virgin Mary."


to

; it is the

of

Venus, become here, for

the

There

is, of

course,
ears

sive nothing offenBro.

Catholic

and

Christian

252 Pike

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

has

assui-ed of

us

that

the

Brotherhood It may be

irreverent

over-sensitive;so
The
as

any let

faith!
us

ing says noththat we are

CathoHc down

admits

proceed. the Jehovah


Testament.

of

the

Hebrews
is Bro.

handed

in the Old of Him?

What

Pike's
"

estimate

he Testament," Deity of the Old says (Morals and Dogma, p. 687, 688), "is everywhere ing represented as the direct author of Evil, commissionevil and lying spirits to men, hardening the heart and the iniquity ual of Pharaoh, of the individvisiting the whole sinner on people. The rude conception in the of sternness predominating over mercy alone for the human account sacrifices, Deity, can and Jephthah. purposed, if not executed, by Abraham It has the
not

The

been

uncommon,
men

world, for
without
. .

to

in any age or country recognize the existence of

of
one

God,

forming
The
.

dignity.
modified In Hesiod

of his any becoming estimate Divine Envy still exists in a

form, and

varies
in of

according to
the lowest

circumstances.
of human

malignity. infringement of
treason;

it appears In the God

type
the

Moses, it is jealousyof the


power, check
to

autocratic
even

litical po-

and

the

denounced penalties

for

often dictated rather seem worshiping other Gods by a jealous regard for his own greatness in Deity, than by the immorality and degraded nature of the worship itself." have We already quoted, in a preceding chapter,^ of the what Bro. Pike says (p. 207) of the early God abstain hence from and we Hebrews; repeatingthe quotation here ; He is angry, jealous,and revengeful, well as wavering and irresolute. He as
"
. . .

Supra,

pp.

147 sq.

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

253

shocking and hideous acts of crueltyand barbarity." Such the popular notions of the Deity," he were continues ; and either the priests had none better, or took Httle trouble these notions; or the to correct not popular intellect was enough enlarged to enable them mighty." to entertain higher conception of the Alany
performance
" " "

commanded

the

of the most

But

such and

were

not

the

ideas," he

adds,

"

of

the

intellectual It is certain
true
men

the Hebrews. enlightenedfew among that they possessed a knowledge of the

nature

and among

attributes of God
other and
"

; as

the

same

class of

did

nations,
Plato.

Zoroaster, Menu,
But their doctrines

Confucius, Socrates,
on

cate esoteric; subjectwere they did not communithem to the people at large,but only to a favored in Egypt and India, communicated few; as they were and

this

in Persia

Phoenicia, in Greece

and

Samothrace,

in

the greater Church the

The Catholic to the initiates." mysteries, with with the mysteries, claims no relationship favored

Kabbalists, the
to

few.
the

It can,

therefore,
is
common

according
with of of of Moses

Bro.

Pike, and
God of
to

doctrine
to

Masonic
God.
"

authors, lay no
The is

claim the the

the true Testament of the

edge knowland

Old level

degraded

humanity." He, for Masons, forms an to the other gods of antiquity. nies according to Masonry, deCatholicity, moreover, is Liberty, This destiny the high destinyof man. Equality, Fraternity. Bro. Pike, (Morals and Christianity,"says Dogma, p. 23), "taught the doctrine of Fraternity; ually Equality,by continbut repudiated that of political inculcatingobedience to Caesar, and to those
"

passions exception

254

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY
the is

lawfully in authority. Masonry was of Equality. In the Monastery there equality,but no liberty. Masonry
and claimed for
man

apostle and fraternity


that

first

added

also,

the

three-fold

heritage, Liberty,
"

Equality, and
"

Fraternity."
a

Truths," he says
which since that Man years
seen;

few

lines further

on,

are a

the few tinctly dis-

springs from
hundred

duties
a new

flow; and
Truth

it is but
to

began

be

and

not

they over
not

him.

is supreme over Man has natural


are

Institutions,

all institutions.

They
he

for

empire over him, according to his


Free
. . .

development;
Free

for

them.
Free

ernment, GovFree

Thought,
.

Conscience,
had the

Speech! Masonry
.

"

felt that this Truth

Omnipotence
nor

of God could
"

on

its side ; and

that neither

Pope

Potentate

overcome

it."

(p. 24.)
is
never

The
"

thirst for

power

he says, satisfied,"
men nor

p.
ever

74.
have

It is insatiable.

Neither

nations the tress misto

enough. When power of the world, the Emperors


as

Rome caused

was

themselves

be

worshiped despotism over


the for in cradle
to

gods.
the

The

Church
over

of Rome the whole sold


to

claimed
life from

soul, and

past and
matters

the grave. It gave and future sins. It claimed faith. It decimated

absolutions be infallible
to

of

Europe
to

it of

heretics.
and

It decimated Peruvians.

America
It

purge the convert away

Mexicans

thrones; and
the
to

by

excommunication
to

and took gave and interdict To


...

closed
seek tive, cap-

gates of Paradise

Nations.
and of take the the

subjugate the
because
to
at

will of others

soul

it is the the

exercise

highest power,
ambition.

seems

be

highest object of
of all

human

It is

the bottom

and propagandism, proselyting

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

255
of Rome

from and
"

that of
the A
own

Mesmer

to

that of the

Church

French man's
as

Republic."
Faith," he
tells
is.
"

us

p.

29,

is

as

much

his
as

his

Reason

His
as

Freedom
in his No
man

consists will
or

much

in his faith

being
.

free
. .

uncontrolled

by
be
men

power.

being body
decide
tenet

of
of have

men

can

and infallible, shall

authorized
as

to

what

other faith.
.

believe
man

to

any

Each
. .

must

necessarily
for

the
no

right
man

to
can

judge
have

of

their truth

himself;

because
to

any of

judge than intelligence."


No
one

another

higher or better equal information


a

right
and

consequently
to

has

right, under
of belief.

any
"

cumstanc cirMan

punish

in

matter

never

had,"

says

the and

unexercised

165, "the right to usurp prerogative of God, and condemn


for
are

Pike, p.

punish
our

another
we

his of

belief. faith.
the have of

Born If
we

in

Protestant

land,
eyes
at

that

had of

opened
St.

to

the
we

light under
should

shadows
been

Peter's

Rome,
in the

devout
we

Catholics; born
should
have

Jewish quarter
Christ
as an

contemned
we

Aleppo, impostor;
'

in il

Constantinople,
Allah,
God is

should and

have
Mahomet

cried
is his

Allah

great

prophet.'

Few faith. give us our because the believe in any religion they have examined of its authenticity, and made formal evidences a up one weighing the testimony. Not judgment, upon knows in ten thousand man anything about the proofs We believe what of his faith. we are taught; and

Birth, place, and

education

those

are on

most

fanatical

who

know

least
.

of
.

the
.

dences eviIt is

which

their creed

is based.

256
an

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

imperativelaw
as

of

God's

Economy,
man

unyielding and
accept wiihout
he his he is born
nature

inflexible

Himself, that
belief of faith
to

shall

question
and

the

those
so

among
a

whom

reared; the
the
the

made

part of

resists all evidence


even

the

contrary; and
of his
own

will

believe dis-

evidence

senses,

rather up

than in

yieldup
Pike
was

belief religious
bone

which

has

grown

him, flesh of his flesh and


Bro. has

of his bone."
case

missed entirely never punished. It was


Church her
was

the

in which far

belief unas

punished,so
one

the born

Catholic outside

concerned, when

was

pale. She has ever held that over those who not are baptized she had no jurisdiction. She punished only in case of obstinate apostacy : and cates this,too, is the case with Masonry, which excommunimembers them whom it considers false to The about economy

it, and

ishes pun-

Pike's
and and

it can. way concluding remarks in what

absurdityof Bro. the imperative


that
we

inflexible

law

of

God's faith Not their

accept
without whole for the

in a persevere is manifest. question, nations

which

we

receive

only individuals
faith, sometimes
What
worse.

but

have

changed
for flesh of
"

better, sometimes
its

the

bosh bone
of

about their

becoming

their flesh and

bone."
"

Masonry,"
of

he

tells

us

again,p. 164,
ruthless and

"

sees

with
of

the

eye all the

memory people of all


not to

the
sexes

extermination

their misfortune
or

know

it was ages, because the God of the Hebrews, wrong


name,
...

to

worship

him

under

the

by

the It

and Joshua. troops of Moses savage the persecutions of Peter and Paul, the sees of

dom martyr-

Stephen,

the

trials then

of in

Justin and

Irenasus; and

Ignatius, Polycarp, the sufferings turn

258
fore

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

the

degree
became

was a mere

proscribed,and, ceasing
brief and formal the tomb the

to

be

worked,
under after

ceremony,

another

name.

Now,
he of his

from

in which howls

his murders
successors

rotted, Clement

Fifth

against the
of of Pio the Nono dead

victims, in the Allocution

the slumbers the

The ghosts against the Free-masons. Templars haunt the Vatican and disturb of the paralyzed Papacy, which, dreading
out

dead,

shrieks

its excommunications It is
a

and

potent im-

anathemas of war,
to

against the living.


was

tion declara-

and

needed

to

arouse

apathy

and

ertness in-

action."
may is be said of

Whatever
one some

the

preceding quotation,
had
more

thing
of
^

certain, Bro.
Brethren of this
at

Pike would

sense

than
a

his But
to

who
we

make in
our

Pio

Nono

Mason.
not

shall treat

next

ter, chapment. argu-

break,

present, the thread


is

of

our

But,

after

all, what
of the old !

reminiscence

Catholicitybut Mysteries,in pagan


"

sort

of
we

which

find all its sacraments of 541,

The

celebration

of the

teries Myspp.
monies cere-

Mithras," he says
"was
were

542),
used

also the

(Morals and Dogma, and the styled a mass;


There
were even

same.

found

all

the sacraments of Confirmation.

of the Catholic The

Church,

the breath

initiates deliverance and

priestof Mithras from sin, by means


future life of

promised

the

of confession

a baptism, and misery. He celebrated

of the

happiness or the oblation of bread, image resurrection. The dren, baptism of newly-born chilof sins, all beextreme unction, confession
"

Cf.
pp.

The
402-405 ?
"

Catholic
"

13,

Were

Fortnightly Benedict

Review,
XIV and

Vol. Pius

XIII,
IX

No. masons Free-

reproduced

infra,pp. 267 sqq. substantially,

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

259
was

longed to the Mithriac rites. The by a speciesof baptism,a mark his forehead, he offered bread and certain mysterious words." In what language, Bro. Pike,
of

candidate
was

fied puri-

impressed upon water, pronouncing


the

were

Mysteries

Mithras
of your

called

mass?

It is the word derived


'
"

tion purest fabrica"

to

the

fancy. The Catholic service, is


Church
as a noun

mass

by
a

all

referring etymologists
as

from

the

Latin

"

missa,"

word

that has

no a

existence
technical

in the pure
to

Latin

tongue.
as

It is

word

proper the

and, Catholicity,
how
as can

such, is

admitted. universally
ceremonies when rites? the
are

And
same

those in the do

you say that the of the Mithraic,

ceremonies Oriental in the


mass

differ

different
not
use

Catholic the and


same even

The

Catholics
as

ceremonies
among the Brother

the

Latins
are

do;
not

Latins,

the

ceremonies
are

the

same.

No,
the

Pike, you
your

deliberately imposing
of
an

ignorance of
sacraments

Brethren, when
travesties

Catholic

you the

upon make the Mithraic.

that there was Everybody knows the from the beginning between and this, as a lover Catholicity, cannot forgive. The you very from

impassableabyss Mysteries and pagan of the pagan teries, MysSacraments


hence
as are

the

life-blood of the

Church,

and

different

itself is from the Church as anything pagan The [Freemasonry and originof each paganism. Dr. (Encyclopcedia,p. Christianity], Mackey says dissimilar." their histories are 162) "is different; in seeking thus to Bro. Pike had But a purpose
"
"

make

the for

Catholic
in the

Church

modification
of

of

Mithrathere

ism;
"

higher degrees
ed.

Masonry,
Herder

Cf.

Kellner, Heortologie, 2nd

B.

1906. Pages

S8ff.

26o

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

are

various much is
"

matters

which,
travesties

to
on

be

more

than Catholic

moderate,
Church. Bro. itation im-

smack There

of

the

Mackey
"

Baptism," which, however, {Encyclopwdia, p. 107) denies to be an


a

Masonic

of the What
are

Christian the

sacrament.^
of
"

? asks Bro. purification make to us Pike, perfect Masons ? necessary {Morals and Dogma, pp. 538, 539). Lavation with or water, "baptism,"he pure cal because to cleanse the body is emblematianswers ; it conduces to of purifying the soul; and because and virtue is the health of the soul, as the bodilyhealth, sickness : its malady and sin and vice are unction, set are or thereby we anointing with oil; because to the service and priesthood of apart and dedicated

symbols

"

"

"

"

"

the of
"

Beautiful, the True, and white, emblems


What man's is to of

the

Good

"

and truth."

robes

candor, purity,and
he

us,"

continues, "the

of
"

ultimate
fraternal

The

redemption and supper," he answers,


of wine

symbol regeneration?"
"

chief

of

bread
and
come

which

nourishes, and
all mankind
;

which

refreshes is to

exhilarates, symbolicalof the time


when shall be
one

which

great
these
no

harmonious lessons is
:

brotherhood
that
as

and

matter

teaching us changes ever, but


rational continue who
to not

great

singleatom

nihilated, an-

it is not nobler that claim soul does

that the far suppose to exist beyond the grave : died before of the
ever us

many
to be

thousands

have

jointowners
our

with

ourselves

might particles
forms ancient

that compose
new

mortal and

bodies ; for matter


the bodies and of

combinations;

the

dead, the
1

patriarchsbefore
case

since
"

the

flood, the
City

For

recent

of

"

Masonic

Baptism
Review,

see

the

Catholic

Fortnightly

vol.

in New York No. 7. xv,

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

261
into wind and

kings
their
over

and

common

people
elements,

of
are

constituent
all

all ages, resolved carried upon the into

continents, and
the of

continuallyenter
of
new

form
new man

part of
bonds
that
we

habitations
and

souls, creating
between each And

sympathy
and in

brotherhood
race.

lives and
eat,

all his the

thus, in the
drink

bread

wine

we

to-night,

may
of
us

our (italics

the identical

author's) enter into and form part of matter that once formed particles
bodies
called

parts of the material

Moses,
In the of

Confucius,
the
truest

Plato, Socrates,
sense

or

Jesus drink

of
the
a

Nasareth. bodies

we

eat

and

of
some

dead; and
our

cannot
or

say

that

there

is

single atom
which

blood
soul

body, the ownership of with us." might not dispute


When the
"

other

our

readers

are

informed

that

this is called

Communion

of
bread

the

understand
"

all that the

Brethren," they will easily language of Bro. Pike imports.


and wine" says Bro.

Consecrated

Mackey,

(Encyclopedia,p. 126), "that is to say, bread and wine used not simply for food, but made sacred by the of brotherhood, and of symbolizing a bond purpose called sometimes the eating and drinking of which are
the
some
'

Communion
of the

of

the

Brethren,' is
in the Order the
"

found of

in

higher degrees,as
in the

High
Croix
in

Priesthood
of the the

American Scottish
we

Rite, and
Rites." eat, and this
*

Rose

French

and

And

thus

(consecrated)bread
wine
we

in the

crated) (conseof
the

drink

(in

Communion

form into and enter Brethren'), to-night, part may that once formed of matter of us the identical particles called Jesus of body parts of the material
. . .

Nazareth. bodies

In

the truest

sense

we

eat

and

drink

the

of the dead."

262

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

things,there are those who would persuade us that there is nothing antiCatholic in American Freemasonry. Let us now turn to Christianity. Masonry, as we have seen, reveres equallyall the and Confucius, Mahomet, great reformers, Buddha, Christian soul which is not satisThe fied Jesus Christ. with this must be squeamish indeed. But if this is not enough. Masonry will widen the bounds of its have and tolerance, as we pity those who, seen, having a nobler faith proposed to them, the pure faith
of the

And

yet, in spiteof all these

Kabbala,
darkness dunces

are

still content obsolete


led

to

grope

their

way

in the
"

of who

The

Christianity. primitiveChristianity astray,


science, reverie
for
perience, ex-

by substitutingfaith
the who
a war

for

fantastic
so

for the

of

ages extermination, have the ancient Pike grope

for

many

and the inquisitors reality; warred against Magism in shrouding succeeded of the human p.

in

darkness

discoveries and

mind," says Bro.


"

(Morals

Dogma,
to

so

that

we

now

in -the dark of nature."

find

732), again the

key

of the

phenomena
degree

you not Croix the Rose

Are

satisfied with

pity? Then
upon

will look

Knight of the Rose Croix," says Bro. Pike (Morals and Dogma, will revere the memory of Him who taught p. 310), it ['the New Law,' 'the Word,' i. e. Love], and those who look indulgentlyeven on assign to him a his own character far above or belief, even conceptions to the extent of deeming him Divine." believes too the story of Creation as Christianity given in Genesis; the fall of man by the temptation
true
"

if you believe what Christ Himself " And i. e., that he is Divine. every

you did not

Masonry in indulgently
believe,

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

263

Serpent; the realityof Satan's personality; the revelation of God to the Jews; all of which and more things,Masonry denies. many had Man fallen," says Bro. Pike (Morals and Dogma, p. 278), "but not by the tempting of the
"

of

the

serpent.
deemed

For, with
to
as

the
of

Phoenicians,the serpent
the Divine

was
was

partake
he
was

Nature,

and

deemed to be Egypt. He was immortal, unless slain by violence, becoming young again in his old age, by enteringinto and consuming Hence the Serpent in a circle,holding his himself. tail in his mouth, was emblem of Eternity. With an the
a

sacred,

in

head

of

hawk
sun.

he

was

of
one

Divine Sect

Nature, and
Gnostics brazen the the

symbol
him

of the

Hence

of the

took

for their

good genius,and
Moses in the

hence
on

serpent reared
Israelites looked kind

by

Desert,
the

which live

and

lived." Cast

Would

you

ually, spirit-

sillystory of of life, Eve's temptation. The Serpent is a principle the of immortality, of Divinity. Accept therefore devoured pretty fable, not of the Kilkenny cats who
reader? aside
each Irish

other, but

that

of

the

old

fable

on

which

the

tire. legend is founded, the serpent eating itself enpent the Ophites who Imitate worshiped the Serwill you Thus God. approximate the true as worship of God. sco"f at the Augurs," says Bro. Pike again, We
"

"

p.
to

102.

It is

so

comprehend. centuries, to illuminate without Light for two score of Palestine,and a brutal, ignorant, only a little corner and people?" No, Bro. Pike; God ungrateful without light for those two did not leave the world poured it with greater centuries, though He score

difficult well easy to scoff, and so Did the Deity leave the whole world

264

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

abundance His
corner

upon

the in

Jewish nation; just


later
a

as same

He

sent

Divine
of
even

Son,

times,

to

the

little

Palestine, with

personal

message would

of salvation,

though
a

the

people of Judaea
which

put that

Son

to

shameful

death.

But

the

on Jewish religion,

based, could
Bro.

not

have

been

Christianityis inspired by God, says


from age
to

Pike, because

it varied

age,

filed deit

by
came
"

contact

with

the

pagan

creeds

with

which

in touch. The

religiontaught by Moses," he says (Morals and Dogma, which, like the laws of Egypt, p. 247), enunciated the principle of exclusion, borrowed, at period of its existence, from all the creeds with every which it came in contact. While, by the study of the
"

learned admirable

and

wise, it enriched
the

itself

with

the

most

principlesof Asia, it was changed, in by everything that was


the

pagan
in the

manners

religionsof Egypt and the wanderings of the People, most impure or seductive in and one superstitions.It was
Moses and and

thing
those of able
"

times and

of

Aaron,

another

in

of David and

Solomon,
Bro.

still another McClenachan

in those is also

Daniel
to

Philo."

Scripture. in Genesis," he The two trees (Encyclosays those of Life and Knowledge, were pcedia, p. 1017), and from the Egyptian and were probably drawn
"

throw

light on

Christian

Zoroastrian
taken in the

stories.

But

no
'

further of the

reference
'

is after

Bible
to that

of

the

Tree
or

Knowledge
'

Genesis, but Life,'


Eastern
as

of Life,

Tree This the

which

gives
the

in
name

the

Apocalypse II, 7. and significanceof


covered with

is also

Pillar;

and

when

carved

or Lingam inscriptions,

266

ITS

RELATION

TO

CATHOLICITY

tianity.
the anterior

Its

symbols
that. Its

and

its and

legends
from
comes

are

derived

from
even

Solomonic
to

Temple
its faith

the from

people
the
one

religion
was

ancient of Noah
were

priesthood;
and his
a

that

primitive
If the

immediate Christian the Brahman

descendants.

Masonry Jew
and could But

simply
Moslem,

institution,
and of the its In
at

the
not

Buddhist,
illumination.

conscientiously partake universality


every nation may may is its may boast.
converse;
to

its
of
ligions re-

its

language
men

citizens
of every all

its altar

kneel;

its creed

of disciples

faith

subscribe."

Yes,
have
to

indeed,
into

any
a

who
grave

believe
error;

Masonry
any who have the its known and the

Christian

fallen

sought bility impossisensuous

Christianize of

it, should

have

Christianizing paganism
Dr.

worship.
"

Mackey
is

condones

fault, because
"

it

is instinctive. The

feeling
to

an

instinctive

one," he
of

says,
our

longing be-

the hence in it

noblest
we

aspirations
find

human

nature;

and

Christian

Masonic

writers
excess,

indulging
and,

to

an

almost their the

unwarrantable sectarian

by

the

extent

of

interpretations,
character of p.

materially
the

affecting

cosmopolitan
is
to

Institution."
When It

{Encyclopaedia paganism
is

of Freemasonry,
of,
excess

163.)

spoken

is

never

mentioned.

only
not

Christianity Masonry
to

that

Masonry
un-

objects.
is, as

Christianity
does

to

is the

sectarian,

cosmopolitan,
we

belong

ancient

system:

have

shown,

unmasonic.

CHAPTER

XIII

Were

Benedict

XIV

and

Pius

IX

Freemasons?

"

But

how,"
and popes could be

it will

be

asked,

"

if

Masonry
Catholic

be

so

anti-Catholic
and popes
even

anti-Christian,
have

could of

bishops
If
to

been

members

the

Craft?

Masons,
So
in in

ordinary
New

Catholics
a

ought
zine magaargues

be

allowed."

the

Age,
D.

Masonic
a

published
in
"

Washington,
for

C,
pp.

writer
82.

the We

January
have

number
not

1905,

81,

the

slightest prejudice
he
"

against regard
of

the its

Roman
condemnation of

Catholic
of

Church,"

says
as

we

Freemasonry
nature

the of

result the

rance igno-

the

true

and in

aims his

fraternity.

It

is

related that
the

by

Lenning
after of

German XIV
his

Freemason's

Lexicon,

Pope

Benedict

had

firmed con-

Bull

Pope

Clement
one

XII,
of
to

predecessor,
a

against

the

Freemasons,
induced
A

his be

courtiers,

ous zeal-

Freemason,
into
the

him

privately initiated
named

Order.
an

Roman
at

Mason

Tripolo
into

livered dethe of

address it is
a

the that

Pope's during
and

reception
the latter

Order,
his
cease

and

fact

part

pontificate,
to

the

enlightened
the

liberal thus

Pope

did

persecute
to
:

Freemasons,
statements."

lending

strong

support

Lenning's

Again
"

Pope
Nordez,

Pius of

IX

was

Freemason,

and of

if

Bishop
the

Le

Dijon,

is

really 267

member

fra-

268

BENEDICT

XIV

AND

PIUS

IX

he ternity,

has
own

only

followed

the lead

of

high dignitaries

of his And
"

Church." conclusion:

the the
not
"

inevitable and popes the members

If

bishops
of the

can same

be

Masons,

should

Church

why join the

society?
to Protestants, who plausible misunderstand entirelythe relation of the Pope to The therefore so : Catholicity Pope has done Catholic is no for the may." There argument any Catholic in this. that Popes Every Catholic knows and do sin grievously. Bishops may wrong: may May Catholics, therefore, with good conscience, do ? The the same Evidently not. guide of the Catholic

The

argument
"

seems

"

conscience he in in of of teaches

is not
as a

what

the

Pope does;

nor

even

what teaches

privateperson; but what he Vicar his publiccapacity of Jesus Christ. as have all Pontiffs who their publiccapacity, it in the Freemasonry have condemned
terms
:

Now,

spoken
clearest
are

and

plainerand
Pius IX. Catholic

such condemnations among clearer than those of Benedict


utterances
are

none

XIV

and of

These

the

guide, then,

not consciences,

the

personalactions
the
two

of either

pontiff.
But

when

one as

considers

Pontiffs but Dr.

selected

by
at

the Craft

members,
of the

he

cannot

be astonished

the blindness

Brethren.
a

Mackey,
to

better dict Bene-

instructed, gives quite


XIV than
"

different character

Lenning does. He the Doctor, (Enwas distinguished," says his learning and was a cyclopcsdia, p. 113), "for
of the arts great encourager however, an implacableenemy issued
on

and of

sciences.
secret

He

was,

and societies, Bull

the

i8th

of

May,

1751,

his celebrated

BENEDICT

XIV

AND

PIUS

IX

269

renewing
which
has

and

perpetuating that
the in

of

his

predecessor
The Bull tor Docwas

excommunicated
erred

Freemasons."
the date. The 28th.*

sHghtly

signed May 13th and published May But though a slight has crept error
account
as

into the Doctor's


no error was as gards re-

regards
Pontiff's the

the

date, there
of

is

the in

sentiments.
year
a

The

Bull

lished publasted

eleventh
years,

reign

which

only
and

seventeen

when

the is what

eight months, and sixteen days, Pope was alreadyseventy-six years old.
Benedict XIV
says
"

Here

in his memorable

condemnation.
"

that
and for taken the

might be asserted overlooked something had been carelessly by us, that we the more take away the food easily may lying calumny and close its mouth, having first
says, counsel

Lest

however,"

he

it

with
of the

some

of

our

venerable

brethren,
we

Cardinals
to

Holy
these be
to

Roman

Church,

have

decided which

confirm

by

form, presents, in specific


the
most

the
our

ample of all most efficacious,the preceding Constitution which, word for word, we have predecessor,
in
our

is considered

and of serted in-

own;

in

as

much

as

of

our

own

certain

Apostolic knowledge and by the fulness of our own by the tenor of these letters,in everythingand power, lished as just as if they had been pubregards everything,
of and
renew

our our

own own

initiative, we,
will

in

our

own

name,

by

authority,confirm, strengthen and


and decree that it and

such

Constitution, and

have

perpetualforce

This Mason.
1

^ efficacy." is the Pontiff whom Lenning would in specific form confirms Benedict

make the
con-

Bullarium

'^Bullarium

Benedicti Benedicti

XIV, vol. iii, p. 286. vol. XIV, iii, p. 285.

270 demnation
word for

BENEDICT

XIV

AND

PIUS

IX

of his

introduced predecessor, after careful

into his own,


over, more-

word;
it

examination, he,

the age of perpetual;and yet, between seventy-sixand eighty-two, a certain Mason, with makes various makes other him
a

uncertainties, initiates the


Freemason.

Pontiff

and
"

When,
The solemn
"

where,
and

how,

poeticfancy may
never

supply.
"

condemnation Benedict
"

is

revoked, it subsists in full force,

But," says the writer, it is a leaving it so. the fact that during the latter part of his pontificate, to persecute enlightened and liberal Pope did cease the Freemasons, thus lending strong support to Lenthe writer What understands ning's statements." of Benedict's the latter part fess conpontificate we by able to fathom. We should not we are imagine from that so strong a document of seventy-six, a man
dies
" "

six

years

before

demise

at

the

advanced

age

of

the "latter" near sufficiently eighty-two, was part of his reign. We are glad that Bro. Mackey had of his readers, than more regard for the intelligence
to

make

Benedict

XIV

Mason. Pius in IX is cut from the

The
same

story of the sainted


cloth.
"

Germany," says John Gilmary Shea, in his Life of Pope Pius IX, pp. 291, and they thought that by putting the scene in 292, clared detection. America, they would They deescape that Pius IX had been received into positively cited his discourses, Masonic a lodge in Philadelphia, that a number declared of his autographs were and preserved in the lodge. Unfortunately for the story, Philadelphiais in the civilized world. People there and found that could read and write. They examined Masonic there was no lodge in that cityby the name had given; they found that no lodge in Philadelphia
"

It

started

BENEDICT received
of his

XIV

AND

PIUS

IX

271 find
was

ever

John Mary
ever

Mastai; they
been

could he
never

no

trace
no

having
of that

there, as
whole refuted

lodge

had

themselves

any attested

his

autograph letters; Masons


the
was a

The
from
not to

slander

thus

has

vention inpure been revived is taken

time

to

time, but in later versions, care

specifythe lodge or citytoo distinctly." The fabled time of the Pope's initiation long antedates the famous allocution of Sept. 25, 1865, and the elevation of John Mary Mastai even to the papal
throne.
can

But

what from

consolation

any

of Pius is

the IX

Brethren
to

gather
a

imagining Pope
of the Masonic

have
prehension. com-

been

member

Order

beyond

"Among by says,
"

the which
to

many
the the ruin

wiles
enemies Church and

and of of

arts," he
the

himself
name

Christian

are

wont

assail
to

God,

and, though
be
doubtedly un-

vainly,endeavor
of society and
men

destroy it, must

numbered.
which

Venerable
is

Brethren, that wicked

which, having at darkness, hence burst


and religion human
"

commonly called Freemasonry firstgathered in secret places and


forth for

the

common

ruin

of

And
and of the the

later :

We

condemn
nature

society," by our Apostolicauthorityreprobate the Masonic societyand all others


and
. .

same

we

wish

that
or

by

all

faithful of Christ, of whatever

degree

dignity,

throughout the whole world, such societies be held as the same reprobated and condemned by us, under in the above-mentioned penaltiesas those contained of our Constitution predecessors." The of Masons that Pius IX contention belonged to the Craft, far from favoring their cause, is its most crushing condemnation; for it closes absolutelyevery

272

BENEDICT

XIV

AND

PIUS

IX

loophole solemnly
as

who so pretending ignorance in him and sonry Mapublicly and scathingly denounced Church and of humanity, the enemy of God's for the condemnation the pronouncement of what it
was

and who knew

makes

of

one
"

by personal experienceknew that it was wicked, that


to

he the

spoke :
enemy

of
as

supernatural religion and false to true humanity as


Is this
a

society as
the
true

constituted;
God.^ claims?
no

the

brother

Pike, in
with The

passage

Masonry already quoted, claims


New

that

Bro.

fraternity
the
demnation con-

him. writer of in the the

Age
on on

has

excused of

Church

the

score own

ignorance.
part.
have Bro.
lightened en-

We Pike

fear

ignorance is {Morals and Dogma,


him.
true

the

his

p.

50)

could

"

Because of
was

Masonry,
and

unemasculated,

bore

the

banners
"

and

tyranny,
edict of forbade XII.

Rights," he says, in rebellion against temporal and spiritual its Lodges were proscribed in 1735, by an
Equal
States in of Holland. In his In

Freedom

the them

1737,
Bull

Louis

XV.

France. them
was

1738, Pope
of

Clement munication, Excom-

issued

against
which the

famous

renewed Council of

by

Benedict also

XIV.;
scribed pro-

and

in

1743, them."

Berne

He

does

justify it authority of
1

deny the fact of rebellion; he seeks to and temporal by stigmatizing the spiritual
not

the

time

as

tyrannous.
feelingly
and nounced deuttered

In

solemn
to

referred

the
"

allocution, on April 20, 1849, Pius IX with connecting him Masonry, rumor
the

it

as

blackest

of

all

calumnies

"

ever

against
Der

but his sacred much-maligned person. Gotze der Humanitdt. Freiburg 1875, pp.

(Cf. Pachtler,

721-722).

274

PEEP

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graphically reported
A.

the

proceedings.
known
on

Bro.

Edwin

Sherman,
Master

33 of

", well

the

Pacific No.

Slope,

Wise

Gethsemene

Chapter,
Consul

5, Rose

Croix, presided.
Bro. Alexander made the K.

Coney 32",
After

General

of

callingattention to the responsibility of Gethsemene Chapter in accepting the heart of Bro. Herrera stating that y Cairo, and strike Masonry is no anvil, and that, if struck, it must the grand principleof the back ; after enunciating for every man his own to form right of conscience of religiousbelief without any dictation of any priest kind whatsoever" he to on (p. 14) any goes We picture the imminent dangers to our country. are perhaps," he says, "to a terrible struggle near,
Mexico,
address.
"
" " "

"

with whole where

that

power

which

from

Rome

ran

riot

over

the

of
for that

dictates
was

of

and Southern Europe, Spanish America the right to believe, to believe,or to claim men they could worship God according to the their own consciences, was dangerous. It for all true
men

countries in those necessary for the brethren to unite, and liberal

to

ally themselves
to

with

government.
.

They
.

had

do

that,

or

be

nihilated. an-

"

There
no

were
one

no

Protestant
teach different It
men

teachers creeds
was

in from

that that

country,
which had

to

been

taught
But

them.

natural, spontaneous
who
were

truth. tied and there honor Masonic


was

down.

they were They had


of
torture.

tered, fet-

the

rack, the
such
a

tion, Inquisisystem
we

all sorts born

Under
man

this

noble

whose

memory all

here

of to-night,one that light up stars

the the

brightest of pathway for

our

genera-

PEEP

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275
How
true

tions
to

to

come

to

our

brethren."

(p. 15).

Coney's pictureis the reader may judge by the opening paragraphs of the life of Bro. Herrera y Cairo, given on pamphlet. p. 3 of this same "In 1821, in the city of Guadalajara,State of Jalisco, Republic of Mexico, Ygnacio Herrera y Cairo
was

facts

Bro.

born," it says.
the

"

His of

father, Anacleto
Masons
in the

Herrera,

Republic of Mexico after its declaration of Separation and soon him Independence of Spain; and from ceived Ygnacio rethe inspirationof liberty,equality and ternity. fraAt

founded

first

lodge

by by

death the

the age of twelve years, he lost his father then and entered the seminary which was

under his

direction

of the his of

to application

priesthood,and while there, studies and brightness, he attracted


his teachers. other He but
was never

the

attention games

given

to

the

of the

boys,

kept

self him-

apart, concentrating in himself, yet with


frankness love
"

all his

and
esteem

lovable

dispositionof

character, the
and from
for his

and

of his school-mates." of Medicine noted


;

graduated as a Doctor boyhood, until his death, he was


He
the
care,

for his love

poor,

which and

he

demonstrated

practically by

charityto the sick and needy. He the ignorant of their rights was constantlyinstructing of thought and and duties; teaching freedom speech in religious tolerance and was matters, and therefore spected worshipped by this class of his fellow citizens and reof his own station, but was by the intelligent feared by the clergy and their partisans. The clergy their side, making him did everything to attract to him fused." most were always retempting offers which
attention

Where

were

the rack, the

torments,

the

In-

276

PEEP

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all this quisition would horrors A suit his which

time ?

But

Brother
so

hearers, and
he knew
to

he

Coney knew regaled them

what with

be untrue.

by the Chaplain of the Lodge, Bro. Chas. E. Gillett, lowed, Chapter, fol33", Secretaryof Gethsemene then a few words by Bro. Sherman, when the the heart of Bro. Herrera to contain jar which was uncovered in the East. Above the jar was was a portraitof the Brother, and still above that, were
prayer three
"

life-sized busts.

It is but the

making
now

proper," said Bro. Sherman, attention to to call your deposit


in the East. You

"

before

what, you

witness the

there
was

see

the

martyrs.
at

right is Coligny, who Massacre of St. Bartholomew; of William the Silent, who was own Gerard; in the centre our
President, Abraham

On

murdered

the that

the North upon murdered by the


loved and fell the
"

Jesuit martyred
of

Lincoln, who

victim

long-beforesworn
one

who
was

himself taken

of the Jesuits killed by treachery was a Jesuit. The Jesuitcharm or frorri Booth's

medal in the

neck, and

is to be

seen

Judge Washington.
before when he
was

Advocate It
was
a as a

General's

office in the

city of

Jesuitplot formed
candidate
a

five years

ever

for

the

Presidency,

he

was

marked

victim

all Scottish against whom (P- I7-) venting he actually Bro. Sherman, when to ingets down no mean Strange, history,shows power. much about Jesuitplotsand isn't it, that he knows so their connection with one of the most crimes dastardly of history,and yet keeps his knowledge concealed within the recesses of the Lodge ? passing Strange
"

of that terrible power Rite Masons sworn." are

strange
knows

"

if true ; and be

if.false, as
is to

the

whole

world

it to

false,what

be

thought

of such

PEEP

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277
of those who

assertions
make and

made

and

listened

to, and

applaud
H.

them?

Bro.

Joseph
Veterans' been

Wythe, 14", Chaplain of


Association
:

sonic the Ma-

of
"

the

Pacific

Coast,

ren My Masonic Brethand services lady friends : The very interesting of this occasion are well calculated to make a profound mind. impressionupon every Masonic They bring before us the fundamental self, of Masonry itprinciples truth and as a refuge and defense of religious and source freedom. They also indicate the principal virulence of the antagonism against the truth. Our enemies our accuse especially Papal enemies der slanMasonry of teachingAtheism, but this gratuitous is contradicted by the entire historyand ritual of find sublimer the Order. Where will you tion recogniof the Great First Cause than in Masonry? No the threshold of a Lodge without man can cross acknowledging his trust in God." A real Mason," he continues, acknowledges of conscience to none He is the great but God. fealty soul, and our highestfeeling Lawgiver to the human It is an impertinence and a of obligation is to Him. to dictate what we priesthood tyranny for any human
. . .
" "

having

introduced,said

"

"

must

believe which is
so

and

do.

It is
to

on

this

account
over

that
science con-

Popery,
where
even

assumes

have

dominion

its
unto

bitterly opposed to Freemasonry, and will persecute Masons priestshave power


death.
at

How

many

of

our

brethren and

have
to

been

burned in

the

stake, or

tortured

starved

be cannot dungeons of the Inquisition until the judgment day ! known with the thoughts flatter ourselves We not must which that the lightof civil and liberty, religious in our land, has penetrated shines so brightly so own

death

the

"

"

278

PEEP

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far into the darkness

der neighboring nations as to renpersecution nearlyimpossible. In the language of

of

the Rome

letter of
to

last month Sherman


"

from
'

the

Grand
too

Orient
true

of

Bro.

It

is but

that

its from priestcraft, to extinguish with sacred fire of

nest, the Vatican, is


the

endeavoring
the
our

icy

breath

of

Reaction

Science

and. of
the cost of

Liberty, which
enormous

brotherhood and in the

lightedat
face of

sacrifices,
now
'

keeps alive in all parts of the world.' Papacy, having gone astray from the pure and genuine source is fightingnowadays against Masonry of Christianity with in Italy,where increasingaudacity,especially that Papacy keeps alive a revolt againstthe established order, in a permanent attempt to ruin the unity and "... of the country.' integrity said to have Bro. Wyatt then relates an occurrence taken place in Mollendo, Peru, and continues: It is another example of the hatred of Rome The old virus can and truth. be never againstliberty changed, and it will be well for us in the United States with the to hand conflict if we escape from a hand freedom." Papacy for the retention of our own Now, candidly, Bro. Wythe, do you believe all this the purpose of burning your What nonsense? was Masonic Brethren at the stake or bothering them with the Inquisition, when, in those days. Masonry commanded its members to belong to the Church of the Read sonic they lived? Mackey's Macountry in which Ritualist (p.244), and the quotationis also found But elsewhere. though in ancient times Masons of were charged in every country to be of the religion
. . .

dreadful

dangers,

and

"

"

that

country
more

or

nation, whatever

it was,

it is
to

now

thought

expedientonly to obligethem

the

PEEP

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279

in which all men religion lar agree, leavingtheir particuWhere all the danger, opinions to themselves." was and etc., etc., of which speak? courage, you Where
was

your

boasted

freedom
to

of

conscience,when
the

Masonry charged
was

its members

belong to
And

religion
mere

of the country, whatever

it was.

if this affiliation
was

in its rites only external,participation

hypocrisy.
After had

James L. Cogswell, President pro tern., with a token of appreciapresented Bro. Sherman tion from the Brethren, the hymn, Hail Masonry
"

Bro.

Divine,"
that The

was

sung.

The

form

differs somewhat

from
214,

printed in Mackey's
first two Here
stanzas
are

Masonic
are

Ritualist, pp.
the
same,
verses

215.
the

then

comes
on

difference.

some

of the

sung

the present occasion:

"

We'll
Thine From

build
Altars

thy Temples
here
secure

sure

Rome's build them

foul

hand.

We'll

strong and
State

great,

"

Bulwarks

of

Freedom's

Against the blows of Hate And Pope's Commands."


As there
was some

(p. 23.)
arations, prepfor.

delay in
to

the

banquet-room
then called

the In the
course

response

toasts

was

of his remarks, Bro.


U. S.

32",
"

Colonel
President

A., in

James responding to
States," said

G.

C.

Lee,
toast,

the
:

The
"

of the United

long as the President of the United States is a what party he comes. from need not care we patriot, for I Patriotism coupled with Masonry earth higher than that of Maof no religion know on
So
"

28o

PEEP

INTO

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sonry under Bro. of Our

"

coupled
any

with

that,
. .

our

country
"

will stand

President."
.

Coney responded Sister Republicof


stated
as

to

the toast,
"

The The

President
Wise is not ter Mashere.

Mexico."
Bro. The

then The
next

follows: is
'

Caswell

Twenty-Seven Regular Supreme Councils of the Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, With All Their Subordinates Throughout the World.' I wish to say, in addition, that throughout South and Southern America, Mexico Europe, that is the only Masonry that is known, and all the maritime send representatives Grand to Lodges of Blue Masons from those Supreme Councils, and receive representatives for they are grand lodges within their own diction." juris(p.25). who doubt the unity Those of Freemasonry throughout the world, might meditate for a few moments on
regular toast
Bro.

Sherman's

words.

" In response to the toast the and Degrees Around

Freemasonry of
Globe,"
Bro.

All Rites W.

Amasa

Bishop, 30", said:


"

Most

Wise

Master persons

and
to to

Friends, I

think

it

hardly

fair to call upon

knowing
"

what

they

are

respond to toasts without few be, and collecting a


indicates,is
Father universal." for
we

ideas,at least."
Then born
"

Masonry, as the after thanking


an

toast

the

Heavenly

being
have

American, he repeats his thanks


to

that

worship God accordingto the dictates of with no one Do this or to say our own consciences, Do that under the penaltyof torture. There is one the face of the globe where land on freedom in its and I believe that greatest and highestglory exists, with the aid of Masonry that is universal, this freefreedom
'

'

'

'

282 knows

PEEP

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that what
in fact?

you

assert

has not

the

dation founslightest

No, Bro. Bishop, the sample that the


is

ings sadlylackingin all the bless; it forgetsthat the first example of you enumerate olics tolerance in America was religious given by the Cathtoleranc of Maryland, a tolerance sadly repaid by the inated; tolerof those that had been so charitably

Chapter

is

giving us,

and

if tolerance

was

embodied

in

our

own

stitution, Con-

the aid afforded in


men

by

the Catholics which aid

of

France,
pendence inde-

and

have been never probability, students of American history gained,was, as impartial admit, an important factor. The proximity, willingly desired, was too, of Catholic Canada, whose friendship
must not

money, would, in

without all

such

be overlooked.

We

have

no

wish

to

belittle where, any-

or advancement, or intelligence, but we want proofs,and

broadmindedness
not

empty

words.

Bro. Grand
one

William Master

S.
of the

Moses,
Grand

32", K. G. C, Past Consistoryof California,

VisitingBrethren, who, in virtue of his and the experienceof forty-four years as a Mason, offices that he had well fitted to express was filled, other things: Masonic sentiments,said among
"

of

the

In the words of and life, I


see are

of the poets I may

coming
men

events
"

cast

say it is the their shadows live to that

set sun-

fore. be-

in the distance here who

I shall not

see

it,

but

there

will

"

I the

see

able inevit-

conflict
and has
to

approaching,between the usurpation of that


in Rome. in defense Some of

forces of freedom
tyranny that
be called
you
now

terrible

its throne bear


arms

of you may that freedom

possess. who man


not
"

When

shall do so, remember that old you foresaw the event far in the distance and
"

so

very

far.
men,

You

young

when

the

time

comes

buckle

on

PEEP

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283
let the
firm

your

armor

and

take

the sword, and


let

Scottish
and less fear-

Rite be known, and


and leaders

Masonry
you

stand

foremost
in that

there

will find your


behalf of

brethren freedom

great struggle on
a war

which
and

will be
defend

of American

citizens to babe."

protect

for liberty of American

wife

and

(Applause)

(P- 30The
war

(?)

citizens for the protection


soon

(?)
after.
^

of American

liberties

The

world

knows

started (?) was its ignoble career,

and

end. ignobler after lauding Bro. Moses Holliday, the of Masonic as acme character, and expressing the delight he felt at seeingthe Brother full present of life and full of manly energy, full of vivacity, full of love for that Masonic Order," tells patriotism, in the anxiety his hearers that he does not participate and liberties, gives his expressed about American
" " "

Bro. Samuel

W.

reason.
"

mean

I will tell you to say that for

why,"
there

he says
are

(p. 32).
numerous
our

"

I do

not

not

enemies
There dom, freeland

setting traps
are

our

liberties and of
our

welfare.

enemies many and I mean,

of publicinstitutions, Our in this country. liberty

deadly enemies of such, but I tell you that so long as you stand by the virtues of Masonry, so long as you sustain the public schools (here the by vigorousand long-sustained speakerwas interrupted safe. member Reliberties are applause),just so long our
is full of

that."
111. Bro.

James
and

B.

Merritt, 33", Grand

Master

of

Ceremonies
"

Grand

Master, answering the toast,


pressing ex-

The

Grand his

began by Consistoryof California," conferred of the honor appreciation


A. jnovement,

on

^The

A.

P.

284
him, and

PEEP

INTO

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then

coming

to
we

the

and point, voices briefly


set

of what plainlymuch the preceding pages.


"

have

forth

at

length in
"

I stand
our

before

that

Scottish Masons himself

you Rite
we

."
.

he

says,

to

state

Rite individual of will not

in

politics.We
allow

any man recognize that since God


woman,
or

tish something; that as Scotacknowledge no superiorto the of religion and in matmatters ters have pledged ourselves that we and we or any body of men
means
"

made

this

earth, that

no

man,

body of men, has any rightto dictate to us conduct ; that no body of men our or religious political has any rightor ever had any right to explainto us the that book be authorityof our book of faith,whether
the
or

Pentateuch, the
the Koran. No any

two
man or

Testaments, the Zendavesta,

body

of

men

was

ever

missioned com-

them for superiorpower to interpret Each should for himself, of us us. interpretthem and according as we them we are obliged to interpret has the We claim that no act. man or body of men conduct. edge acknowlWe rightto influence our political We vote no of according to the principles party. who Scottish Rite Masonry, and the man belongs to

by

the

Scottish

Rite

and the
was

does

not

do

so

violates every
the Union this

obligationfrom I one of them.

iirst to
in
one

the

thirty-third, every
of

State

where the one question before the people was year schools ; and the two the questionof the common great

partiesof that State vied with each other in political at the foot of the Roman despotism, cringing down than the other, to throw cles obstaeach trying, one more in the path of the common schools, to make war against them, and the party which in that State made of devotion to the Roman the strongest profession

PEEP

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285
And

Despotism,carried the State on now I am my friend Holliday


"

that issue alone. sorry


not

he

has

left the
with

room,
us

"

is not

afraid;
who and
to

he

does

sympathize
our

who

fear, and

know
that

that it is

the

right here upon us, the smallest election,


elections
to

deadly perilis duty in every


the ipal municvote
our

the greatest, from

the greatest

to have elections,

controlled entirely
up for
our common

by

those

persons
common

who

will

stand

schools, our
that stands schools of

our religion,

common

honor,
that the
our common one

of party, irrespective

that
our

all may

know
and
are

the best for


our

country
These fornia Cali-

shall receive the the Grand

votes.

the

sentiments

Consistory of

high honor to Commander." (pp. 33, 34.) How intimatelyMasonry considers


school needs

of which

I have

be the Grand

the

common

system
no

to

be of

identified
ours

with

its and

own

liberalism,

comment

Read

How

free

and

unfettered
a

for selves. yourits members in are

judge

voting, is equally plain. With No man trumpet it proclaims:


"

proud or body
"

blare of
men
"

of

the shall

control the
as same

our

vote

or

dictate how

we

shall vote See that

and

in

breath
are

it tells its voters,


to vote
or

you

vote

you

sworn

accordingto
you

Scottish
from

Masonry

violate

of principles obligation every

the

of them." thirty-third, every one and not a man Ah ! but these are principles, or body of fuge, men! True, but it is an unworthy and paltrysubterif there were no Protestant, no Catholic prinas ciples voted according to such principles ; and that whoever is rich in of men. the slave Masonry was of one words equality fraternity, liberty, ; but every down is immediately narrowed these by limiting means Masonry and nothing clauses, until fraternity the first to the
"

286

PEEP

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repressionand destruction of Catholic and Christian churches means ; equality common our common schools, our common religion, With God. honor," humanity, the true Masonic
more;

is liberty

the

the
our

"

the

letter of the

Grand

Orient
we

of

Rome

to

Bro.

Sherman

(p. 2
Ad

of the

pamphlet)
Terrarum

shall close this

chapter:
Architect!

Universi

Orbis Gloriam.

Summi

Deus Dal Tevere Nord II

Meumque
GRANDE
sotto
e

Jus.
ORIENTE di al Celeste

Ordo Roma.

ab

Chao. Valle del

la Volta

41" 54'
del
suo

di Latitudine Zenit.

10"

7' di Longitudine Est


Sovr

Supremo Consigliodel
erali; Gr
Grande Rito
.'" Eletti

.'. Gr

.'.

GenIspettori
.". del

Cavalri
mo

Gr

.'. Comm

del 33 Ant Scozzese

Impero

ed ultimo Ace

grado
"". della

di

.'" ed

Massoneria il

in Italia sedente
"

in Roma
"

giorno
anno
"

del
"'" L

mese

dell'

di V

.'.

00089

edell'E.". di 6 de

V.Ml Marzo

42,

1893Mar. Piazza, Poll, Roma, Italy,


.'. Edwin

6, 1893.
.". M .". of

III .'. Bro

A.

Sherman,

33", W
5, of

Gethsemane

Chapter, No.

Rose

Croix, Oakland, Califorina.

Through the Secretary of the Supreme Council of Washington, the General Supreme Council of Italyhas received the resolutions Illustrious Brother, on December moved by yourself. i8th, 1892, and unanimously approved by your Chapter, which Masonry at large,and the Maencourages

111.*, and

Dear

Brother:

PEEP

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287

in their work of vindicating all Italyespecially, the civil rightsof the nations, and the preciousgiftof Liberty of Conscience, granted to all mankind by the
sons

of

Grand

Architect

of the Universe. true, that

It is but too

Vatican,
breath
of

is

from its nest, the priestcraft endeavoring to extinguish with the icy the Sacred Fire of Science
at

Reaction
our

and

of

Liberty,which
of
enormous

Brotherhood in

lightedup
the face

the cost

and sacrifices,
now

of

dreadful

dangers, and
It is true

keep

alive in all parts of the world.

Papacy, having gone astray from the pure and genuine source of Christianity, is fighting with nowadays against Masonry increasing that Papacy keeps in Italy, where audacity,especially alive a revolt against the established Order, and in a of permanent attempt to ruin the unity and integrity
the

that the

country.
have
never

We

doubted for
us

the

love

the American
carry your
on

Masons the
so

in that

sympathy struggle which

and

of
we

in

words,
for
us,

very stronghold of Vaticanism; but full of useful advice and of encouragement

have

received

amidst

greatlycomforted applause at the last


were

us.

They
and

were

preme session of the Sumunicated com-

Council, and
to all the

at

once

translated

Lodges
. . .

and

Chapters of

the Italian

Masonic
In the

Family.
name

all the

Masons

Brother, and
most

Supreme Council, 33", and of dear of Italy,accept. Illustrious and give to your Chapter, the sincerest and
of the

loving thanks.
The Del.'. Sov
-'. Gr
.".

Commander,
Ad.

The

SecretaryGen Teofilo Gay, 32".


Gr
.".

.".,

Lemmi,

33".

288

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We
some

copy

the letter

as

we

find for the

it,merely completing
convenience
of
our

abbreviated

words

readers. Thus have


we

studied

the relation of esoteric American and Catholicity

Freemasonry

in relation to

tianity. Chris-

is obsolete; will not suffice for present Catholicity is Jove transFather formed, enlightenment. Its Eternal its Virgin Mary is a modified Venus. The God whom it worships,is everyof the Old Testament where the author of evil; has most of the passions of the human heart ; is a crude conceptionof crude minds. Its authorityis tyranny over consciences; its history of persecution and corruption. Its divine institution one is denied as is also the inspiration of the Scriptures. the corruptions Its doctrines are of older pagan fables. is a pagan sacrifice imitated by the brethren, Its mass bread and who, as the High Priesthood, consecrate is partaken of by the Brethren, if, perwine, which chance, of the body of they may receive some particle Zoroaster, Confucius or the dead Jesus of Nazareth. Christ it does as Mahomet; Masonry reverences looks benignly on those who believe tolerates,pities, Christ Divine, a belief not shared in by Himself. All that has been said of Masonry's attitude towards the Old Testament, bears upon Christianityin general with the same force that it does on in parCatholicity ticular. The of Masonry Christianization tempted atwas by well-meaning writers like Oliver, but the be Christianized life-blood of Paganism cannot by mere human forces. terpret Masonry has eliminated Christian insectarian. too as Entering the Lodge have listened to speeches about we Popery, Romish tyranny, etc., etc., crowning all with an official letter
"

CHAPTER

XV

Masonic

Morality

We and
not

purposely
The of
no

head

this of Our
an

chapter

Masonic for
we

Morality,
treat
are

Morality
persons.
sense as

Masons, words,
on nor

of

ories, theto

not

therefore,
the
even

be

taken

in of

attack

individual
on so

acter charmoral
as

any

particular Mason,
Masons conduct in
on

the far

character frame Order. their prove,


or

of their If

general,
the

save

in

they
their

esoteric
to

principles of
Masonic
this

they
is this

live

according
but
concerns

theories,
we

morality
and

anything
their
we

Christian;
us.

shall ness false-

is all that

Of
alone

their

fidelity to principles
intimately
with
enters

principles God
discuss,
not

is

judge.
it

Masonic How

persons. whatever from


sort

morality,
Masonry,
is the

of

be,
that

is connected

plain

the of

fact

morality
"

into is
a

very

definition

the

Craft:
in gory alle-

Freemasonry
and

system

of morality
"

veiled

illustrated And

by symbols
in

(Masonic
of

Ritualist,
on us

pp.

42 of

sqq.).
the
same
or

speaking
Dr.
men
"

Lodges,
informs be
a

page that

245
"

work,
scandalous

Mackey
can

no

immoral those of

admitted, Mason,
be
"

but

only
man."
But that

"

good

report."

To
one

be
must

fore, therea

it is

confidently asserted,
is

moral

how
Dr. p.

it, then,
laments that

the

ordinary

reader

will

ask,

Mackey 847),
and

{Encyclopaedia
are

of
our on

sonry, FreemaOrder

"there

men
no

in credit

whose

lives

characters 290

reflect

the

In-

MASONIC stitution
are
"

MORALITY

291 that such lives

It resuh

is

true,

he

asserts

not

the

of

Masonic
are

teaching,but
found in

violations

of

it ; that similar

examples
be

Christianity,
fact is that

etc., etc. immoral


none save

All this is beside


men
can

the

point.

The

Masons;
can a

it is therefore

false that

moral
not
us

men

be members Mason?

of the Order. Bro. he

Was
assures

Voltaire
that he
was.

McClenachan
says

"Voltaire,"

(Ency-

of the most clopcBdia, famous French p. 102 1 ), "one born writers,was at Chatenay, near Sceaux, in 1694. His early life was loose and varied. In 1728 he became

infatuated

with in

Madame

du he

Chatelet.
. . .

During
with

his

exile

England
his

imbibed
He
was

Deistical

theories, which
atheism.

marked He
was

life.

charged

Lodge of the Nine Sisters,at Paris, February 7, 1778, in the presence of Franklin and others distinguished in Masonry. Died May 30, 1778, which gave rise to a memorable held the succeeding 28th of Lodge of Sorrow on November." If Voltaire's morality be a type of the
Masonic,
we

initiated in the

do

not

envy

the

Brotherhood.
some

Franklin

had

been

initiated
:

time

Benjamin prior to
much
we

1734
may

{Encyclopedia,p. 290)
admire
to

yet, however
far from

the

man

for his talent,genial humor,


was

and

services
to
"

his country, his life standard


at

ing conform-

the

of Christian

morals.

His

morals says
to

that

he

was

hood], [theperiod of early manlate biographer of the sage, "were cording aca his own account fairlygood. He asserts neither dishonest nor unjust, and we can

this time

"

readily believe him,


character. In

for

these

were

not

faults in his

his this

passed through

Autobiography he says that he period of life without any willful


'

292

MASONIC

MORALITY

that might have been expected immorality or injustice from of religion.'In the first draft want my he added, of the Autobiography foolish intrigues some with low from the women excepted, which rather more than to me were to prejudicial expense gross
'

them.' out."
^

But

in the

revision, these words

were

crossed

George

{The True Benjamin Franklin by Sydney Fisher, 4th Edition, Philadelphia,1902, p.


rule for
"

85.)
the following: chastitywas but for health or Chastity. Rarely use venery to dullness,weakness, or the injury of never offspring, another's peace or or reputation; (ibid., your own p. but 102), a rule, indeed, which avoids many excesses,
"
"

His

which but This he

is yet far from


was

the

Christian
a

standard.
you

"

Ah

not

at

this time

Mason,"
remains
man

may

be But

true, for the


our

date

may say. of his initiation is uncertain. the


can

argument
no

same;
a

for

when the the


even

it is said that

immoral
not

be

Mason,
of that

expression is
Craft, but
if Franklin would
a

used

only

of actual

members
so

of

candidates
were

for

admission;
from the

excluded in the
on

first class, his


was

he

be

numbered
man

second. of
a

Moreover,
mistress

letter to written

young

the choice

of the rules of June 25th, 1745; some which too are utterly gross for publicationby his biographer.^ At this time Franklin was certainlya
on

of Franklin, vol. I, p. 180. See Fisher, The Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia, 1902, In the State 126-128. at Washington," says Department pp. is also his 1. Mr. Fisher, c. p. 126, preserved [Franklin's] letter of Brussels, which Perfumes to the Royal be cannot Academy on the rules modern Franklin of and in under fact, taste, published himself speaks of it as having too much grossierete to be borne (Bigelow's Works of Franklin, vol. vii,p. by polite readers." 374-)
1 2

Bigelow's Works
"
"

True

"

'

MASONIC Mason. Too the


are

MORALITY

293
must not

much

reliance, therefore,
"

be

put
say

on

expression

moral

man."

There
true

different systems of
one

systems, for only

of

morality. I do varying systems

not
can

be true; I say systems; and you know that what one considers moral, and lauds and practises, is condemned The by another. according to his system, man, by every means possibleand
as was

immoral

to

him

the touchstone
every act " " moral

moral a Epicurean was he enjoyed himself when avoided pain. Pleasure of right and By wrong.
to be determined.
was an

it the

moralityof
a

was man

But
to

the life of such Christian morals in

abomination

morality. There is which utility


me

is the utilitarian school made it is have.


the

of

standard.
matter

Is the what

action useful to
other features there If what

Then

no right,

which life.

may is question, is is useful


to

the act

And

the

of utility

here in utility is right for me standard


of

this present
me,

becomes
The

the

my

self-aggrandizeme morality.

so-called of those who stand in my are rights way mere phantoms of ill-instructed conscience ; and, priding I shall crush all opposimyself on my moral integrity, tion command. Utilitarian moat my rality by every means is the morality is not Christian morality. There of the

Mormon,

that of the

Mohammedan,
; but all
are

that of the

Atheist, that of the Nihilist


The

anti-Christian.

Masonic important question in dealing with therefore, is to discover what sort of morality morality, it is based; to it is; to examine what on principles

learn, in
This

word,
us

how

Christian

or

unchristian
not

it is.

is for

the

importantpoint,and

Masonry calls morality.


And

the line of conduct

which

merely that it inculcates,


a

here, kind reader, if you

will listen to

phrase

294
or

MASONIC

MORALITY

sentence

which
the

uninitiated

purposelyframed impression that the Masonic


has been

to

give the moraUty


"

is Christian, you of the nature

will,in

few

moments

settle the matter settle it

of Masonic

morality,and

wrongly. You will accept without limitation such an The morals of antiquity, of the expressionas this : law of Moses and of Christianity, ours." are (Morals and Dogma, p. 308). "Could anything,"you will ity moralask, be clearer or more emphatic ? Masonic
" "

is

therefore
not

Christian."

And
cannot

yet.

Masonic
as

morality is
we

Christian, and
term,
"

be Christian,

conceive
"

the

Pike,
a

every teacher of brother in this great work." he says


no

recognize,"says Bro. Morality,every Reformer, as


"

We

We
. .

later,
one

"

all initiates
or

as

our

recognize," Brothers.
.

We

belong to
a

creed

school.

In all

there is

basis of Truth; in all there


and

(Morals

311.) of your Christian fucius, theory,when Zoroaster, ConMahomet, Brigham Young, are placed side by
p. moral

Dogma,

is pure has What

religions Morality." come already be-

side,as

teachers, with Jesus Christ ?


soon

Have

you

Masonry were simply a the Christian institution,the Jew and the Moslem, and the Buddhist, could not conscientiously Brahman ? (Encyclopcedia of partake of its illumination if its illumination is to Freemasonfy, p. 163.) And consist in teaching a morality, for Masonry defines itself this morality a can system of morality,"how be Christian, since the Jew, the Moslem, the Brahman, and the Buddhist, may and embrace conscientiously so soon practiseit? Have forgotten the Shock you and of Enlightenment of Entrance how didate canevery stands the portals of Masonry, at the on threshold of this new Masonic in darkness, helplife,
" "
"

forgotten so

that

"

if

"

MASONIC
and ignorance lessness,
"

MORALITY
?

295
"

How,

having been
over

dering wan-

amid

the

errors

and

covered

with

the

pollutionsof the outer and profane world" (and outside everything Masonry is this profane world), "he comes to inquiringly ing [Masonry's] doors, seekthe new birth,and asking a withdrawal of the
veil which
conceals

divine truth
"

from

his uninitiated it were,


a

sight
"

"

How
and

his
a

initiation is,as
a

death How
and

to the world

resurrection to
"

new

life " ? of
error

the world

is left behind

the

chains

restrained the candidate previously in moral and intellectual captivity are broken," etc., etc.? (Ritualist, pp. 22, 23.) Have and so forgottenall this? Have you forgotten, you in its models, its kinship, soon, that Masonry is pagan its very heart-blood? {Encyclopedia, p. 297.) And from this do you expect Christian morality? Is memory short that phallic so worship is forgotten?and Jehovah, the He-She, the Masonic God? and the soul emanation of the divinity? Do you not remember an that the Masonic Ritualist (p.338) has told us that a candidate,in his initiation, acquires the firstelements of morality ? have strated demonSurely all this must to you that Masonic moralityis not Christian. Christian moralityis based upon the ten commandments of Moses; Masonic A Mason, moralityis not. Mason, is not bound by these. He may, if he as a wishes, or if he is ignorantenough to believe in them, be binding observe them; but they are not and cannot Masonic conscience. So Dr. Mackey will teach on a
. . .

ignorancewhich

had

"

"

us.
"

Decalogue.

The

ten

commandments
Mount

of and

the
corded reso

Mosaic

law,

as

delivered twentieth

from

Sinai

in the

called," he

says

chapter of Exodus, are of Freemasonry, {Encyclopcedia

p.

296 205).
"

MASONIC

MORALITY
he obligatory," because
cannot to

"They
a

are as a

not

continues,
is

upon tolerant
to

Mason and

Mason,

the

Institution

cosmopolite, and

or

give their adhesion precepts, excepting those


existence of God and the

any

bers requireits memreligious dogmas

which

express

belief in

the No

law prescribed for partial be properly selected for the government of an Institution whose great characteristic is its universality." Masonic the The theory of the ten commandments, basis of Christian morality,is,therefore, that they contain for a particular law prescribed ligion." reonly a partial be a They are not, therefore, and cannot is, from a morality; and a Mason part of Masonic if he break Masonic standpoint, a moral man," even all of them. Truly, it is not hard to be a moral man
" "

immortality of the soul. a particular can religion

under
"

the circumstances
"

; and

if this is what

you

mean

gain littlein Christian eyes by highly moral. Doctor But what does Mackey mean by a partial in as much it does not contain law? Is it partial as because it is binding all moral precepts? Or partial His explanation shows only on a part of mankind? by moral having your
man,

you members

that

he the

takes

the

word

in the latter sense;


as

for
a

he

jects re-

Mosaic

Decalogue
one

repugnant

and institution, The


not

whose

cosmopolite versality characteristic is uni-

to

Jew, therefore, is bound


instruction.
The

by it,if he
Catholic

has and
not

imbibed
are

Masonic

Protestant broken the

bound
The
not

by

its

chains, if Masonry has


in the
the moral Mosaic for him. moral
a

them.

Mason,

freedom

of

Craft, is

subject to
never

Decalogue,
It

which, he holds, was


But
cannot

made

has, then. Masonry no but have; for without

law?

has;

it

moral

law, it could

298
of

MASONIC

MORALITY

the

Mosaic

law,

we

venture

to

assert to

that its ten


cover what some-

precepts will be found


more

broad
life of

enough
man

of the moral

than

most

human

One would imagine,from reading Bro. beings desire. going to impose Mackey's words, that Masonry was
some

higher, nobler,
Mosaic. the
"

vaster

system
reached.

of

the when

But

alas!

verbiage
moral

and

morality than nothing more,


law of
of

nature

point is grounded on the


actual discoverable

It is the

differences

and
on

because

by

natural

things, light, obligatory


"

all mankind." What is this


"

by natural light ? moral But The right and the moral wrong? many have denied so styled, using natural light, philosophers,
law, discoverable
any

difference

between

the two. So

Such his

was

Franklin's

in his earlier years. " He even quoted, tells us.

theory

went

holding that, in
wise, and
must

as

much

as

God

is

biographer, already beyond Voltaire in omnipotent and allexisted


were

had

created

the

universe, whatever
virtue

be
^

and right, If
to must
an

vice and

empty
Franklin's

tions." distincwent

intellect such

as

astray

as

the

Mackey
But

of morality,Bro. very starting-point in his natural light. not confide too much
we

willingly grant, that right the natural intellect unbiased by passion, or can reason, discover tion by natural intellectual lightboth the distincbetween moral and the right and moral wrong, natural precept to do the rightand to avoid the wrong, the Masonic whether we question much intellect, whose seat is in the heart sonry, {Encyclopaedia of Freemawhose have light,as we seen p. 391), and {Encyclopaedia, lightof pasp. 941), is the sensuous
even
1

as granting,

Franklin's

True Fisher, The Benjamin Franklin, pamphlet, Liberty and Necessity.

p.

84, referring

to

MASONIC

MORALITY

299

right and the true moral Masonic natural light, light, wrong. expresses for the initiate ideas unsuspected by our reader. Man, or the male principle," says Bro. McClenachan (Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 941), "symbolized was by ardent fire, represented by red, and the female identified with the idea of lightor principle, flame, representedby yellow or light-colored earth,
true
"

sion, will discover

the

moral

over

which
of
a

the

swift-footed

Mason's

messenger distress and the return

bears of

the

ings tid-

obligatory

light of the fire,the female of divine called Athor, signibeauty, the Egyptian Venus, was fying thus represented," dwelling of Horus, and was will indeed be consistent Morality read in this light, the object of our with the system which has formed Christian not Study, but it will be pagan sensuality, chastity.What, indeed, is to be expected from a introduces its disciples to phallic ship worsystem which from of religion? What a as a principle system Him Hewhich and twists Jehovah to make tortures a chief What from whose She? a symbols, system traced to their ultimate meaning, have invariably when tinction Dr. Mackey sexual meaning? a impresses the disof the two treatingof systems upon us when the word lily." in the Old The plant so frequentlymentioned of lily, emblem of under the name Testament an as purity and peace," p. says Dr. Mackey {Encyclopcedia, It ocof Egypt and India. cupied 471), was the lotus lily of the ornaments a conspicuous place among of the molten The brim the Temple furniture. sea wrought with flowers of the lotus; the chapiters was the tops at the porch, and the tops of the pillars on adorned with the same of the pillars themselves, were
succor.
" " "

This

300

MASONIC

MORALITY

plant. Saviour,
.

The
. .

lily which
of

is mentioned and

as

an

image
a

peculiarbeauty
of nature flower
;

by our glory,

when

comparing
of art,
was

the works different

with

the decorations

of

liliunt.

This

the salutation of
"

We

must

not,

probably a species is also represented in all pictures of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary." he adds later, the however, forget,"
. . .

"

difference between
the the of lily latter the is New.

the lotus of the Old The former is


a

Testament Masonic

and

plant;

to. Nevertheless, scarcely referred through the ignorance of the early translators as to sacred plants, the lotus is constantly used for the lily;

and

hence

the

same

error

has

crept into the Masonic

rituals." of Mary's virginity the lily and the lotus verily, of pagan have sensuousness nothing in common! The lotus plant, so celebrated in the religions of Egypt and Asia," says Dr. Mackey {Encydopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 477), "is a speciesof Nymphaea, or which water-lily, abundantly on the banks of grows No
;
"

streams

in
were

warm

climates.
. . .

The

Brahminical

deities

seated

rated always represented as either decowith its flowers, or holding it as a sceptre, or Coleman it as a throne." tinues, on says," he con(Mythol. Hindus, p. 388), that to the Hindu almost
" "

poets the lotus

was

what

the

rose

was

to

the of

Persians.

Floating on
and of the

the

water

it is the

emblem

the

world,

the type also of the mountain

Meru,

the residence lotus


a was

gods.
of

Among
and the

the

Egyptians,the
It
was was

the

symbol
ornament

Osiris

Isis.

esteemed

sacred

by
the used

and priests, of

upon

heads

much

many in the sacred


as an

placed as a coronet of the gods. It was also architecture of the Egyptians,


upon the columns

being placed

entablature

of

MASONIC

MORALITY

301

their

introduced it was temples. Thence by Solomon into Jewish architecture,being found, under the name of of the two work,' as a part of the ornaments lily at the porch of the Temple." pillars Here deed, led by devious we are once more paths inbut led back inexorably to the sensual symbols lotus flower, a species of of the Craft. The Nymphsea, the rose of the Persians, the symbol of the
'

world
or

or

universe, Osiris
coronet, the
"

and

Isis, the
of the

Isian

dress head-

Solomon's
but
not not

temple of the lily

of pillars phallic this, indeed, is the Masonic lily, latter is Christian chastity.The

work lily

Masonic.
And

lest,kind
we

reader, you
to

should

think that in anything

point,permit us to quote Dr. Mackey says concerning this very virtue of what for word, modernizing shall give it,word chastity ; we of what purports to be English of merely the spelling
seek

force

the
"

fourteenth

century.
the Halliwell
written

Chastity. In
of

Manuscript
not

of

the the

Constitutions
latter
to

Masonry,
fourteenth the

later than

part of the
a

century, and

purporting
at

be

copy

of

926,
*

the seventh

Regulations adopted point is in these words : by


the

York

in

Thou

shalt not

master's wife
in
thee
no
manner

lie, wise.

Nor
Lest Nor No

by thy
the

fellow's would

Craft

despise ;
did

by thy
more

fellow's concubine.

thou

wouldst

he

by

thine.'

"

"Again," continues
known
as

Dr.

Mackey,
Cooke

"in

the

tutions Consti-

the Matthew

Manuscript, the

date

of which

is about

the latter part of the fifteenth

302

MASONIC

MORALITY

century, the
'

same

is enforced regulation

in these words

That he covet the wife nor the not 7th Point. daughter of his masters, neither of his fellows, but if [unless]it be in marriage.' So all through the Old Constitutions and Charges, we find this admonition to of our brethren's wives and daughrespect the chastity ters; admonition which, it is scarcelynecessary to an this day." to {Encyclopedia of say, is continued Freemasonry, p. 160.) It is strange that Dr. Mackey did not see how much The is than Mosaic. son MaMasonic narrower chastity of the wives and daughis to respect the chastity ters of Masons the Charges do not go beyond this ;
"

The

the observer all womanhood.

of the Mosaic And

commandment

is to respect

the Mosaic Christ,as explaining his followers


to
"

precept, enjoinsupon
even

respect all
You

anhood wom-

in said

their
to

thoughts.
of

have
the

heard Master tery.' adul-

that

it

was

them "'Thou

old," says
shalt not

(Matth.
on a

V,

27,

28),

commit

But
woman

shall look I say to you, that whosoever to lust after her, hath already committed her the in his heart."
or

adultery with
here
to

There

is

no

tion limita-

of a daughter, or concubine It may fellow. be objected,indeed, that this Hallimasonry, well Manuscript is a forgery {Encyclopcedia of Freethat it is rejectedby modern p. 977), and Masonic research; but this does not invalidate our trine, It is rejected, of its docaccount not on argument. its of its unauthenticity. That but on account shown doctrine is good Masonic doctrine is clearly by the fact that Dr. Mackey quotes it with approval. is abundantly sufficient. This for our purpose But the broadness and Christian of Mosaic chastity the field of sensual indulgence;prescribes, in narrows

wife,

MASONIC

MORALITY

303

fact, a
inferior

straightand narrow appetites rebel.


more

way,

against which
womanhood
nature

our

The
our

more

is

respected, the
"

is
more

sensual

limited.

More
"

broadness !

broadness

here !

"

cries passion,

for,
woman

on

Masonic
is

male;
"

principles, morality is only incapableof true morality essentially


chains
error

away

with

the

of I
"
"

Christian
"

and

Mosaic
does
not

moral
war

ignorance and
with his
own

The

Mason

instincts," says

Bro.

Pike

(Morals

and

Dogma,
says
"

What

"More broadness!" p. 231). you say. " the Master ? Enter ye in at the narrow
"

gate
broad
there

(Matth. vii, 13, 14) :


is the way that leadeth who are go in thereat.

for wide
to

is the gate and many

destruction,and
narrow

How
leadeth

is the gate,

and there

strait is the
are

way

that

to

life; and

few

that find it." deed strange, so strange inbe unbelievable, that, consistently sonic with Maour
as

It will strike
as

readers

to

there principles, And

is

yet such

is the fact. all

its illumination

morality for woman. For Masonry holds that outside is moral ness; ignorance and darkno

true

slavery;that, in initiation, of true moralityare implanted in the the first principles But it is justas certain that no woman human breast.
can woman

that every is in the chains

one

who

has

not

entered

its

portals

of moral

be

Mason.

It

is

evident, therefore, that

no

in Masonic know light,can participate about the Rebeccas? true morality. How They are and be but they are affiliated society, not cannot an It is a fundamental mark landMasons. a true principle, shall be only of the Order, that its members
can men.
"

In

some

parts of the United

States," says
p.

Dr.

Mackey

(Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry,

70),

304
"

MASONIC

MORALITY

these

in

are degrees [for women] other never places they are

very

popular,while practised, and are


innovations.

strongly
fact these

condemned

as

improper
as

Th^

is,that by their friends


so-called When

well been

as

degrees
females admitted

have

are

told that

by their enemies, sented. greatly misreprein receiving these


Order and

degrees they are


are
'

into the Masonic

information under the name of obtainingMasonic Ladies' Masonry,' they are simply deceived. Every connected woman by the ties of consanguinitywith a Master is peculiarly Mason entitled to Masonic ance assistand protection. If she is told this,and also told that by these androgynous degrees she is to be put in of making her claims known possessionof the means be called oral testimony,but by a sort of what may that she is by their possession to the portals nearer no than of Masonry she was before, if she is honestly told this,then I can of harm, but the possibility see no bestowed and some good, in those forms if carefully sonry Maprudently preserved. But all attempts to make that anomalous of them, and especially thing called Ladies' imprudent, and Masonry, are wrong, formed the well-incalculated to produce oppositiorj among of the and cautious members Fraternity."

Women,

therefore, cannot
be

be Masons.

Women,

fore, there-

The Masonically moral. morality of of Masonry is dependent on the physicalqualification Ladies' Masonic of a sex. Masonry, or system is an anomaly. Truly the road morality for women, need is broad enough for human passion! A Mason not war againsthis instincts. Remember," says Bro. Pike {Morals and Dogma, characteristic of man finds p. 76), "that every moral its prototype among of lower creatures intelligence;
cannot
"

3o6
Thou Thou

MASONIC

MORALITY

shalt adore, revere, shalt honor Him

and

Love

Him

the virtues! by practising II. O -'" Thy religionshall be, to do good because ft is a pleasure to thee, and not merely because it is a duty. That
man,

thou

mayest

become his

the

friend

of

the

wise

thou

shalt

obey

precepts!
Thou shalt do

Thy soul degrade it!


III. vice !
,

is immortal!

nothing

to

"

.'.

Thou

shalt

unceasingly
others
unto to

war

against
thou

Thou wouldst Thou

shalt
not

not

do them

unto to

that thee!

which

wish

do

shalt be the
"'"

submissive wisdom!

thy fortunes, and

keep

burning
IV. Thou Thou Thou ! V.
"

lightof
Thou

shalt shalt shalt

thy parents! respect and homage to the aged! pay instruct the young! cence infancy and innoprotect and defend
Thou shalt cherish

shalt honor

"'"

thy

wife

and

thy

children Thou VI.

! shalt love

thy country,
friend

and

obey
a

its laws! second him! thou self!

"*"

Thy
do

shall be to thee

Misfortune Thou wouldst VII. shalt do

shall not for

estrange thee
his
were

from

memory

whatever

for him, if he Thou

living!
avoid and flee from

ffi "'.

shalt

sincere in-

Thou Thou memory VIII.

friendships! shalt in everythingrefrain


shalt fear
!
to

from of
a

excess

!
on

be

the

cause

stain

thy

"'"

Thou

shalt allow

no

passionto

become

thy

master!

MASONIC

MORALITY

307
others

Thou lessons Thou IX.


"

shalt make
to

the

passions of
error!

profitable

thyself! shalt be indulgentto


.'.

Thou Thou

shalt shalt

hear
act

much:

Thou

shalt

speak
Thou Thou Thou

little: shalt shalt shalt

well !

forget injuries! render good for evil! misuse either thy strength not
Thou shalt learn seek

or

thy
that

! superiority X.

"'"

study
to

to

know

men:

thereby thou
Thou Thou Thou But
*

mayest
ever

know

thyself!

shalt

after

virtue!

shalt be

just!
idleness! of I unto he commandment

shalt avoid the

great
He

Masonry

is this:

new

commandment that

give
saith

one

another! his

you : that ye love is in the light,and


"

hateth
"

brother, remaineth
he

still in the darkness.'


are

Such,"

concludes,

"

the of

moral

duties
to

of

Mason. in

But

it is also the

duty

Masonry

assist

the moral and intellectual level of society elevating ; in coining knowledge, bringing ideas into circulation, and causing the mind of youth to grow; and in and putting,gradually,by the teachings of axioms the promulgation of positivelaws, the human race in harmony with its destinies." extended We comment. must, Brevity forbids nevertheless, call attention to a few points. clinati inIn the first place, we have the slightest not to deny that, read in their obvious sense, much contain the good preceding commandments morality. I say, read in their obvious sense, for Bro. ments, has seen fit to prefix signs to these commandPike within a circle, with a plain a cross alternating

3o8
circle.
as

MASONIC

MORALITY

Now

the

cross

within

the

circle is the

same

point within the circle;and the plain circle is a ple. symbol of nature, the universe, the female princiBible And read in the just as the Christian acquires its true light of the square and compasses Masonic meaning, so, for the esoteric Mason, will these interpretedby their precepts acquire theirs when will read them, as sign. The exoteric Mason proper attention will the profane,paying no to the symbol that accompanies them, and will see, perhaps, little
the difference the the God: Mosaic between law. these He commandments
a

and

some

of

will, if he be
as

Christian, take

first commandment he has overlooked

referringto the Christian the phallic sign which cedes prethe

it; for he is yet far off from

revelation

of

Jehovah, the
In this and the

He-She

God

of

Masonry.
a

second

place,there is,indeed,
it is the broadness

broadness
a

in

morality; but
indefiniteness
"

which,
may
cover

like
a

vagueness charity, but in of

of

different "Thou shalt their

sense,

multitude

sins."

shalt
ever

unceasingly war
seek
on

after the

meaning
to

againstvice ;"" Thou virtue ; will depend for of standard tablished. morality es"

Christian

and

Catholic

virtue

may

be,

Masonry, vice; and hence we so often find Catholic against as immoral, celibacy warred in legislation inspiredby Masonry. look in vain, in the third place,for the clear, We their equivalents, Mosaic or commandments, explicit Thou shalt not commit shalt not Thou adultery ; find instead We covet thy neighbor's wife." only shalt allow no Thou such expressions as passion to become thy master;" "Thy soul is immortal; thou shalt do nothing to degrade it;" expressionswhich
according
"

"

"

"

MASONIC

MORALITY

309

the exoteric

Mason

may,

if he

be

sincere and
the but

right upmandments compressions ex-

Protestant, as interpret
of the
as

revealed
we

equivalent to law of Moses;


seen

dealing with the virtue of chastity, their not are equivalent. The chastity imposed on Masons, by Masonry, is far more
restricted.
In the

which,

have

in

fourth
on
"

place,we
divine shalt

search

in vain

for

an

provemen imrality mo-

the

Thou

of summary love the Lord

Christian

thy God, with


with This

thy whole thy whole


is the it: Thou

heart, and mind, and


shalt

with

with

thy whole soul, and thy whole strength.


And the second
as

first commandment. love

is like to

thy

neighbor

thyself."

commandment of (Mark xii, 30, 31). Even the new from the Gospel, loses immensely Masonry, borrowed in the borrowing. A commandment I give new
"

unto

you

That

you, The

that you Christ-standard


that love

you love also love one of

one

another,
and

as

I have

loved

another."

(John xiii, 34).


self-sacrifice
man
"

love

is

omitted: home and

which

its

joys, and

gave all that


as

everything for
the
we

world

holds

dear,
in
our

life itself
next

included; whereas,
for

shall show and is love

chapter,Masonic superfluities merely;


a

benevolence
no

deal

with aid
to

Mason serious

obliged to

necessitous

brother

with

inconvenience

himself. In the fifth place, we


"

as
as

: a

Thou

shalt
"

be Thou

such commandments pass over tolerant of error," suggesting, shalt be tolerant of

substitute
In
a

Catholic

preceding chapter we have seen enough of Bro. Pike and his Brethren; of the anti-Catholic spirit and unvarying experience in countries where
truth."

Masonry

can

exercise

its intolerance has

proved to

3IO

MASONIC

MORALITY

the world

that

the of

tolerance

on

Masonry's lipsis

ter bit-

in its heart. Catholicity remark, that as Masonry claims Lastly,we would be the sole teacher of true to morality, its system contain all the moral must to man, good necessary and forbid all moral evil. Some from a good even Christian standpointis not sufficient; moral and true in this world, and for Masonry claims the whole man pretends to prepare him for his eternal destinies in intolerance the
next.

It is in

useless,therefore, to cite this

or

that

Masonry; there is no system in this world that is utterlyperverse. Making the claims that it does, making the promises that it does, we are its promises; and to judge it by its pretensions and jects judged by these, it is lamentably deficient. It reits morality supernaturally revealed; for morality is the offspringof natural light. It does The Mason not pretend to dogmatic certitude. does not pretend to dogmatic certitude,"says Bro. Pike (Morals and Dogma, p. 226), "nor vainly His imagine such certitude attainable." morality, good point
"

therefore,
of

must

roam

forever

in the

realms and

of the

mere

opinion, changing with


the

circumstances of fixed
on

ings feeltion. sanc-

hour, devoid
when
we no

and the

infallible Masonic

And of

reflect
matter

theory
of
to
we
a

that eternity, law


we

what

violations
are

the

moral

absorbed

into that
our

may the

guiltyof in time, we divinityafter death; when


cannot
our

be

be
are

taught
of the

real soul and fire,

sin, for it is
moral

spark
are

divine

that

faults
it is

tributab at-

to solely

the matter of Bro.

in which Pike

immersed,
a

the

commandments

will constitute but


of

frail and

feeble barrier the

interest and

against the assaults allurements of passion.

self-

MASONIC

MORALITY

3"

perhaps a concrete example of Masonic interest our readers. A morality may Mason is obliged,by his tenure," we are told, "to obey the moral law, and if he rightlyunderstands the art, he will never be a stupid atheist nor tine. liberan irreligious But though in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that it is now country or nation, thought more in which expedientonly to obligethem to that religion all men leaving their particular opinions to agree, themselves." {Masonic Ritualist, dia p. 244; Encyclopeof Freemasonry, p. 112.) This is certainly ing, teacha strange sample of moral and it well illustrates what Masonic morality may If a Mason sanction. the art," rightlyunderstand rather the Old or Charges quoted says the Ritualist, be a stupid atheist, by the Ritualist, he will never libertine." But does every Mason nor an irreligious art? the Dr. Mackey in his rightly understand works again and again inveighs against Masonic is every atheist a ignorance. And stupid one? Atheistic philosophersare atheists,but they certainly consider themselves do not will stupid. The Mason libertine ! What of that ? be not an irreligious Doctor all libertines been have irreligious? The well as we, that public prostitution in the knows as
"
. . .

But

"

"

"

"

name

of

the old
of

i"agan

deities
a

was

part of the
outcome

ligious re-

cult

paganism,
of the
as

natural Such those

of

the
were

worship phallic
not

ancients.

Hbertines
whom

considered

irreligious by
we
a

Masonry
which

reveres.

And the

what

are

to

think

of

morality in

of profession

Of

of exmatter pediency? religionis a mere is,like a moralityin which religion

312 suit of

MASONIC

MORALITY

clothes, to be put

on

and A
a

off with Mason

place and
to

variety of
Brahman in

climate? in

be

India;
cast

Jew

in

change of was charged Palestine; a


for
or

Catholic

Rome;
in

to

his

aside religion

hammedani Mo-

Mecca,

because

business,

health,

led him dence to take up his resior curiosity, pleasure, And in one what, pray, of place or another. man's belief ? What the sincerity of such of his a religious practices? Christian sacrilege sat lightly had partaken of the such a conscience, for he who on Catholic Eucharist to-day in Rome, could trample on the Crucifix in Constantinople. Masonry to-morrow of the country him to be of the religion charged it was nation, whatever or though Masonry in its sublime of enlightenment taught him that all forms the corruption the work of man, religionwere error, Thou shalt be indulgent to of primitive truth. to the extreme error {Morals and Dogma, p. i8), even its comof publicly mand. professing it. Such was
or
"
"
"

"

"

"

subject further, having said enough to give a fair insightinto the Masonic have essayed to treat. system; for it is of this that we have We set forth the principles which, according to and Masonry, should regulate the moral life of man of society;though we have hoped that the lives of Masons better than the principles advocated are by
not

We

shall

pursue

the

the

Craft. have

expression a moral will bear as many man meanings as the systems of morality embraced; and that it does not necessarily moral from Christian have mean a standpoint. We shown that Masonic of outcome morality, the is not It rejects the Christian. principles, pagan
"

We

shown

that

the

"

314
Bro. Pike

MASONIC

MORALITY

himself

can

find

no

difference

between

the

and that of the brute, and as we morality of man have man already said, seeks the difference between and beast in a spark of the Deity, a theory as absurd it is opposed to Christian in the eyes of reason as revelation. And
"

this is the the the

Masonry
of
our

which,
mind

as

Bro.

Pike
to

says,

has

duty

of

causing the

of

youth

grow."

With of

sensualism

ism theatres; the sensational-

of press ; the laxity for the marriage tie ; the open


our

of morals
sense

offspring by
;

means

publicmorals ; contempt tion advocacy of the limitacondemned by Christian


admissible in
a

Eugenism which,
with
cast

while

certain

and

all the moral around


a

that precautions
as

Christian

ethics

would

it,is alas !

treated

by

christian un-

for unchristian vice ; Jiame polite with all these, the natural products of modern ism, paganof which Masonry gloriesin being the exponent, is of our This the minds youtliare growing apace. which the Masonry of common lays the foundations State universities and schools and speaks of them as ours." This is the Masonry which fights, and fights God from to keep out our education, that successfully, it may find a fitting soil afterwards for implanting its as Jehovah, its He- She, the god of paganism, nature freed in man from the moral restraints of typified who does foresee the results not Christianity.He of all this,must be blind indeed. Masonry sees them labors towards them but incessantly, clearly, insensibly pens, but
"

and the

the

Catholic
who

who has

has

been

lulled to
to

slumber

and

sleepby soft and soothing phrases concerning virtue,and morality,and


put

Protestant

been

love, and

toleration,and
awake

belief in God

and

the

soul's

immortality,will

with

start

when

it is too

MASONIC

MORALITY

315

late,
is

and

rub

their the

eyes,

and Such

wonder

at

the

cockle

that in

choking
such

wheat.
is the

is

the

awakening
elsewhere,
sown

France;
as

awakening
and the seeds

prepared
of

the

years

go

by,
their

sensualism

broadcast

yield

wonted

fruit.

CHAPTER

XVI

Masonic

Benevolence

As,
that

in

our

preceding chapter,
teaches shown many
a as a

we

have

not

denied

Masonry
we

useful

moral
moral

lesson,
tem, sys-

though

have

that,
pagan,

complete
condemned
we

it is
reason;
to

unchristian,
in the

and

by
no

sound desire

so,

present
features show the

chapter
of such claims

have

deny
we

the

good
shall all that

Masonic

benevolence,
is far

though
from

that Craft is the

benevolence it to the of be.


one,

being
the

Masonic

benevolence

twofold;
work
too

valued

by
at

Brotherhood,
same

real

Masonry,

but,
the

the

time,

not

presented kept
accessory in the

insistently to
in the

world,

nay,
; and

oftentimes the

sedulously
and

ground backwhich

other,

accidental,
a

is, however,
blind
to

constantly kept
the
even

forefront,
of the

specious
since

conceal
means

real Masons

purposes

Order;
are

by
"

its

themselves of its

deceived. says Dr.

very in

large majority
a

disciples,"
the

Mackey
to

passage

already
as seen

quoted,
in which it has

"looking every-day
it

only
ness busi-

its of

practical results,
life,
"

to

the the

noble

charities which

dispenses,
to

to

the of

tears

of

widows

dried,
the

the of
too

cries the much

orphans

which

it has

hushed,
"

to

wants

destitute

which
at

it has the

supplied,

arrive that of

with

rapidity
in

conclusion,
exalted of the
sense

Charity,

and

that, too, aid, is the

its

least

eleemosynary
The
care

great

design

Institution."

316

MASONIC
of the of the

BENEVOLENCE

317

widow,

orphan, and the needy, the imparting eleemosynary aid, is, in the eyes of Masonry,
part of its benevolence.
is what it holds
to

the

least exalted

The

chief,
pation emanci-

the

principal part
of
our

be the

race.

Its essential

consists benevolence,therefore,
"the truth of of
"

in teaching
"

mankind
nature

God

and

the

soul

the

and

essence

both

33)
and

; in

which

breaking "the chains had previously restrained


"

(Masonic Ritualist, p. of error and ignorance


the candidate in moral

intellectual
in

captivity (Masonic

Ritualist,p.

"elevating the moral and intellectual level of in coiningknowledge, bringing ideas into circulation society; and causing the mind of youth to grow ; and in putting,gradually,by the teachingsof axioms and the promulgation of positivelaws, the human race in harmony with its destinies (Morals and Dogma, in whose is the benevolence praise the p. 18). This walls of the Lodges ring; which be imparted with can
"

23) ;

little drain

on

the

Brethren's

contingencies, help to may depletedstores, when Catholic convenientlyto


What
is to be be the nation.

nay, replenishthe charities


are

purses,

in certain Brethren's confiscated

for the benefit of the nation, and

the Brethren

happen

thought
may

of Masonic

enlightenment in
our

itself,our
pages. We

readers

gather
nothing
of
our

from

preceding
shall limit

shall add
to
a

here.

We

ourselves

consideration
love

of

Masonry's spiritof
its universal

its philanthrophy,

race,

nevolen be-

of taking the word universal in the sense broad or general. And here, in consideringits spirit to generosity must or we as niggardliness, judge it, not by the value which we put upon its enlightenment, the value which ought to be put upon it,but by nor

3i8
the it. value If

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

which

Masonry
claims
a

itself claims

to

put upon
to

Masonry

and
treasure

believes, or

pretends

believe, that
and it

it has

dispenses of its absolutely excludes


or

stores

to humanity, priceless with niggardly hand; if

the

greater
it excludes

part

of

our

race

from
reasons

in it;if participation for


no reason

them

for

flimsy
human

at

all; if it excludes

beings
nature

bound
;
no

to

its members

by

the

tenderest of

ties of

one,

knowing

the true

condition

affairs,

But, on the philanthropy is broad. in reof Masonry the pretensions gard hand, we know one and morality ; and, on the other, Truth to Divine exclusiveness its manifold shall evidentlyprove we ; that its spirit of benevolence but conclude hence we cannot is consequently no versality uniis narrow, that there
will say that its in the For
our
"

sense

of

broadness, in it.
consists
in deeds if it be in

true to

benevolence

power

grant

benefit. Dr. thus of

On the Passions," says Cogan, in his work Mackey {Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 113)," defines Benevolence forth
to
'

When

our

love

or

desire

good

goes benevolence. of

others, it

is termed all and

Benevolence any

embraces

good-will or beings capable


thus comes it beitself

enjoying
universal

portion of good;
the share of

benevolence, which

manifests

by being pleasedwith

good

enjoys, in

to increase disposition in the abhorrence uneasiness and at their sufferings, This of crueltyunder every disguiseor pretext.' Dr. Mackey, continues should spirit," pervade the hearts of all Masons, who are taught to look upon mankind formed Architect of the as by the Grand universe for the mutual assistance,instruction, and
a
" " "

every creature it, in feelingan

support of each

other."

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

319

In

these

last of

words, Dr.

Mackey
in

completesthe
True
mere

complete in-

Cogan's
does
not

definition.

lence, benevosenti-

true

love
yve

consist

barren

mepts,

as

of

cation communisaid, but in the practical instruction, mutual benefits; in mutual have

mutual assistance,
are

support of

one

another; of all who

able to the good which we are capableof receiving of such of Masonry the spirit impart. Is the spirit Read and judge. benevolence? of proselytism," In respect to the doctrine says Dr. Mackey {Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry, pp. 612the exclusive resembles more 614), "Freemasonry of Moses, of than the inviting one faith of Brahma
"

Buddha,
"

of

Christ, or

of Mohammed.
"

plainwords," he continues, Freemasonry rigorously opposed to all proselytism. While


In members do
not

is its

hesitate,at all proper times and on all fitting occasions, to defend the Institution from all seeks, by voluntary attacks of its enemies, it never accessions of new laudation of its virtues, to make

disciples. Nay," he goes on to say, it boasts, as a peculiar beauty of its system, that it is a voluntary Institution. to use Not any efforts only does it forbidits members but actually requires every candidate to obtain initiates, declare, for admission into its sacred rites to seriously a as preparatory step, that in this voluntary offer of tations he has been unbiased by the improper solicihimself,
or friends,
"

to

add

to

the number

of its

"

"

upon
not

of friends." of anti-proselytism, impressed And so, this spirit although from his earliest initiation, every Mason
. . .

itself a landmark, has


of such
a

come

to

be invested with

all

the sacredness
out

law, and Freemasonry stands


every
'

alone, distinct from


and

other

human

tion, associaopen

: proudly proclaims

Our

portalsare

320
to

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

all the
"

good

and

true, but

we

ask

no

man

to

ter.' en-

Bro.

Mackey, indeed, is not ignorant of Masonic, or, according to him,


his words
are severe

of

the

tence exis-

un-Masonic tion. condemna-

and proselytism,

in

"

This

"

(coming
is
a

uninfluenced
usage of be

by
the
more

the

persuasionof
a

friends)
"

"

settled

Order," he says,
true

and therefore
than
to

nothing can
see

Mason heedless usage

brethren.

this usage It cannot violated:

painfulto violated by young


be denied this habit that of

and this tion violaalmost of

is sometimes is
one

and

of those

unhappy

influences

often

exerted insensibly the many like those which


some

Masonry by the upon imitative societies to which the


which

existence

present age,

resemble
sort

preceded it, has given birth, and Masonry in nothing, except in having
secret

of
are

ceremony

of

initiation.

And

hence

there with

some

men

who, coming among


to the

bued us, imusages

of

these

and accustomed principles modern in which societies,


of candidates is considered

the

the
as

solicitation and
even

persevering a legitimate
these

laudable

bring with practice,


and consider in it
as

them

conceived preto to

notions,
exert

their

duty
thus

all their

influence

persuading their
Men who
our

friends

become

members
the
true

of the

Craft.

conceive mis-

policy of
and in

Institution,should
more

be

instructed

by

their older

ren experienced brethall


a

that it is
to principles

wholly
ask

oppositionto
to

our

laws
or

and
to

exercise

any

any kind of

one

become
upon

Mason,
the minds
a

influence
a

of tical pracmay

others, except that of


be induced
to

of exemplification ask

trulyMasonic the tenets by


into
our

life and which

admission

they Lodges.

We

322
"

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

Behavior You
are

at
to

home
act to
as

and

in your
a

neighborhood.
and wise
man

"

becomes

moral

not particularly

know
to

the

let your family,friends, and of the Lodge, etc., but concerns

neighbors wisely
Ancient

honor, and that of the own your not to be mentioned Brotherhood, for reasons
consult
"

here."

Behavior
You
are

towards

strange Brother.

him, in such a cautiouslyto examine method as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant false pretender whom ware with contempt and derision,and beto reject you are of hints of knowledge." giving him any And is this rule to be so {Ritualist, strictly p. 250.) lowing enforced in regard to visitors to Lodges that the folis established. principle Lastly,"says Dr. Mackey, treatingof the subject should an {Encyclopcedia, able unjustifip. 267), "never the rigor of these rules. member, Redelicacyweaken
"

"

that for the wisest


the

and

most

evident

reasons,

merciful that

maxim

of

the

law, which
be

better that
one

ninety-nine guiltymen
man

says that it is should escape than

punished, is with us reversed, and that in Masonry [the following italics are author's] it is better that ninety and nine our should he turned true men from the door of a away [a person not a Mason] Lodge than that one cowan
should
should he love should be

innocent

admitted."
of
our

Wonderful
race,

benevolence!

derful wonmen

that from
one

ninety-ninetrue
the
not
source

turned

away

of

Divine be
mitted. ad-

Truth, rather
And what

than

that

oath-bound

are

we

to

think

of

benevolence
"

which,
edge knowl-

in this matter of God

of and

all matters of the human

important,
soul
"

the

the

nature

and

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

323 who that

essence
are

of

both," steels its heart


and the dearest wife
son

nearest one,

to

it?

against those against the mother


one's

bore

of

one's

bosom,

one's sister,

daughter, one's
of
most

under

when life,

hopes
are we

cline age, one's father in the deof a blessed immortalityare


to

needed; what

think

of

the

broadness,

of such a benevolence? Yet depth, the sincerity* all of these are excluded from Masonic lightenment enabsolutely all of these,and more. The of candidates for Masonry are qualifications treated in various places in Dr. Mackey's works, but nowhere so fully as in his Masonic Jurisprudence. which The essential in those are qualifications who masonry," apply for initiation into the mysteries of Freehe says (Masonic Jurisprudence,p. 83),
"

the

"

are
"

of two The

kinds, internal and


lie within world. the
an

external.
a

internal

of qualifications his
own

candidate and
are

are

those

which
to

bosom,
to
"

not

patent

the

They

refer

his his it.

position peculiardismotives Hence and

towards

institution
entrance

design
are can

in

seeking
to

into
a own

they

known

only
"

be

alone ; and acquired from his


himself

knowledge
solemn

of them

tions. declara-

The
his

external
outward

are qualifications

those

which
are

refer
based

to

fitness and

for

initiation and

of character, the frame religious body, the constitution of his mind, and his social position. A knowledge of these is to be acquired from careful examination appointed for a by a committee the purpose." cations, Passing over, for the present, the internal qualifiupon his his moral let
our

us

turn

our

attention

to

the external, which


to

author

(Ibid., p. 89)

reduces

the

four

heads,

324

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

Intellectual,and Moral, Physical,


economize number
sense

Political. discussion
not

Again
whether

to
a

space of these

let

us

waive

in the very strictest internal,as, for instance, the intellectual and


are qualifications us

moral.
to

Let

rather

devote

what

brief space

we

may

the
once

required in candidates, physical qualifications


that
we

for

realize

how

Order, and hence membership add the limitations we can on easily enlightenment, arisingfrom the others. it is As to sex," says Dr. Mackey (Ibid., p. 96) of the Order, and the an unquestionable Landmark that the candidate first pre-requisite to initiation, very

impose

upon Masonic

the

many of the

limitations

these

"

"

shall be
"

'

man.'

"

"

This, of course," he continues,


a

the prohibits
no

initiation of
matter

woman."
her

Every
to
a

woman,

therefore,
may from
true

what

relation
we

Mason

be, is
Divine

cut

oflf

absolutely,as
as

have

said, both
it,and
from

Truth,

Masonry

conceives

of the morality. This exclusion is a landmark Order, namely, an essential and fundamental principle it is not in Masonry's power of Masonry which to it possible Were for all the Masonic ities authorchange. at the present day to unite in a universal congress, and with the most perfect unanimity to adopt any new though regulation,"says Dr. Mackey (Ibid.,p. 15), "alsuch regulation would, so long as it remained unrepealed,be obligatoryon the whole Craft, yet it
"

would of

not

be

landmark.

It would

have

the character

it is true, but it would be wanting in universality, that of antiquity." of Another these he Landmarks," peculiarity is that they are to say, on unrepealable. As goes I have just alluded, would the Congress to which not
" "

have

the power

to

enact

Landmark,

so

neither would

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

325 The
Medes

of abolishing one. prerogative of the Order, like the laws of the the Persians, can suffer no change. What centuries ago, they stillremain, and must in force until Masonry itself shall cease So long, therefore, as Masonry remains
woman,
on or

it have

the

marks Landand
were

they
so

continue
to

exist."

one

half

of the

human

race,

Masonry, must, merely


sex,

account

of the

physicalmisfortune

of

wander

side ignorance and darkness, intellectual and moral, outthe portals of the Craft. And why ? that can be assignedfor Perhaps the best reason the exclusion from of women our Lodges," says our author (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 888), will be found in the character of our organization as a mystic society. SpeculativeFreemasonry is only of the art of Operative Masonry to puran application poses The of morality and science. Operative branch and of our Institution was the forerunner origin of the Speculative. Now, admit of no changes or as we in our innovations tains, customs. SpeculativeMasonry reand is governed by, all the rules and regulations that existed in and controlled its Operative prototype. Hence, as in this latter art only hale and hearty men, of all their limbs and members, that in possession so ployed, emthey might endure the fatigues of labor, were
" "

in

so

in the
are

former
not

the

rule

still holds

of

cluding ex-

all who

in the

Woman qualifications. in our rites and ceremonies, not because participate her unworthy, or unfaithful, deem or as incapable, we has been foolishly supposed,of keeping a secret, but

possessionof these prerequisit is not permitted to

because,
of

on

our

entrance

into the

Order,

we

found

tain cer-

that only men which prescribed regulations the enduring the labor, or of fulfilling

capable
duties
of

326

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

These regulaOperative Masons, could be admitted. tions have to alter; nor we solemnly promised never could ization they be changed without an entire disorganof the whole system of speculative Masonry." What a flimsy excuse! Masonry, the revealer of Divine Truth, the sole teacher of true morality,cannot because has nature not enlighten womanhood, the physicalstrength to carry the hod given woman
and
true

handle
nature

the of

trowel! God and

Woman of the
stone

must

not

know

the

human
and

soul, because

she But many such


reason

is

incapableof hewing
women
are

laying bricks!!!
of have such

many
women

capable
nations

labor;

in

barbarous labor
even

labor, and
can

you

adduce
jyou

for

performed more fatiguing. What The excluding these ?


" "

stone-masons,"
"All."
But tell
"

answer,

from All of

whom

we

are

descended, excluded
Without

women."

them,

Doctor?

you
us

exception." of guilds you Doctor, that in treating forget. of Freemasonry, p. 311) that {Encyclopcsdia
were

exception?

"Without

women

admitted

to

all of them, which


was

Herbert from the

{Liv. Comp., I, 83),


Ecclesiastical
brethren
"

thinks
of

borrowed

Guilds sisters

Southern

and

were

and
were

these
"

page, Craft
come

as guilds, Religious Guilds, Merchant


"

Europe; and the of complete equalterms on ity you tell us on the preceding
Guilds, and
answers,

Guilds.""
down from
men

Ah the

"

the of

Doctor

"we and he

time

King Solomon,
of his

temple." prudence, And it is evident," he as (Masonic Jurissays that King Solomon employed in the p. 97), of his temple only hale and construction hearty men and cunning workmen, so our Lodges, in imitation of that as an indispensable great exemplar, demand,
employed only
" "

in the construction

MASONIC
to requisite

BENEVOLENCE

327

that the candidate mysteries, shall be a man, capable of performing such work the Master shall assign him. as This is, therefore, the origin of the Landmark which the prohibits initiation of females." (Italics Mackey's.) But Dr. Mackey forgetsthat elsewhere he has told us (Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 798) that all this connection of Freemasonry with the actual Solomon and his temple is a mere no myth," and that writer who values his reputationas a critical historian would defend this theory." We to now attempt give the whole quotation in our chapter on Masonic Dr. history,and shall not repeat it here. Mackey, portant therefore, gives a fictitious origin for this all-imLandmark, which, if his theory be true, and in judging his benevolent we are justified spirit by its his own and dearest nearest pretensions, excludes benefits only, but from relatives, not from priceless life. And what all that reallydignifies human about whom doctors? and lawyers? and literary men? Solomon never engaged nor would think of engaging these for his temple? Why not stone-masons are as from and similar classes excluded son Masonry, if the reagiven be valid ? have found But our trance," enwe Masonry so, on
our
"

initiation into

"

"

cries the
"

Doctor,

driven

to

his

last trench, !

and

we

have

Doctor, if you it,you found


and

solemnly promised not to alter it." Ah entered found Masonry so when you of benevolence, in it a very niggardly spirit
very wrong
to

did

make

such

solemn

promises. Did you do so knowingly or did you you promise in the dark, led on by the blind esteem Knowingly to cut off, professed for the Institution? mother, wife, daughter,sisand absolutely so, your

328
ter

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

given, is heartless in the extreme; to do so bHndly, shows, if of taking grave gations oblianything can show, the iniquity without clear knowledge of what port. a they imfrom
"

Divine

Truth, for the flimsy reasons

But

to

do say.
at

otherwise, would
Be it
so.

were

you needed is. of

present, how
and Divine

It is heartless
sex, to to most
revere

sonry," destroy MaThis only proves, if proof the sysradically wrong tem barbarous, merely on account
to

be

deny
the

Truth

to
case

the of

mind those

and
to

true

morality
you
are

heart, in the
and

whom

bound intimately

by

the law

which

you pretend to The second

follow, the law

of nature.
"

is that of age. The cient anqualification prudence, Regulations,"says Dr. Mackey (Masonic Jurisdeterminate not express p. 97), "do any number date candiof years at the expirationof which a becomes legallyentitled to apply for admission. The and language used is,that he must be of mature discreet age.' But the usage fered of the Craft has dif'

in the is

various when

countries this

as

to

the

construction and

of

time

period of maturity

discretion

The sixth of the Regulations, supposed to have arrived. that adopted in 1663, prescribes no person shall be accepted unless he be twenty-one years old, but the subsequent Regulations are less more or ; explicit."Our author then gives the age required for initiation in various places. The rule of the Grand Orient of France is, however, specially interesting. The Orient of France," says the Doctor, Grand quires re' ' "
"

the the
son

candidate
a

to

be

twenty-one,
has
or

unless
some a

he

be portant im-

of

Mason,
served

who

performed
unless he be in the

service to the Order,


man

young

who

has

six

months

army,

when

330 all of whom

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

maphrodit according to Dr. Mackey, her(Masonic Ritualist,p. 62; Symbolism who excluded are of Freemasonry, p. 114). Those those who are as lacking in intellectual qualifications unable and write (Masonic Jurisprudence, to read are been pp. 116, 117), though exceptions have sometimes madmen made to this law; idiots and (Ibid., p. 117) ; fools (Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 281 ) ; atheists in (Encyclopcedia, Jews were long excluded p. 95). Germany (Encyclopediapp. 383, 384). On account slaves and born of political disqualifications, persons in servitude cluded; ex(Masonic Jurisprudence, p. 119) are also the sons of bondmen (Ibid.,p. 118). other place of confinement in prison or Persons any (Ibid., ought not be admitted p. 120). One might certainlyincline to believe that after
were,

all

these

restrictions

in

reference

to

internal

and

external

moral, physical, qualifications, religious, litical, pothe road


to

Masonic the

salvation
test.
are

would
case,

be open

to

all who

would

stand

The other

however,
of

is

quite otherwise.
in force. The

There candidate his

laws in

limitation the

must

apply
be

writing to
his

Lodge
two

nearest

place
himself the

of

residence, and
recommended

plicatio ap-

signed by
members of
122,

must

by

126) ; the (p. 130) ; and

Lodge. be must petition


referred the
to
a

(Jurisprudence,pp. read in open meeting


committee, for
and the
an

be

vestiga in-

qualifications of the candidate fore must (p. 131); a month elapse befinal action is taken by the Lodge (p. 132). If the report of the committee be favorable the Lodge proceeds to a ballot (p. 134), and unless every vote is in the candidate's ever, favor, he is rejected. If, howthere is one black ball only, the box is pro"

into

character

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

331
a new

nounced

'

foul,'and
in the

the
same

Master

orders

ballot,
be

which

is done

form,

because

it may
"

take that the negative vote was possible depositedby misever," If, howor inadvertence," says Dr. Mackey. he

continues,

"

on

the the

second candidate

ballot, the
is declared

one

black

ball

again
to

appears,

by

the Master
or as

be

rejected. If, on

the first

ballot,two

more

is announced black balls appear, the candidate the formality of without having been rejected,

second
"

ballot."

Mason,"
the

{Jurisprudence, pp. 137, 138.) he says later {Ibid., pp. 142, 143),
no

"

is

to responsible
casts
on

human

petitionof
is he
to

that he for the vote power candidate. To his own a


answer

conscience have
course, to

alone
to

for the the


act

motives It

that

led

the

act, and

for

itself.

is, of

verse prejudice;or, by an adfeeling. But vote, to indulge an ungenerous influenced is or is not member whether by such a has a one no motives, or is indulging such feelings, be called to account can right to inquire. No Mason that he has deposited. A for the vote Lodge be is not members be
"

in the exercise wrong influenced by pique or

of this invaluable

right,

entitled indeed
has voted.
no

to

know

how

No

inquiryon
can

any this be

one

of

its

subjectcan
this
pendence inde-

entertained;
So

information
is the law the
to

received.

anxious
of the

preserve

ballot,as
power

of its great safeguard,


on

purity,that the Grand has no other subjects,


the ballot for
a

Lodge,
; and

supreme to interfere

almost

all
to

in reference

justice that innotivithstanding cellent done to been have an upright and exmay of clear man by his rejection(and such cases sometimes occur), neither the Grand must injustice candidate

Lodge

nor

the

Grand

Master

can

afford

any

redress,

332

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

nor

can

versing dispensationbe granted for either reany the decision of the Lodge, or for allowing less

than

unanimous

ballot
even

to

be of

therefore,
the part of of p.
some

out
"

cluded, required." Once exprejudice or pique on can

member,
"

there Dr.

be

no

eration re-consid-

his

petition," says
on
a mere

the
no

149), Lodge. other Lodge


...

vote

In the next for initiation." have

(Jurisprudence, of re-consideration by he can place, apply to

Mackey

ject pursued this portion of our subof Masonic lence. benevothe spirit to show sufficiently the right of Masonry We not are discussing to limit its members; are we merely considering the in reference of its benevolence broadness, the universality treasure to humanity in imparting the priceless We think
we

which
of God

it claims and of of

possess, the human


as

to

Divine soul
true
"

Truth the

"

the

truth
sence es-

nature

and

first morality,whose in his him elements we see [the candidate] acquiring initiation. (Masonic Ritualist, p. 338.) To form a judgment in the matter, let us practical excluded make are a rough estimate of those who from deprived of all hope of Masonry and absolutely admission to its enlightenment.

both;

likewise

First, the
the whole

entire

female
race

sex,

or

about
and

one

half

of

human

is forever

cluded. absolutelyex-

Secondly, all male children under age, who add much than will certainly another to these more the physically Then the blind, fourth. come imperfect,
the deaf, the

lame; the unfortunate


account

children

of nature

here, who
denied the will with for the

on

of
of

elevation

misfortune, are very intellect and the perfection of

their

which

the Craft The

pretendsto

hereafter.

prepare unfortunate slave

humanity
and the

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE bondman's

333 the

bondman,

and

the the

children, and
further the

educated, un-

and

possiblemembers
the still
more. one

mentally weak of Masonry, and


is the

limit the

adverse Where

vote, will limit

ball, singleblackits membership


where
to

broadness,
are

the

versality uni-

if possible,
most

restrictions

added

tions, restric-

entirely independentof the free will of the candidate and incapable of removal? The of Masonry is the very opposite, fore, therespirit of It is the broad. sdect spirit of the few." Its models the pagan schools of philosare ophy the ancient and mysteries, the small inner
"

of

them

circle of which

looked

down

with

disdain

on

the

mon com-

herd,
themselves who
are

and

it fitted for

purposely taught it error, considering Masons nothing higher. Even among


are

there
in the

the

esoteric
of Masonic the
vast

members

or

those
these ternity, Fra-

bask

fulness

light,and
bulk of the

Mackey, do not the true of Masonry, content know as even purpose Knife Fork the and they are to ornament degree," the Parrot degree,"or shine as or Bright Masons,"
to
" " "

comparatively few; who, if we are

and

believe Dr.

among Dr.

the exoteric

brethren.
various

Mackey
p.

in

prudence, places (Masonic Jurisdefend law Masonic


ex-

112,
an

clusiveness
the maimed

by

etc.) would appeal to the


deformed he

of Moses excluded

by which
from there the

and

were

priesthood. But no parity. It was


know

overlooks
never

the

point that

is

Divine
to

Truth

and

in order to necessary, bemorality,that one should long

held

Jehovah of Jewish priesthood. The known and served Moses just as well was by women just as by the old. He was as by men ; by the young and served by all. The the God of all,known theory
the

334
of

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

Masonry Masonry, one


soul, excluded

is
must

essentiallydifferent.
be
true
a

Mason

to know

According God, and

to

the

human

and

from every

important
from

to

morality; all others are this knowledge, though it human being. Exclusion,
bears those with

lutely absois allfore, there-

Masonry
Mosaic

different from
from the the

it consequences sentially esconnected with exclusion exclusion of for

priesthood,and such is an excess flimsypretexts alleged,


us,

Let of
a

therefore, turn
to spirit,
care

for the

relief,in the
and the

cruelty. faint hope


of the and
plicit ex-

broader the and

accidental

benevolence

Masonry,
widowed
not

of

the

aged
That
over

orphan,

the

needy.
us

this is accidental and


over

is taught essential, words.

again

in

Although Freemasonry," says Mackey's Masonic is indebted for its origin to its Ritualist, pp. 46, 47, in the character, yet charity, religiousand philosophic comes, ordinary adaptation of relief for the distressed,bea although incidentally, prominent feature of its teachings. And hence it has been well said, that institution whose laws more there is no force, strongly enwhose the or earnestlyinculcate, precepts more virtue of charity." We williiigly grant the prominence given to this feature of Masonry, and we readily the grant as of good that there is in it ; we amount only wish that there And rnore. were were Masonry only that
"

"

which

so

many

believe

it to and
to

be,

mere

benevolent

societycaring for its sick afflicted and giving burial


the upon Catholic all who the Church labor welfare would
to

destitute,consoling its
its dead, the

upon alleviate the

rest

blessingof it, as it rests sufferingsand


as we

further

of

mankind.

But,

have

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

335

seen,

the

Material

different. objectof Freemasonry is essentially relief is only a side-issue. In condemning

the evil and Masonry, therefore, the Church condemns the religious of Masonic and moral not the good errors principleand practice. It does not condemn the eleemosynary charity of the Craft, unless such benevolence be perverted into a bait to entice to, or cloak to cover, what is religiously false and Chrisa tianlywrong. have said, the good Admitting, therefore, as we that there is in Masonic let us eleemosynary charity, it is all that it claims to be: examine whether briefly
"

whether laws
more

it is true

that

"

There
or

is

no

institution

whose
more

strongly enforce
the virtue

whose

precepts
To

earnestlyinculcate
the matter "The

of

charity."

study
on

with

fairness,let

us

examine

the section

in Dr. Mackey's Right of Relief," contained Masonic Jurisprudence,pp. 222-231. As the duty of assisting indigent and distressed of the most is one important brethren," he says, laws of the and duties inculcated by the landmarks of claiming this assistance the privilege institution, so son. Mais one of the most important rightsof a Master law the call in Masonic It is what we technically Right of Relief,and will constitute the subjectmatter
"

"

of the
"

present section."
claim Old under he adds, relief,"
"

right to recognizedin the


in

The

is

Charges
the head the

which of

were

distinctly approved
to
a

1722,
"

which,

'Behavior

following language: 'But if you discover him to be a true and genuine Brother, you are to respect him accordingly;and if
Strange Brother,' contain
he is in want,

direct him

you must he may how

relieve him
be

if you can, or You relieved. must

else
em-

336

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

him to be days, or else recommend ploy him some employed, but you are not charged to do beyond your only to prefer a poor Brother, who is a good ability,
man

and

true, before
"

any

other

people in

the

same

cumstance cir-

laid down," continues Dr. explicitly Masonic which has always been the one on Mackey, it and relief is claimed granted; and, on inspection, will be found that it includes the following four principles
"

The

law
"

thus

:
"

I.
"

The He

2.
"

3. The in the amount


"

be in distress. must applicant be worthy. must giver is not expected to exceed


of relief that he is to be

his

ability cant appli-

grants.
any other

4.

Mason
same

preferredto

in the We

circumstances." ing, condition, merely remarkwhich qualifications narrowed down it has the field

the first pass over how Masonry, by the its members,

required in
of

has

The blind, the deaf, eleemosynary assistance. in any way, the waif, the halt, the dumb, the maimed the feeble-minded, the decrepitthrough age, the unlettered, classes of the human all those family who need of eleemosynary relief, have most are absolutely excluded from Masonry, and hence from any rightto mitted assistance. have been adOnly hale and hearty men into the

Order,

men

of

certain

ing, social stand-

ordinary laws of nature, will be well fitted to provide for themselves and their the need that Masonry will be families, and hence called upon tion, calculato relieve, will, by every human
.who, according to
the be reduced
to
a

minimum.

Relief
cannot

will,indeed, be
fortune, prevent all misits

needed,

for human but

calculations has
so

Masonry

narrowed

that field,

338
alone
are so

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE
and relief,

entitled to

only
The who

long as they remain question of the rightof widows


hence
cease

right holds good widows and orphans.


who of remarry and is indeed

this

to

be the

the

widows

Masons,

disputed,but
one

which

we

have

opinion of Dr. Mackey is the given. {Masonic Jurisprudence,


is,
"

pp. 228 sqq.) The third condition


to

The

giveris

not

expected

in the amount of relief that he ability ing grants: that is to say,"continues the Doctor, explainA Brother the meaning of the law, is expected to grant only such relief as will not materially injure himself or law, and family. This is the unwritten exceed
"

his

conformable
'

to not

it is

the

written

one

which

says
"

You This

are

"

the true
we

charged to do beyond your ability.' is not inconsistent he adds, with provision," of charity, which do not requirethat principles
"

should

sacrifice

our

own

welfare,

or

that

of

our

family,to the support of the poor ; but that with prudent and due the comforts of regard to liberality, a those who more are nearlydependent on us, we should make sacrifice of luxury out of our some abundance,
if
we

have

been

blessed

with

it, for the relief of

our

distressed

brethren."

(Masonic
the Masonic and

Jurisprudence, p.
rule of

226.) This, therefore, is


in the
case no
"

relief, even
and goes

of
one

Master is

Masons

their widows relief which

orphans; beyond a
The
to

obligedto afford sacrifice of luxury out of


condition other

abundance."
is to
same our

fourth any the

is,

"

Mason the

be

applicantin

preferred stances," circum-

"

identical

"

which

was

inculcated

principle," says centuries eighteen


'

author,

Great

Apostle of the let opportunity,

Gentiles
us

As
unto

we

ago have

by

the

fore therees-

do

good

all men,

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

339
"

who of the household unto them of faith.' pecially are (Gal. vi, 10.) The principle thus taught by the Apostle," he continues, seems to have been, by the very necessities of which our has governed the charities nature, the principle and kindnesses of every religious community, of and every political every benevolent association, society that has existed before or since his day." As Dr. Mackey, like a true esoteric Mason, rejects the supernatural, he cannot conceive the possieven bility of rising above the natural sentiments of the human heart, sentiments good so far as they go, but from sentiments, for all that, imperfectas is the source which they spring. No one blames Masonry for giving
"

"

its

own

members

the

preference in
it is evident
on

cases

of

sity, equal necesown bers mem-

for, in such
have the

cases,

that its

charity. Masonry is in giving merely to its criticised for its exclusiveness and shall also own. They [the Master Wardens] consider the most of prudent and effectual methods and disposingof what shall be given collecting money in charity, toward the relief to, or lodged with them only of any true brother fallen into poverty or decay, else ; but every particular pose but of none Lodge shall disof their own charity for poor brethren according to their own by-laws, until it be agreed by all the regulation)to carry in the charity Lodges (in a new collected by them to the Grand Lodge at the quarterly annual a communication, in order to make or
"

first claim

its

common

stock

of it,for

the

more

handsome

relief of

poor

(Masonic Ritualist,pp. 256, 257, General Regulations.) would Neither clusiveness Masonry be criticised for this exsuch a parade of the unidid it not make
brethren."

340
of versality Brethren for
none

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

its

charity.
If the

Its

charity is
poverty
have
or

for

poor

.'.

who else.

have

fallen into Brethren

decay, and

in that condition not they were their reception. Prosperity,or at least competency, fallen into poverty; the strengthof vigorous manhood undermined by age and necessitous; and these only within Order which the limits of an cludes rigorously exfrom its ranks the needy classes, such is the field can field of Masonic charity;if narrower proper be

fallen into erty, povof at the time

found,

name

it.
not

It is therefore well

true, and
is
no

hence

it has
whose
more

not

"

been
more

said that there


or

institution

laws

culcate inearnestly the virtue of charity." (Masonic Ritualist, Christianityas identified with Catholicity p. 47.) which esoteric Masonry teaches and practices a charity combats because it puts Masonic bitterly charity to From its Divine the blush. Truth and its morality it

strongly enforce

whose

precepts

excludes
to to
. .

no

human
was

creature.

"

Art the
we

thou

he

that

art

come

"

the

question put by
"

of John disciples for them and another


:

the
,

Divine
"

Master

or

look said

"

And

answering, he
what
lame you have

to

Go
seen:

and the

relate blind the

to see,

John
the

heard

walk, the lepers are


dead And in rise

made

clean,
the shall

deaf

hear, the
scandalized

again, to
(Luke
in the

the

poor

gospel is preached.
not
"

blessed

is he whosoever

be

me."
in the hear fear

vii, 20-23.)
in the ye kill

That

which
that

I tell you

dark, speak ye
ear,

light;and
upon the the

which

housetops.
and
are can

you And

preach
that

body,

not

able to

ye not kill the

them

soul, but rather

fear him

that
X,

(Matth.

27,

destroy both soul and body in hell." 28.) Even for infants that have not

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

341
is salvation in the

reached
waters

the
of

age

of

reason,

there

Baptism
in the

; the
same

idiot born
way;
so

such, has
have

salvation

open
some

to

him

the insane, if

personal grievous sin, unrepented for, does not No of birth place an obstacle. maim, no misfortune
or sex

is

bar; and

the

slave

in his

chains, and
if

the

prisoner in
repentant, have
the

his cell, and those who

the
are

social outcast,

and

ignorant of

sincerelyworldly lore,
wide open select few

gates of the Christian Heaven for them, nay immensely wider, than

as

the

of this world

who, clad in fine linen and

purple,feast

with their instincts, not sumptuously every day, war and keep the poor without their portals. This is true from which Masonry is forever cut ofJ by Catholicity, its essential Landmarks.
is eleemosynary charity Catholicity, something incidental and prominent. It is something Then shall the King say to them essential. that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you For I was from the beginning of the world. hungry, and you gave and you gave to eat; I was me thirsty,
"

Neither, for

me

to

drink; I
you in

was

naked, and
I
was

stranger, and you took me covered me ; sick, and you visited


a

in;
me

I say to
least
"

and you prison, you, as long as

came

to me.

Amen,

brethren, you
he
:

did
say

you it to
to

did
me.

it to

one

of these my
shall be

Then

shall

them
me,

also that

on

his left hand

Depart
was

from

fire which

angels.
eat; I
.
. .

For

was

prepared hungry, and


you
to you,

lasting ye cursed, into everfor the devil and his

you
me

gave
not
as

me

not

to etc.

was

and thirsty, Amen I say

gave
as

to

drink,
did
me.

long

you

it not

to

one

neither of these least,

did you

do it to

And

342 these
shall

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

just, into
That
on

into everlastingpunishment; but the go life everlasting." (Matth. xxv, 34-46.)


the distinction is not of eternal

which

happiness or
not

eternal

reprobation rests,
it is essential.

incidental,is
hearts of the

dental, acci-

Hence

it is that Catholic

charity
Catholic

is

so

deeply
and

embedded

in the

to their proportionally in charitythan do times more give a hundred means, the rich. It does not seem to give strange for them is not for the rule of Catholic charity out of their little, the sacrifice of superfluities of abundance," but out

poor

middle

classes,who,

"

the sacrifice of the said life sacrifice


even
"

conveniences, the sacrifice of necessities,


of life itself. I have loved
"

Love
"

one

another,"
he gave his

Christ,
on

as

you

and

the

cross.

The the

for the Catholic,is the embodiment crucifix, of

of
to

lessons

charity;but
wherever
even

the

crucifix

is offensive

Masonic

eyes, and is not allowed in

Masonry

fix rules,the cruci-

sick

wearied
devoted

the to console hospitals their anguish, or when strengthen nature in their care. Catholic who have religious lives form be
to

in the

their in every
must

the of

service

of

distressed

manity hupensation, com-

and suffering,

without
or

disbanded, exiled,
cares

forced

to

marry,

so

that domestic

may
even

deprivethem
the

of the
to

time, the
ameliorate

or opportunities,

inclination

the

lot

of

the

unfortunate. for the

Catholic

homes orphanages,hospitals,

aged, retreats for the outcast, etc., etc., must be confiscated together with endowments for their maintenance, robbing the poor
of their

patrimony, to unfortunate humanity


esoteric all that

rob

them

of their faith.

Alas

left to the tender


are

mercies

of the

brethren, you

Masonry

has

to

from absolutelyexcluded give; and all that Catholic

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

343
you. But

charityhas given you, ought to be satisfied and of a spirit of universal


or

is taken
not

from

you
out

complain ; it is all done


Some you,
at
as

benevolence.

Brother least of
more

Brethren, if

not

as

necessitous

deserving,will be the emancipation while Catholicity,


"

benefited of
our

by
race

the from

transfer the

funds;
of

influence

unpleasant to you, will, to the Order, have proved a profitable occupation. will But, after all," it will be urged, a Mason than a Catholic will help sooner help a Mason, much Catholic. and give the sign of I approach a Mason a I approach a Catholic distress;I am presentlyrelieved. and and make the sign of the cross, turned am empty-handed." away in Our objectoris innocent of true Masonic practice the matter, and is repeatingwhat he has heard from unauthentic He supposes that he has only to sources. find a Mason and give the sign to receive immediate
"

somewhat

and

bounteous is to
even

relief.

He

does
as

his need and that in

be examined
if he be in

that, ist, also his right to relief;


not

know

need,

unless

he

is

a
"

son Ma-

standing, he is to be rejected with (Masonic Ritualist, contempt and derision." p. 250.) if he be In He does not know, 2dly, that, even in good standing,the Mason need, and be a Master he applies is not bound to help him brother to whom if sacrifice of luxury out of abundance save by some with it." he be blessed (Masonic Jurisprudence,p. law on the subject. Does 226. ) This is the Masonic our objectorpretendthat a deserving case brought to the attention of a Catholic blessed with abundance, with the comparative rareness peculiarto especially with as ready a rewould not meet sponse? Masonic charity, If he does, he knows nothing of Catholic good
"

344

MASONIC

BENEVOLENCE

charity.

Neither

if the

case

Catholic be

whether particular
or

not, whether
for

deserving, will the needy person is a he makes the sign of


man

is

the

religionis co-

the
or

cross

or

not,

charityto

of

whatever

race

if he were not charityto his Master ; but even to give in a particular through how many case, consider his charityis flowing out to mankind, other channels for appeals to the comparativelyfew sincere Catholics wealth are ceaseless and from every quarter. possessing cities and seek institutions modern Go through our will meet whose at every of charity, and turn. you Masonry's or Catholicity's?Go through cities that Catholic lived when have charitycould freelyevolve and what that those magnificentstructures are itself, used for municipal and state purposes? for are now ? olic libraries ? for prisons ? for garrisons They are Cathand asylums, and convents, and hospitals. colleges, but eloquent witnesses There to the they stand, mute the very broadness of Catholic charity, governments that have so ruthlessly even plundered them, shrinking, from with tution, vast at command, resources making restiowing to the large outlay in money requiredto such buildings. Sift,therefore, kind reader, duplicate words the grain of Masonic from the chaff of Masonic deeds, and you will be surprisedto find how the seemingly great heap diminishes; and though Bro. Pike creed is
seems

to

widen

the

limits of Masonic
even

law

and

admit

deserving profanes, the title deserving is more captiousthan real. in its essential benevolence, more Limited restricted still in its incidental or eleemosynary benevolence. Masonry,
to
"

Masonic

benefits

"

the child

or

humanity, which it pretends to

sister of pagan indifference to suffering indeed simulate Christian benevolence may

rival and

surpass;

but de-

CHAPTER

XVII

Masonic

History

To

open
we

up

the

way do

to

brief than

discussion

of the

Masonic words of

history
Bro.

cannot

better
on

quote

Mackey,

written

this
pp.

very

subject

paedia {Encyclohe

of Freemasonry,
will
"

296, 297).
and bias.

Certainly
he in
a

not

be is its

accused

of

prejudice
of

It

the

opprobrium
has that
never

Freemasonry,"
been and all that the written
not

says,

"

that

history
truth;

yet

spirit
has

of been

critical the

credulity
on

incredulity imagination
view have
'

foundation
have

which

Masonic

historical has the quently frethat

investigations
too

been

built;
to

often

'

lent of

enchantment
a

that been and

missing

links

chain

of

evidence

supplied
statements

by

gratuitous importance
of

invention;
have been whose

of

vast

carelessly
ticity authen-

sustained has These


so
"

by
not
are

the

testimony

documents

been

proved."
and

strong
is

plain words,
put;
"

but Bro. of

the

case,

even

stated.,

mildly

what

Mackey
the

calls

gratuitous by
"

invention
at

is, by others
called

Brethren,

as

the

world

large,

by

the

less

euphonious
"

title of And

plain forgery.
this
leads

me,"
:

continues is the the


secure

the

Doctor,
of

to

the

important
to

question
be

How
so

history
the

sonry Freema-

written,
its

that and

narrative

shall
assent

win and

the

respect

of

enemies,
its friends?

probation ap-

of

346

MASONIC

HISTORY

347
"

"

In

the first

place we

strict definition of
synonymous ourselves the We with

begin," he says, by a the word Masonry. If we make it Freemasonry, then must we confine
must

to closely

the events its present

that form

are

connected

with

Institution may then and


a

organization. zation organisay that Masonry received a new restoration in the beginningof the eighteenth
We but
trace may not dissimilar

in

and

century.
with
an

this

older

Institution, very form, in the Masonic

guilds of Europe; in of Germany; the Middle Ages, and


Architects
authentic of Rome. memorials
no

masons corporationsof the Stonein the travelingFreemasons of it with the Colleges of connect Such a history will not want its truth ; and there

the

to substantiate

in conferring upon the Institution difficulty enviable antiquity." an We author, for nothing could agree in part with our be justerthan his contention that the historyof Masonry should really be the history of Masonry and of something else; that it should, consequently, not that are confine itself closely connected to the events in its present organization.But with the Institution here, until he has suppliedus with better proofs, we forced to disagree with him, and deny flatly that are he can, with authentic memorials, trace the history of ficient modern Masonry as he traces it. For it is not suf-

will be

that he
and and builders builders
a

shall

find different ages,


nor

bodies

of

architects architects

in different shall be

that these

shall have
must

certain
much
were

that they builders, nor religious themselves ; he organization among


; he must

prove

more

prove

that these various in the of

bodies
sense

religiousbuilders
alone
"

Masonic God
and
"

; that

they

knew

"

the and

truth
essence

of the human

soul

the nature

of both ;

348
that and

MASONIC

HISTORY

they
that

alone their with


are

knew divine Masonic

and

practised
and truth

truth

identical these

morality; their morality were and morality. Until


true

"

"

clearlyestablished, and they are the essential pointsin the matter, Masonry's claims to antiquity have no standing in a critical and unbiased can
points
Not
we

court.

to

break

up

too

much

the

article of

Dr.

Mackey,
with

shall

content

ourselves, for the

present,

the statement further

of what

Masonry
a

must

discussion

for

later

ing prove, leavportion of our

chapter.
"

But

if
"

we

confound

the term

Masonry,"

says

the

Doctor,
Moral the
as

Geometry, with Architecture, or with shall beget in the mind Science, we equallyof
and the
to

with

writer
can never

reader, such
any

confusion

of

ideas

has

been
on even

writers

result. And practical yet this the prevailing of all the great English error Masonry in the last,and, with a few exceptions, lead in the

present
as a

century.

At

one

moment

they speak of Masonry


in its then

mysticalinstitution which,
to

familiar form, was existing Soon afterwards, perhaps on the same paragraph is found to refer, without
name,

their readers. page,

any
to

long change of
a

under

the identical
or

term

Masonry,
of

the rise of

Architecture,
to the
"

condition

the progress of the moral

Geometry, or perhaps virtues." (p.296.)


on

Thus

Preston," he continues, "in his Illustrations


section
'

of Masonry, begins his by statingthat


the And world he
we

the

'

Origin
of

of Masonry,' of

from the

the

commencement

may
'

trace

foundation

adds

Ever

since symmetry
our

Masonry.' mony began and harhas had


a

displayedher charms, gining.' But after we have find that it is not we chapter,

Order

be-

read
to

through the entire Freemasonry, such as

MASONIC

HISTORY

349
has been the
ferring, re-

we

know

and

that recognizeit,
some

the author

but to
to feeling,

great moral
man

virtue,to
which,
as

social

the love of

for man,

inherent

in the human creation

breast,must

have

existed from

of the race, and of civilization and

have necessarily the arts."

the very been the precursor

"

Oliver, who, notwithstandingthe


he has

valuable

services

Masonry, was unfortunately much too has outgiven to abstract speculations, heroded Herod,' and, in commenting on this passage of Preston proclaims that our science existed before the creation of this globe,and was diffused amidst the of numerous systems with which the grand empyreum universal space is furnished.' But on further reading, find that by Speculative we Masonry the writer means
to
'

which

rendered

'

'

system of ethics founded


that in this
to

on

the

belief of

God,'
not

and refer

the
to

he does grandiloquent sentence Freemasonry of whose historyhe is


to

fessing pro-

treat, but sentient

the

existence

of such
as

belief

among
"

the

who, intelligences
stars
on

he

supposes,

inhabit the

planetsand
he goes
traces

of the solar system.


to
"

Anderson,"
of Eden

say,

is

more

modest in the is treating

in his claims, and

Masonry only to
we

Adam

garden

but

soon

find that

he, too,

of different

Masonry
of
"

of
our

and that the things by the same name, the Freemasonry the primal patriarchis not day, but Geometry and Architecture.

Now
not

all

this," says the Doctor,


Such
statements

"

is to
may
"

write

mance, ro-

history.

be said to

fagons de parler rhetorical sound and no meaning. But flourishes, having much in books written by the reader meets with them when intended of eminence, professedly to give the true men a historyof the Order, he either abandons in disgust
be what the French
call

350

MASONIC
which has been

HISTORY]
treated

study
he because

with

so

much

or folly,

is led to

maintain adopt theories which he cannot In the former masonry Freecase, they are absurd. "in the latter,he is perhaps loses a disciple;

ensnared Masonic
:
"

by a delusion." history should


greater honor

be

Having then written, our


accrue

stated author

how
cludes con-

No

could fotmder

to
a

that of

having been the in which history,


writers be of chosen would

of

new

than any man school of Masonic loose statements in which


as

the fictions and be that

of former rule would

and rejected, has been


"

the
a

adopted
as

laid down in words

vital maxim have been

all inductive his motto


:

science,

that

by
to

recent

powerful
of facts the
"
"

vestiga in-

of historical truth
"
'

Not

to exceed not to

and take

not

fall short

not

to

add

and

whole

truth, and

To state away. nothing but the truth.'

truth, the

(p.297.)

in these closand beautifully ing so stating clearly lines the true principles which should guide history, it is to be regretted that Dr. Mackey should devote so large a portion of his Encyclopaediato the rehearsal of Masonic myths and fables ; myths and fables which had been palmed off as facts by the writers he so justly condemns. Take, for instance, the following regarding the originof Freemasonry. It is a theory of some Masonic writers," he says {Encyclopaediaof Freemasonry, p. 708), "that the of the Pure Primitive or principles Freemasonry were preserved in the race of Seth, which had always kept After
"

separate

from

that

of

Cain, but
a

that

after of
a

the

flood

they

became

corrupted by
established This

secession the

the Sethites,who of the Gentiles.

portion of spuriousFreemasonry
been very

theory has

extensively

MASONIC

HISTORY

351
The

advanced
erected

of the arts principles and sciences are mentioned though by Josephus. But althe old Constitutions speak of Seth, they ascribe the erection of these pillars of Lamech. to the children But in the high degrees of Masonry the erection is attributed
to

by Dr. by Seth

Oliver

in all his works. the

pillars

preserve

to

Enoch."
tidbits of there
are

On

such But

historyare
other
cater to

Masonic
to

readers carry
on

galed. re-

fables Masonic

the

mythical history and


fable of Noah the
; the

fable of Euclid

; the

credulity;the fable of Pythagoras;


the Solomonic

fable of

King

Solomon

and

Temple. regard to this last,the remarks of Dr. Mackey are certainlyinteresting. In Masonry," he says, has {Encyclopedia, p. 798), "the Temple of Solomon when played a most important part. Time was every Masonic writer subscribed faith to with unhesitating the theory that Masonry was there first organized: that there Solomon, Hiram Abif of Tyre, and Hiram which Masters the Lodges over presided as Grand they had established;that there the symbolic degrees
"

With

were

instituted and has that

and from

systems
that the

of

initiation the

were

vented; in-

period to
stream

sonry present MaTime in But


broken un-

passed
of

down and

of

succession modern
away method this

unaltered

form.

the

reading Masonic history has swept edifice of imagination with an unsparing


efifectuala power,
demolished
as

hand, and

as

those

with

which
on

the

Babylonian king founded. they were


as a

the

structure

which

No

writer who would


has the done
now

values

his reputation
to

critical historian

attempt

fend de-

theory. Yet it the long period in which


this

its work.

was hypothesis

During accepted

352

MASONIC

HISTORY

as

fact, its influence


Masonic with all the

the

being exerted organizationsinto a form


was

in

moulding nected closelyconthe symbolism from

events

and
now

characteristics of
almost
or

Solomonic of the
'

Temple. So Freemasonry
of the Lord

that
rests
'

all the

upon

is derived So

House

at

Jerusalem.
attempt
to

are closely one

the two from of

connected, that
would

to

separate the
be

the other

be

fatal to the further


must
a

existence

Masonry. Each Lodge is and the Jewish Temple; each Master of the Jewish king; personationof the Jewish workman.
"

in the and

symbol of chair, a representati


Mason
a

every
"

Thus

it must

ever

be," he continues,
must

while and

sonry Magends le-

endures. that
connect

We

receive the

the

myths

Temple, not indeed as that historic not events as facts, but as allegories; but as symbols; and must have cept acreallytranspired, their and these symbols for what these allegories that they should be the foundations inventors meant really of a system of morality." It is all a fable," an edifice of the a myth," imagination," an invention,"yet it was taught as a during a long period,"by fact,and believed as a fact and it is on this fiction, writer ; this every Masonic I say morality is based. myth, this lie,that Masonic lie,"for to teach knowingly a myth as a fact is a sonic lie;and while it may be that the vast majority of Mathemselves writers were deceived,and hence were the same sinned againstthan sinning, be cannot more
it with
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

said known The

of the
to

inventors false.

and

first teachers

of

what

was

be

"

legend of Euclid is of a piecewith the former. old the All manuscript Constitutions," says Dr. the wellMackey {Encyclopcedia, p. 265), "contain

354
Euclid
answers

MASONIC

HISTORY
" '

the him

summons.

And

then

this
them

worthy

took

to

these

lords' sons,

and

taught

in stones to work Geometry in practice, of worthy works that belong to building all manner and manors, and all churches, temples,castles,towers other manner of buildings. And thus was the science grounded there ; and that worthy Master Euclid gave it the name of Geometry. And it is called through all this land Masonry.' now the science of
. . .

"

'

Dr. Mackey, legend,"comments is certainly historically, very absurd, and the which makes Euclid the

"

This

"

considered ism anachronof ham, AbraDoctor

contemporary
Masonic

to the absurdity." The adds, if possible,

then
to

proceeds to
a

defend

it

as

convey

Masonic

lesson.

myth intended Strange, indeed, that


its lessons

Masonry,
otherwise

the Divine than

Teacher,
such

by

convey absurdities! The is attributed


to

cannot

origin of
moral
ditions con-

Masonry,

moreover,
are

which

that

satisfyMasonic harmony, as we
the lord be and forerunners
to
war

indeed anything but Christian, may for they are aspirations, perfectlyin have shown, with Masonic license; of that country were well fitted to of the Craft, for they were called not their
are

estates

upon Bro. The

with

instincts, any
of

more

than,

as

Pike

tells us,

the Brethren

to-day.

Pythagoras is contained in the Leland Manuscript,candidly admitted to be a forgery. (Efureader Our will permit us to cyclopcedia, p. 977).
modernize it. ?
"

fable of

"

How

came

it
is the

[Freemasonry]
answer :

into

England
"

it asks.
a

Here

Peter

Gower,
and

Grecian, journeyed for knowledge,

into which

Egypt
the

into

Venetians

Syria, and into every had planted Masonry,

land and

in

win-

MASONIC

HISTORY

355

ning
much

entrance

into all
and

Lodges
worked and
at

of in

Masons,

he

learned

and
a

returned

Magna
and France

coming Grecia, behere many made

great wiseacre
a

much

renowned, and
made and

he

formed
some

great Lodge
of whom

Groton

Masons,
many

journeyedto
in process
"

Masons,
to

whence

of

time,

the

art,

passed
"

England."
Dr.
with

Locke," continues
at

Mackey,
those

confesses
names,

that he Peter

was

first

puzzled
and

strange
; but
a

Gower, Groton

the Venetians
were

littlethinking

taught
The

him

that

they
and

of Pythaonly corruptions goras, Phoenicians."

Crotona Noachic

the

theory

is set

foi-th at length by Bro.

Mackey, in the opening chapters of his Symbolism of Freemasonry. all that is within the anPassing over," he says, tediluvian erted, historyof the world, as something that exfar as our so subjectis concerned, no influence
" "

on

the

new we

world find of

which
soon

the old,

forth from the ruins of sprang after the cataclysm,the immediate in the

descendants

Noah

possessionof
received
must

at

least two their


mon com-

truths, which religious father, and


the line of
were

they
he

from

which

have

derived

from truths gence, Intelliverse, Uniin the

who patriarchs of the

the doctrine the and

These preceded him. existence of a Supreme and Ruler

Creator, Preserver,
as a

of the belief

necessary

the corollary,

from immortality of the soul, which as an emanation that primal cause, was to be distinguished, by a future the vile and and eternal life,from perishabledust forms its earthlytabernacle.' which The assertion," he continues, that these doctrines known to and were recognized by Noah, will not appear as an assumption to the believer in divine revela" "

356
tion.
come

MASONIC

HISTORY

But
to

any the same

I conceive, must, philosophic mind conclusion, independently of any

other
"

authority than that of reason. The religious sentiment, so far, at least, as


of God,
sense

it relates

to
some

the belief in the existence

innate,
in the human

or

to be in appears and instinctive, consequently

universal

mind.

There

is

no

record

of

and intellectually any nation, however of a that has not given some evidence

morally debased, tendency to such

belief.
be

The

grossly
the

the idea may be perverted, may but it is nevertheless there, and corrupted, sentiment whence it sprang."

shows
22,

source

(Symbolism, pp.
antediluvian
influence truths
on ing concern-

23.) Why Dr. Mackey


of mankind
as

passes

over

the

tory histhe

exercisingno
received soul is
a
"

new

world, when
God
who and the

Noah human

the

from

the line of

archs patriNoah,

preceded him,"
hard did
to not
answer.

question that

the Doctor with

would

find

Why
with
him?

start

if the truths
true

start

religionand the foundations handed down by tradition in the line


certainly exercised
"

of of

they are the true morality, they patriarchs,


a

If

an

influence world

and

powerful
forth

fluence in-

on

the

new

which

sprang

from

the ruins

of the old." truths


are
as

If, secondly,these
mind back the
to
as our

natural
are

to
we

the

man hu-

author

asserts, then

carried

the first human of Dr. is

mind,

to

Adam
Dr.

in Paradise, to

theory
the

Oliver, which
no

Mackey

has

jected. re-

There In

doctrine

logical beginning with Noah. third place, the Doctor has injected into the of Noah Masonic, a a theory essentially
soul
as an

theory

of the human

emanation
to

from

the Supreme
as

Being,

theory as repugnant

right reason

MASONIC

HISTORY

357 How
the

to

the revelation
or

to

which
to

he

appeals.
that
a

does

he

prove,

even

attempt
Noah

prove, such

immediate
To
run
a

descendants doctrine
of

of such

held

theory?

in under wide-reaching consequences of the general belief in the immortality of the cover Noah foundation soul, is supremely dishonest. as a for Masonry is consequently no solid than the more
rest.

How
the

uncertain

even

to

Masons

themselves

has

been

Dr.

origin and source whence first sprang the institution of Freemasonry, have such as we it," he says (Encyclopcedia now of ence differFreemasonry, p. 556), "has given rise to more Masonic scholars of opinion and discussion among tion. than any other topic in the literature of the InstituWriters on the historyof Freemasonry have, at its origin to the following different times, attributed Patriarchal To the i. religion. 2. To sources: the Ancient Pagan Mysteries. 3. To the Temple of the Crusaders. the King Solomon. 5. To 4. To ficers. Collegesof ArtiKnights Templar. 6. To the Roman of the Middle the Operative Masons 7. To tury. Ages. 8. To the Rosicrucians of the sixteenth cen9. To
of his Oliver

origin of their Order Mackey gives a dozen by the Brethren.

is evidenced theories
"

by

the

fact that

of such

originpropounded

The

Cromwell,
10.

for To

the

advancement

schemes. political of the House

the

Pretender, for
to at

the restoration
throne. of
11.

of

Stuart

the the

British ing build-

To

Sir

Christopher Wren
12.

St. Paul's associates theories within

Cathedral.
in the year

To

Dr.

Desaguhers
of these the

and

his

171 7. time
to

Each

twelve twelfth

has
a

been, from

time, and
with

recent

zeal,if not always with

period,sustained much judgment, by

much

their advo-

358
cates.

MASONIC

HISTORY

few but

of

them, however, have


the others
own
'

long

since been
and

abandoned,

still attract views


on

attention

find defenders. in the which

My

the

article

Antiquity of

pressed subjectare exFreemasonry,' to

the reader

is referred." have twelve who


even

Here, therefore,kind reader, you theories propounded by Masonic

ent differhave Dr.

scholars

sought Mackey

the

origin of their Institution,and has only views the matter. upon


which claims of
our

And alone
to

yet
the

this is the Institution

to possess race,

traditions religious primitive mankind of with


a

and

supply

pure,

unadulterated

article in matter

religion against those


and considers is that with is the real have
"

truth

inveighs who the date of origin, them of little judgment, but the as men mences connected, reliable Masonic historycomMackey
It is called the

and

morality! Dr. assign 171 7 as

this date.^

revival,but it
as we

beginning of organized Freemasonry


which took

it at present. The
occurrences

place in the city of London, in the year 1717," he says (Encyclopcedia, pp. that important body, which has 645, 646), "when since been known the Grand as Lodge of England, was in Masonic organized,have been always known history the Revival of Masonry.' Anderson, in the first as edition of the Constitutions,' publishedin 1 723, speaks of the Brethren having revived the drooping Lodges
'

'

of

London;

but
In

he

makes

no

other

reference

to

the

transaction.
1

his second
wrote

edition, publishedin 1738,


more

generation ago) Freemasons] affirms that the premier Grand Lodge of England, organized of all regular Masonic 24 June, 1717, A. D., is the mother lodges of the three craft degrees. ." Still(Bro. Henry Leonard in the 32", Masonic nity." FraterEncyclopedia Americana, s. v. son,
than
a
"

Latterly (Dr. Mackey


consensus

the

of reliable historical opinion [among

"

MASONIC

HISTORY

359
there

given is the only authority we made in possess of the organization Preston and all subsequent writers have 1717: of derived their authority from course Anderson. The transactions are thus detailed by Preston (Illust. p. is preferred as containing in a 191), whose account
more

he is

and diffuse,

the account

succinct form

all that Anderson

has

more

tailed. deprofusely

"

'

On

the
and

accession its

of

George I,

the

Masons

in

London
of

environs, findingthemselves

Christopher Wren, and their annual discontinued, resolved to cement themselves under a Grand new Master, and to revive the communications and annual festivals of the Society. With this view, the Lodges at the Goose and in St. Paul's Gridiron Church-yard ; the Crown in Parker's Lane, near Drury Lane; the Apple-Tree Tavern, in Charles Street, CoGarden ; and the Rummer vent and Grapes Tavern, in Channel Row, Westminster, the only four Lodges in being in the South of England at that time, with some other old brethren, met at the Apple-Tree Tavern in February, 171 7; and having voted above mentioned
the oldest constituted in due
form. Master Mason
a

Sir

deprived meetings

then

present into the chair,

themselves At this

Grand

Lodge, pro tempore,


resolved
to

meeting it was
of

hold

Quarterly Communications
hold of the
next

the
and

annual the

assembly
and

and to Fraternity, feast on the 24th

June at Church-yard
which Grand
Master of

Goose

Gridiron, in
to

St.

Paul's

(in compliment then met there) for the


among
a

the

oldest of

purpose

Lodge, electinga
have

themselves, tillthey should


brother
Bro.
at

the honor
"

noble

their head
. .

.'
"

"

that

Recently,"continues Masonry was not for

Mackey,

this

claim

the first time

but organized,

36o
only
those revived modern

MASONIC

HISTORY

in

171 7, has

been

attacked

by
which

some

of anything is not

iconoclasts who
even

refuse any

credence

to

or traditional,

to

record

supported by
among in his
numerous

authority. Chief contemporary these is Bro. W. P. Buchan, of England, who


articles in the London Freemason

other

of Freemasonry 1872), has* attacked the antiquity existence anterior and refuses to give it an His exact to the year theory is that our sys1717. tem in of degrees,words, grips,signs, etc., was not until about ever, existence admits, howa. d. 171 7.' He elements of that certain of the or groundwork the degrees existed before that year, but not confined to the Masons, to all the guilds. He being common

(187 1

and

'

'

'

thinks

that

the present system Anderson


was

was

indebted

to

the And of

ventive inhe
an

genius of
supposes ancient that it

and
'

Desaguliers.
a

simply
some

reconstruction of it old
was

viz.,of society,
Hence,
but he
a

form that
'

Pagan
not
a

losophy phi'

contends

vival,' re-

only
the

'

renaissance

and

he

explains his

meaning
" '

in the

following language :

had naissance rea eighteenth century we of Pagan architecture; then, to follow suit, in the eighteenthcentury we had renaissance in a a dress of Pagan mysticism; but for neither new are indebted to the Operative Masons, we although the made of in both cases.' use were Operative Masons {London Freemason, September 23, 1871.) Buchan's has been attacked theory,"says Dr. Mackey, I. by Bro. William J. Hughan and Chalmers Patton. That he is right in his theory,that the three degrees of Master, Fellow Craft, and Apprentice were
"

Before

"

unknown
and

to

the

Masons
classes

of

the

seventeenth
as

century,

that these

existed

only

gradations of

362
til
1

MASONIC

HISTORY

7 17.

establishes Aubrey's authority sufficiently


was a

the fact that Wren his life prove

Freemason,
to

and

the events

of The

his attachment of the

the of

profession."

Operative Masonry into Grand Masters of Speculative to Masonry, seems indeed invention of sufficient magnitude; but us an Dr. Mackey himself, in treating of Anderson, will tell that he invented. of more us plainly In giving an of Anderson's life and sonic Maaccount labors {Encyclopaedia, literary p. 68), he speaks masonry Constitutions of the edition of the Ancient of Freeis in 1723. Its intrinsic value," he says, derived only from the fact that it contains the first printedcopy of the Old Charges and also the General Regulations. The historyof Masonry which precedes these, and constitutes the body of the work, is fanciful, unreliable,and pretentiousto a degree that often leads Craft is greatlyindebted son to absurdity. The to Anderfor his labors in reorganizingthe Institution,but
patrons
" "

transformation

doubtless himself

it would with

have

been

better

if he had

contented

giving the records of the Grand Lodge from contained in his second 1717 to 1738, which are edition, and with preserving for us the charges and his industry,might have regulationswhich, without
been lost. No

Masonic
as

writer

would

now

venture

to

authority for the history of the Order anterior the eighteenth century. It must to that in the republication also be added of the Old several important Charges in the edition of 1738, he made alterations and which interpolations, justly offence Grand to the some Lodge, and which gave render the second edition of no spect." authority in this requote
Dr. Anderson

Anderson

did, therefore, invent in his edition of

MASONIC

HISTORY

363

1738, and his inventions and interpolations portant imwere so to destroy the value as of his second edition. His history, in the first place, the prodwas moreover, uct of an inventive imagination, for it was fanciful, unreliable,and pretentious to absurdity." What we know of the so-called revival in 171 7, we know solely such on authority. On what ground does Dr. Mackey assert that here there so invenpositively was no
"
'

tion ?

given of the meeting of 1717, our reader has learned, perhaps to his surprise, that taverns the first temples in which were Masonry revealed to its
initiates the
true

In

the account

nature

of

God

and

of

the

human

imparted true morality. For a long time after the revival of Masonry in Dr. Mackey 1 717," says sonry, {Encyclopcedia of Freemato meet, Lodges continued p. 327), "Masonic done before that period,in taverns. Thus as they had the Grand Lodge of England was organized,and, to the language of Anderson, the quarterly use nications commurevived were by four Lodges whose respective the Goose and Gridiron places of meeting were the Apple-Tree Ale-House, Ale-House, the Crown For and Grapes Tavern. Tavern, and the Rummer ings Lodge held its quarterlymeetmany years the Grand sometimes the at Apple Tree, but cipally printhe Devil at Tavern, and kept the Grand hall of one of the Livery companies. Feast at the The first Lodge in Paris was organized at a tavern kept in the Rue des Boucheries by one Hure, and the Lodges subsequently organized in France continued to The cushouses. tom meet, like those of England, in public was long followed in other countries of Europe. In America, the practice ceased only at a comparatively
" '
'

soul,and

364
recent

MASONIC

HISTORY

period, and it it has not yet villages


Here, kind reader,

is

possiblethat
abandoned."
the first

in

some

obscure

been
were

temples to the one Here the true was deity,the Jehovah of Masonry. in contemplaaltar; here the true tion worshipers met Here the divine attributes. was on imparted to the true Masonic them lightin which they learned the soul. Here of God and of the human true nature they It is true these were rude, sang their sacred hymns. and festive in their nature, and are and coarse, rejected refinement Masonic {Encyclopedia,pp. by Modern all in the matter, it was 725, 726), but then, what Devil Tavern, the favorite meeting place of the Brethren of the day. At as early a period as the beginning of the fourteenth century,"continues our author (p. 327), "the Guilds or Livery Companies, of London, had their halls or places of meeting, and in which they stored their mean buildings, goods for sale. At first these were smith's into importance,and the Goldbut graduallythey rose
"

Hall, erected
have been
an

in the fifteenth century, is said to

edifice of

appearance. very
common

in

and of imposing large dimensions These halls, probably, as they were the eighteenthcentury, were tive suggesof similar edifices for their
own

to the Freemasons

Fraternity ;
grew

but
in

convenient, and

the Association as undoubtedly the necessity, of a more more importance, respectable, than was afforded more secure locality
resort
to

by temporary
have
own

taverns

and

ale-houses, must
edifices for
their

led

to

the

erection

of

isolated

use." special
If the halls of the

Guilds
for Guild

the idea of in taverns

building halls
and
not

suggested to themselves,if

Freemasons Masons
met

in

halls, it is evident

that

MASONIC
modern

HISTORY

365
of

Freemasons

are

not

the

lineal descendants

the Mediaeval would their

Guilds ; were they such naturallyhave inherited the


would have of halls.

descendants,they

meeting placesof
needed
no

predecessors and
in the matter

tions sugges-

"

The

first Masonic Dr.

Hall

of which

we
"

have

any

count," ac-

is the one Mackey goes on to say, that erected by the Lodge of Marseilles in France, in was the year In 1772, the Grand 1765. Lodge of England made for the preliminaryarrangements construction of a hall,a considerable sum having been ." already subscribed for that purpose. (p. 327-) In America," he to be Lodges continued says,
... . .

"

"

period.^ It is not considered now ready reputable;although, as has been alremarked, the custom is, perhaps, not entirely in remote discontinued, especially country villages. It is impossible to tell at what precise period and in what the first Masonic hall was erected in this counlocality try.
up
to
a

held in taverns

very

recent

It is true

that in
xv,

Boston

paper

of

1773

we

find

(Moore's Mag.,
the Masons
^
"

162), an

advertisement

ing summon-

to celebrate the festival of St.


have

John

the

been well informed tired by those who have rethe meetings of the Free that their principal Masons inducement the dangers of immorality which to shun attended was those meetings. They did not accuse the institution of masonry that having imrnorality for its object, but they assured me as intemperate drinking, obscene conversation, and indelicate songs, to almost nothing of other vices, were always the consequences say ceremonies of holding a lodge; and that there were not sides Beconsistent with occasions. certain practised on decency very I have these often heard that the most general reasons, those which held in small improper meetings of all were are
. . .

from

in general, they villages,or at solitary taverns ; that country the vices for intemperance and which follow rendezvouses were it." McElhiney, January 7, Bishop. John Carroll to Michael Catholic Historical Researches, New (GrURn's American 1794. Series, vol. iv. No. i, pp. SS-S6.)
"

366
Evangelist
we

MASONIC

HISTORY

at

'

Freemasons'
this
was no

Hall other

;' but
than
a

on room

tion examinain the

learn

that

buildings,such as the for Masonic used only partially were subsequently erected in Boston, purposes, and received by courtesy, but not by right, the name Masonic of not until 1832 that the Halls; but it was first independent hall was built in that city, which received the of the Masonic name Temple, a title which the has since been on generally conferred very halls in the larger cities." convivial The origin of the English Lodges is again masonry, touched on by Dr. Mackey {Encyclopcediaof Freep. 521). In England," he says, Lodges do not appear to
Dragon Tavern. Exchange Coffee-House,
Green
'

Other

'

"

"

have of
were

received the last

distinctive

names

before that

the

latter part the

century.

Up

to

period

Lodges

Thus, in distinguished simply by their numbers. the first edition of the Book of Constitutions,published find a list of twenty Lodges, registered in 1723, we by
their

numbers,

from
were

'

No.

'

to

'

No.

20,' inclusive.

Subsequently they
of the tavern in the second

at which

edition

designatedby the name they held their meetings. Thus of the same work, published in

further

with list of one six hundred and meet a 1738, we Lodges designated sometimes, singularly enough, as Tavern, in Queen Street ; Lodge No. 6, at the Rummer No. 84, at the Black Dog, in Castle street; or No. p8,
at

the

Bacchus and small

Tavern,

in

Little
are

Bush
not to

Lane. wonder Dr.

With that Oliver

such the
so
'

names

localities, we
his Book he

three

glasses of punch,' of
'

which

feelinglyspeaks in
nor,
as

appreciated ;

of the Lodge, were there were admits, that

duly
some

MASONIC brethren

HISTORY

367
have the allowance

who

displayed an
"

anxiety to
Freemasons,

increased.'
In should
a

71 7, the

body

of

if, indeed,

we

dignifythe
consisted in

smallness

of their numbers

by

such

term,

of Entered

Apprentices or

the merest

Freemasonry. The mass of the Fraternitybeing at that time composed of Apprentices," says Dr. Mackey pedia, {Encyclothey exercised a great deal of influence p. 82), in the legislation of the Order ; for although they could cations not represent their Lodge in the Quarterly Communiof the Grand could only a duty which Lodge, be discharged by a Master Fellow, or yet they were always permitted to be present at the grand feast, and General no Regulation could be altered or repealed
"
"
" "

novices

without of

their

consent;

and, of

course,

in all the took the

ness busimost

their

particularLodges, they

but few Masters lows Felor prominent part, for there were in a Lodge, in consequence of the difficulty and inconveni of obtaining the degree, which could only of the Grand be done at a Quarterly Communication Lodge. vested inBut the subordinate as soon as Lodges were with the power of conferringall the degrees,the Masters began rapidly to increase in numbers, and in And the bulk of the corresponding influence. now, of Master Masons, the legislation Fraternity consisting is done exclusively of the Order by them, and the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts have sunk into comparative obscurity,their degrees being considered only as preparatory to the greater initiation of the Master's degree." Dr. Mackey here states as a fact,that, namely, What
"

368
in and

MASONIC

HISTORY

the

revival

Fellow

elsewhere

already Masters us Crafts, he is kind enough to inform {Encyclopaediaof Freemasonry, pp. 692,
so-called,there
were

693),
" "

lacks

all historical

evidence.

The
we

first have

positivehistorical
of the existence of General

evidence,"
a

that be

Master's

says, degree is

he

to

found

in the

Payne
must

in 1720. be

admitted

Regulations compiled by It is there declared that Apprentices Masters and Crafts Fellow only in
would that
not

the Grand

Lodge. But this record againstthe theory advanced by some


was
"

militate

Desaguliers
he of have mits ad-

its author

in 171 7
"

."
.
.

Documentary
a

evidence
to

is yet

little

later,
the be
not

settle the

wanting," precisetime
we now

the
it.

composition of
But it would

third

degree

as

prudent to
be traced

theory that

it must

oppose too to the second

the positively decade of the

eighteenthcentury. The proofs as they arise day by of old manuscripts,seem day, from the resurrection Dr. Mackey has forgotten here, to incline that way." what he has so vigorously denied elsewhere, that, he calls them, invented anyas namely, the revivalists, thing.
That

England
our

is the

mother

of

modern

sonry, Freemamasonry, Freeword

author p.

472).

proves He is

{Encyclopcedia of speaking of the


"

The in French word," he says, Lodge." appears as loge; German, loge; Spanish, logia; Portuguese, dence eviloja; and Italian loggia. This is irrefragable that the word
was,

"

"

with

the

Institution,derived

by

the continent So

of

Europe

from
a

England."
initial
"

again the letter G as Yod in Jehovah, evidences adopted by the English

substitute for the


the
same

fact.

First the

ritual

makers,"

says

370
been

MASONIC

HISTORY

to be doubted, placed, then it came little credited by inquiringMasons. Bro.

and Gould The

is

now

closes

his recital of criticisms

with

the remark,

commonly happens in under is missing; and how description,


document,
as

original forgeriesof this


all the circumstances constituted self him-

'

of the case, the

Krause

could

have

it is difficult to champion of its authenticity, conjecture. Possibly,however, the explanation may be, that in impostures of this character, credulity oil the one the part, is a strong temptation to deceit on to deceit of which other, especially no personal injury is the consequence, and which flatters the student of old documents with his own ingenuity.' These remarks,"

quoted as specially all apocryphal documents. The relating to almost of Cologne is the 37th manuscript fifth,the Charter mentioned in Dr. Mackey's schedule {Encyclopcsdia, p. believed by him to be of no 634, also p. 173), and was
are

continues

Bro.

McClenachan,

"

authentic Schwetschke have

value.
as

Bro. careful

Gould and

cites

Bobrik

and

Dr. who

decisive

examiners

of of

script. pronounced againstthe genuineness of the ManuThe sixth, the Larmenius Charter, or Charter which the claim rests Transmission, is that upon
'

cessors Temple to being the lineal sucof the historic Knights Templars, which was not 1804 and 1810; and its published until between earlier history,if indeed it has one, is so tainted with of unravelling imposture, as to remove any possibility the tangled web of falsehood in which the whole tion quesis enveloped.' The is voluminous, argument following and Bro. Gould's History should be consulted." Masonry, therefore, established in England in 171 7, and diffused soon after over the Continent of Europe, modified itself differently with the passing of time and

the

Order

of

the

MASONIC

HISTORY

371
in

England tried to Christianize it,but failed; for, little by little, the Christian interpretation was rejectedas unsuited to a cosmopolitan institution, altar Jew and at whose Brahmin and Mussulman might kneel. Preston, according to Dr. Mackey, was the first to little Masonry had give Masonry a philosophy. How to start the divine guide of with, in order to become
tells humanity, he clearly
to
"
"

the difference of

place.

Its first exponents

us.

It is sufficient, however,

with

masonry, say," says the Doctor (Encyclopcedia of Freethat he [Preston] has presented us p. 453), philosophical ing system of Masonry, which, comthe unscientific had been and the tails scanty de-

immediately after
which
up
to

his

time

must Lodge instructions,

have
midst

forth There
ant

of
was

sun
no

from

the

subjectsof been like the bursting of midnight darkness.


warn
was

twilightor dawn to Fraternity of the lightwhich


them.
But
at once,

the unexpectabout
to
"

shine

upon

without
or

any
to

gradual progress superfluity the


"

preparation growth from almost


Lectures of
a

out withing nothwere

Prestonian fulness

given
and for the

to

the

Order
of

in all their

illustration substitute that had said

richness

symbolism and science, as

plainand almost unmeaning systems prevailed. Byron I think it was previously


that he awoke
one

who

morning and found himself famous. PersonifyingFreemasonry, she too might have said, the day that Preston on propounded his system, that the sleep of half a from awakened she had been
century
to

find
not

herself

science.

Not

that

sonry Freema-

always been a science, but that for all that time, and longer, her science had been dormant in abeyance. From been had 171 7 the Craft had but more been engaged in something less profitable,
had
"

372

MASONIC

HISTORY

science. congenial than the cultivation of Masonic The of punch, the pleasant suppers, the modicums which would harmony of song, the miserable puns have provoked the ire of Johnson beyond anything that Boswell time for inquiring has recorded, left no into

abstruser

matters.

The
us

revelations

of

Dr.

Oliver's square
of and the if low
we

furnish

state

need

evidence positive of Masonic literature in those days; negative proof, we will find it in the
abundant

entire

absence

of any readable book sonry, Scientific Maon until the appearance of Hutchinson's and Preston's

works. the

Preston's

lectures

were,

therefore,

doubtedly un-

in the esoteric era inaugurationof a new system of Freemasonry." therefore in 1772, according to Dr. Mackey, It was that esoteric Masonry, as we have it at present, really took its start. We think, however, that his remarks should be restricted to English Masonry; for on the Continent, Masonry alreadyhad far other designs than convivial banquets. mere Because true Masonry, unemasculated, bore the banners of Freedom and in Equal Rights, and was rebellion against temporal and spiritualtyranny," Bro. Pike (Morals and Dogma, p. 50), "its says Lodges were proscribed in 1735, by an edict of the
"

States

of Holland.

in France. them

1737, Louis In 1738, Pope Clement


Bull of

In

XV.

forbade

them

XII. issued

against
was

his famous

Excommunication,
and in 1743 The

which

renewed
Berne

by
also

Benedict

XIV;

the Council Bull

of of of

proscribedthem.
'

title of the of the

Clement

is,

The de

Condemnation Libert

Society

Conventicles under the

the

sons, Muratori, or of the Freemation, penalty of ipso facto excommunicafrom which is reserved
to

absolution

the

MASONIC

HISTORY

373

Pope alone, except at the point of death.' And by it all bishops,ordinaries, and were powered eminquisitors to punish Freemasons, as pected vehemently susof heresy,' and to call in, if necessary, the help of the secular arm the civil authority ; that is,to cause
*

to

put them
That
the

to

death."
was

Pope

right in suspectingFreemasons

of Catholic doctrine, has been heresy in matter times over in our proved a hundred preceding pages; the doctrine of Masonry is purposely framed in diametrical oppositionto Catholic teaching: that the Pope in excommunicating those who was justified rejected Catholic doctrines is admitted by every fair-minded for such action is common to every society person, sonry whose laws and regulationsare violated, and Mamembers excommunicates just as every other. Expulsion," says Dr. Mackey {Encyclopcedia, p. the highest that 270), "is, of all Masonic penalties, of
"

can

be inflicted been
often

on

member
a

of the

Order, and
It

hence

deprives that he the expelled of all the rights and privileges of the particular ever enjoyed,not only as a member Lodge from which he has been ejected,but also of
it has those

called

Masonic

death.

which

were

inherent

in him is at
once

as

a as

member

of the

vested completely diof his Masonic character, as though he had while been admitted, so far as regards his rights, never firm as ever, it remain as his duties and obligations for any human to cancel them. being impossible power the aid of his Brethren, nor He no can longer demand requirefrom them the performance of any of the duties visit any which he was formerly entitled, nor to monies Lodge, nor unite in any of the publicor privatecere-

Fraternity at large. He

of

the

Order.

He

is considered

as

without

374
the
aware

MASONIC

HISTORY

pale, and
of his

it would

be

criminal

in

any

Brother,

with expulsion,to hold communication him Masonic subjects." Call it expulsion or call on does the change of name not it excommunication, Bro. Pike, however, affect the nature of the thing. What voking in the last place, that, namely, the insays the of the secular arm meant causing of the Masons civil power to put to death," is either the shameful slander. In grossest ignorance or the most
"

every

Protestant the

country
arm

where

there

is in

State

ligion, retingencies, con-

secular in

is invoked,
of such

certain

defence the
to

religion. No
of it the
was

one,
arm

however,
with the countries
was

confounds

invoking
death. So Church.

secular

sentencing
with

in Catholic secular
arm was as

the Catholic

The

invoked

in its defence; the the crime Masons civil


as

penalty imposed
Now,
times the
some

proportioned to
Bro. Pike rebellion power,
to

committed. of well those


as

if,
were

asserts, the

in

against the
it
can

ecclesiastical
were

not

be

remarkable

that

put
a

death.

Rebellion What

against the

capital offence.
were

civil power is still is that Masons is remarkable

not

so

punished. Instead, therefore,of


and Catholic

ing slander-

the in

Church

rulers, Masons

should,

wonder justice, The Masonic

at their

moderation.

history of those times, as pictured by Bro. Pike (Morals and Dogma, pp. 325, 326, 327), sonry," Mais anything but flattering to the Fraternity. in error. Instead he says, long wandered its primitivesimplicity, of improving, it degenerated from and retrograded toward a system, distorted by a stupidity^nd ignorance, which, unable to construct beautiful machine, made Less than a complicatedone. hundred two simple. years ago, its organizationwas
"
"

MASONIC

HISTORY

375
and allegories, their purpose confined to

and

altogethermoral,
easy
to

its

emblems,
It

ceremonies and
a

be be

understood, and
seen.

to objectreadily

was

then

small number very like those of a were first century of


our

degrees. Its constitutions Society of Essenes, written in the


era.

of

There

could

be

seen

the

primitive Christianity, organized into Masonry, the school of Pythagoras without ities absurdor incongruities in which it was ; a Masonry simple and significant,
not

necessary

to

torture

the

mind
at

to

discover

able reason-

a interpretations; Masonry philosophical, worthy of a good philanthropist."


"

once

citizen

religiousand and an enlightened


"

Innovators that

and

inventors," he

continues,

turned over-

gaged primitive simplicity. Ignorance enin the work of making degrees,and trifles and absurd and pretended mysteries, hideous, or gewgaws Truth. The pictureof usurped the place of Masonic the poniard and the bloody head, horrid vengeance, a out appeared in the peaceful Temple of Masonry, withsufficient explanation of their symbolic meaning. shocked with their object, Oaths out of all proportion then became the candidate, and ridiculous,and were exposed to tests, wholly disregarded. Acolytes were and compelled to perform acts, which, if real, would chimeras, were have been abominable; but being mere preposterous, and excited contempt and laughteronly. Eight hundred degrees of one kind and another were and invented: even taught Jesuitry were Infidelity of the rituals even The of Masonry. the mask under rant respectabledegrees, copied and mutilated by ignoand nonsensical trivial;and the became men,

words

so

corrupted that
to
recover

it has

hitherto
at

been all.

found

possible im-

many

of them

Candidates

376
were

MASONIC

HISTORY

made

insults not
"

degrade themselves, and and of spirit tolerable to a man


to

to

submit

to

honor."
"

goes on the largestportion of the practically,

Hence

it

was," Bro.
and

Pike

to

say,

that,
fore be-

degrees

claimed

by

the it

Ancient

Accepted

Scottish

Rite, and

by

the Rite of

Perfection, fell into disuse, were

jejune merely communicated, and their rituals became resembled those old These Rites and insignificant. castles, the different parts of palaces and baronial from one other, anwhich, built at different periods remote plans and according to tastes that greatly upon discordant and varied, formed a incongruous whole. and Judaism and chivalry,superstition philosophy, geance, philanthropy and insane hatred and longing for vena pure morality and unjust and illegal revenge, found and in were strangely mated standing hand hand and within the temples of Peace Concord; and the whole one system was grotesque commingling of and contradictions, of incongruous things,of contrasts pugnant shocking and fantastic extravagances, of parts refine conceptions overlaid to good taste, and and disfiguredby absurdities engendered by ignorance, fanaticism, and a senseless mysticism." An ble impossiempty and sterile pomp," he adds, indeed to be carried out, and to which no meaning whatever attached, with far-fetched explanations was that were either so selves themor stupid platitudes many needed an interpreter; lofty titles, arbitrarily
" "

assumed,

and
to

to

which
any

the

inventors

had
that

not

descended conquaint ac-

attach of the

explanation

should

them

titles and power, and the Initiate feel ashamed." And this is the

follyof assuming temporal rank, of nobility, made the world laugh, historyof Masonry,
written

by

one

CHAPTER

XVIII

Is

American

Freemasonry Freemasonry

One ?

with

European

It is

sincerely
often
to

to

be

regretted simply

that
as

the it

present

tion ques-

is too

answered various both the

stands,
the

without words
are

attending
may liable If the of in
to

the
; and

meanings
affirmer beset

which and the

express
to

denier

find

themselves be and that he


can a

by
and

serious if he

difficulties. the tity iden-

answerer

Catholic American

deny

European
words

Freemasonry,
different

asserting
it is hard action of

plain
see

they
places

are

things,
the

how

consistently
the ban

defend
upon

his

Church,
and with

which

all Freemasons Mason

alike,

excommunicates his

the brother.

American But has


to

equally
affirm of is

European
of the

again,
meet
a

if he
storm

the

identity
from upon
to
seems

two,
and the

he

protest
called

Mason

non-Mason difference between the

alike, and
of

he

explain
to

spirit and
two,
pean Euro-

action

which Continental whereas

exist

Masonry
American how has

being
this

rabidly
is

olic, anti-CathIf the

Freemasonry
explain

not.

two

are

the

same,

difference?
the

Our the who

reader,
anti-Catholic has

who

already perused
of American and

chapter
Pike

on

spirit
to

Freemasonry;
Bro. attended Sherman

hstened the

Bro.

Mackey
who has Bro.
over

structin inland Oakbeen of

Brethren;

the
; and

Lodge,
fortunate

presided
to

over

by

enough

glance

the

official

letter

378

AMERICAN
Bro.
of

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

379

Lemmi,

will

easilyknow
same

that
as

the

esoteric

spirit
If its

Masonry

is the

here and

elsewhere.

manifestation

is less open

less

it is because bitter,

existingcircumstances not us are among propitious; because the large number of exoteric Masons among for whom men of religious us, are tion toleraprinciples are sincere,and not a flimsymask and empty and who not are name, prepared to subscribe to open
hate; because
of the
even

esoteric Masons fairness of


the

cannot

rid themselves acter; charare

natural than
on

American of them

and,
from enemy. open
to

more

all,because
of
ever

most

not, like Masons


the

the continent

Europe, apostates
the
a

faith.
One the who

An

apostate is
has
never

most

bitter
not

been

Catholic, is
He may

Catholic
no

suspicionof friends,he may


will

his

fellows. with

have

associate

Catholics,and
Craft. real But
reason

Mason

doubt

his

loyaltyto
if there

the

the for

apostate will fear, even

be

no

that any respect, any regard shown it,

to the Church

will be Peter
to
curse

and that, like misinterpreted by his associates, in the palace of Caiphas, his only resource is and
swear

that he knows

not

the

Christ.

culpable In-

ignorance is consistent with fairness, as is also inculpable bigotry; culpableignorance or malice, culpablebigotry,never. Inculpableignorance in the since lack of home apostate, while not an impossibility, lack of religious instruction,lack of practitraining, cal in parents, etc., may bring it about, is at religion the exception;the contrary is the rule. most overlook the preceding But let us, for the moment, of the and make an independentinvestigation chapters, This much-mooted of Masonry. unity or oneness question is of prime importance,and well merits our careful study.

38o
The

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

oneness,

therefore, of
of
oneness

which
oneness

there
of

is

tion, ques-

may and
or,
rest.

be

oneness or

rite; or
of

ment govern-

head;

and fraternity is the root


are

spirit;
of the

oneness lastly,

of

doctrine^which
of these
"

How

far in each

senses

American

to or generalizethe European Freemasonry, how far is Masonry throughout the world, proposition, Let this be our ? one question. in rite. Dr. Mackey clopaedia {EncyMasonry is not one of Freemasonry, pp. 649, 650) numbers different rites. The originalsystem of thirty-seven consisted of only the Speculative Masonry," he says, Craft three symbolic degrees, called, therefore, Ancient the condition of Freemasonry at Masonry. Such was

and

"

"

the time this


was

of what the

is called the revival

in 171 7.

Hence,

it continued the Arch thus the four


"

union
'

of

originalRite or approved usage, and so in England until the year 18 13, when at the two Grand Lodges the Holy Royal
'

was

declared

to
as

be

part of the
more

system

; and

the York

English, or,
Rite
was

it is

commonly

called,
of

made

to legitimately

consist

degrees.
But
on

the

continent
at
are a

of

Europe,

of

new

systems began
of what of
one

much known

the invention
a

organization earlier period,and by the high degrees, as


All of these

the

multitude in

Rites

was

established.

agreed
upon

the

three

built important essential. They were stance, symbolic degrees, which, in every inthe fundamental

constituted

they

an pansion exThey were and ideas contained development of the Masonic in these degrees. The Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master's the porch through which and degrees were initiate was required to pass before he could every were

erected.

basis upon intended as

which

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

381
had
were

gain

entrance

into

the

inner of

erected

by

the

founders

temple, which the Rite. They


"

been the ."


.

text, and
"

the

high degrees the commentary


that there Rites. Some died of them when
to

I have

said," he continues,
of these their

has have

been lived

multitude with
in

only
energy

authors, and

their
exert

parental
itself.

fostering them
had
to
a

ceased

Others

have

more

permanent
the Masonic

existence, and

ing, family, furnishhowever, only diverse methods of attainingto the same of Divine Truth great end, the acquisition by Masonic light. Ragon, in his Tuilier General, supplies with the names of a hundred and eight, under us

still continue

divide

the different titles of Rites, Orders There


of

and

Academies."
But

is,therefore, no
does
"

unity
with

not, the

as

unity of Rite. Dr. Mackey assures


"

this lack
us,

fere inter-

essential

oneness

of

the

Masonic

of attaining family; they are but different methods and the Masonic God the knowledge of the Masonic soul by means of Masonic light. of government has Neither or Masonry oneness if we take the whole tered scatbody of Masons headship, deed, throughout the globe. The Scottish Rite, insuch unity and has established its nearer comes to emphasize its antagonism to headquarters in Rome Rite and others similar, the Papacy; in the American is by independent Grand the government Lodges. "A Grand (EncycloLodge," says Dr. Mackey to-day" is rites actually "in use of Masonic number ed. 1907, p. 29), given by the Cyclopeedia of Fraternities (2nd Of these, the English (erroneously called York) and the ten. as universal." ranked as Scottish, "are and Accepted Ancient is and in importance, practised in Rite "is next American The of Canada, where to are States and the Dominion the United in world." the Freemasons the three-fourths of all be found
iThe

{Ibid.)

382

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

and trative adminispcsdia, pp. 319, 320), "is the dogmatic Craft Masonry, or the authority of Ancient ." three Symbolic degrees Grand A Lodge is invested," he tells us later, all the Craft within "with and authorityover power of appeal It is the Supreme Court its jurisdiction. its decrees and in all Masonic to implicit cases, obedience be paid by every must Lodge and every
. .

"

Mason of Grand

situated

within

its control.

The

government

Lodges is, therefore, completely despotic. be reGrand While spected a Lodge exists, its edicts must ordinate examination and by its subobeyed without Lodges.' autocratic This of a Grand Lodge," he power is based upon to pediency, on a principleof exsay, goes
" "

and
at

derived

from

the

fundamental Grand In
so

law

tablished es-

the

organizationof

Lodges

in the
as

beginning of the Craft, it

the last century. is

large a body

that there should absolutely necessary tion be a supreme body to protect the Institucontrolling from could be more iently convenanarchy, and none selected than one which, by its representative character, is, or ought to be, composed of the wisdom, of all the subordinate prudence, and experience Lodges under its is

obedience;

so

that

the

voice

of

the

Grand
pressed ex-

Lodge
We it need
"

nothing else than the voice by their representatives."


no

of the

Craft

have

time

to

discuss

here,

nor

indeed

does edicts

discussion, this autocratic power,


be

whose

respectedand obeyed without by its subordinate Lodges." No human Masonry does not claim to be other, has
must exact

examination
power, any
men;

and

right to
no tional ra-

such
man

blind
true

obedience
to

of
nature

rational
can

his

yield

it.

Ex-

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

383
of

pediency will
does
not

not

it; the justify

avoidance

anarchy

demand

it; the fact that it is the voice of the


its representatives does
not

Craft it. We

through

the

safeguard who accustomed are to representativegovernment, how often representatives know do not express united wisdom, prudence, and experienceof
as

subordinates;
are

likewise, how
of those

often

their

decisions
And

not

the voice

whom
no

Masonic

Grand various
a

Lodges
attempts

are

they represent. exception.


in the United

The

made

States

to

public, Lodge for the whole Rerehearsed at length by Dr. are Mackey in his Encyclopcediaof Freemasonry, pp. 305, 308. Ever since the Grand gan, Lodges of this country beof the Revolutionary war," at the commencement their dependence on he says, the Grand to abandon that is to say, as Lodges of England and Scotland of soon as they emerged from the subordinate position Grand Provincial sume compelled to asLodges, and were tempts ata sovereign and independent character of the been made have by members Grand Craft to destroy this sovereigntyof the State Lodges, and to institute in its place,a superintending
" "
" "

establish

General

Grand

power,

to

be

constituted
or as a

either General

as

Grand

Master

of

North
United united

America,
States.

Grand

Led., perhaps, by the


under of
one

Lodge analogy
or,

of the of the

Colonies

federal head,

in the very

commencement

the

trolled Revolutionary struggle,con-

by long habits of dependence on the mother Grand Lodges of Europe, the contest had no sooner tween relations beof political begun, and a disseverance than the attaken place, tempt England and America
was

made

to

institute the office of Grand

ter Mas-

of the United

States."

(pp. 305-306.)

384
The 1779,

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN
made

MASONRY

first and

attempt, it

seems,

was

on

Dec.

27,

repeated unsuccessfully at different times, in Chicago in 1859, it seems until, at the convention abandoned, been finally to have (pp. 307, 308.) the Grand the Latin Lodges are Among races,
called
than

Orients, and
American
Grand

exercise

somewhat
"

more

power

of the Grand Most Lodges. by the Latin races," says Dr. Lodges established those of as {EncyclopcEdia, Mackey p. 322), "such American and the South States, France, Spain, Italy,
are

called

Grand

Orients.

The

word

is

thus, in
but

one

sense,

Grand
than
over

synonymous Orients have Grand the

with
often
a

Grand
more

Lodge;
extensive

these

obedience

jurisdiction Lodges, frequentlyexercising

which English and highest degrees, from Grand American Thus, the Grand Lodges refrain. exercises jurisdiction Orient of France not only over the the seven Rite, but also over degrees of its own and Accepted [Scottish thirty-threeof the Ancient all the other Rites that are Rite], and over practised
in France." The
on

last

paragraph, however,

is somewhat

fied modi-

wrote

work; but as Dr. p. 290 of the same his articles at different times, it is not
how

Mackey
hard
to

conceive
"

such

came discrepancies

about. is
now

The

Masonic

obedience

of France

divided,"
the the the
two

he

says bodies

{Encyclopasdia, p. 290),
[the Grand
Council
of and the Orient the of

"between
and and

France

preme Su-

Scottish

Rite],
now

Grand
as

Orient

Supreme
in

Council
French

both

exist The

independent powers tendency of the


of other

Masonry.
furnish
an

stant con-

former

istration to interfere in the adminwould

countries

historyfor

the

succeedingthirty years

unpleasant [from 1841

386
But

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

if this
us, at

be that

as impossible,

it is, this at
or

least will

console varied

while

the

ceremonies,

ritual,have

periods,and still vary in different countries, the science and philosophy,the symbolism will the religionof Freemasonry continue, and and wherever true continue, to be the same Masonry is clear can so practised." Comment only fail to make
different
a

doctrine
to

clearer. the

We

shall therefore
new

devote than

our

time their

rather

submitting of

proofs

to

development.
in opening and of forms closing [a identity Lodge] and in conferring the degrees," Dr. Mackey what says again {Encyclopedia,p. 843), "constitutes called uniformity of work. is technically The pression exAn has the
no
"

reference, in its restricted


the
same

sense,

to

degrees in different Rites and different countries, but only to a similarity in the ceremonies Rite, and practised by Lodges in the same

working

of

jurisdiction."He then its desirability, to show on though admittingits goes and adds (p.844) : impossibility, It is, therefore,a matter of congratulationthat desirable and however uniformity in work, however unattainable, is not so important and essential as many have deemed it. Oliver, for instance,seems to confound of his writings the ceremonies in some of a of the Order. But degree with the landmarks they different. The are landmarks, because they very affect the identity of the Institution, have long since been embodied in its written laws, and unless by a wilful the Grand perversion,as in France, where be changed. Mastership has been abolished,can never But variations in the phraseology of the lectures, or in the forms and ceremonies of initiation, so long
more same
"

in especially

the

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

387

as

they
are

do

not

trench the

boHsm

on

which

the foundations of symupon science and sonry philosophyof Mano

built,can

produce
. .

other The
.

effect than variation


true

porary tem-

inconvenience.
ritual of the of
can never

in the

be such Its

Institution.
and the of

destroy the profound dogmas


as

to

of the

identity the unity


universal

God,

eternal

life, and

of

taught in its symbolic method, will forever shine out pre-eminent above all temporary changes of phraseology. Uniformity of work be attained, but uniformity of design and not may masonry uniformity of character will forever preserve Freefrom disintegration." The boast of the Emperor Charles V," he tells us {Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, p. 846), in an of Masonry, that the sun article on the Universality his vast be applied with set on never empire, may east equal truth to the Order of Freemasonry. From
man,
" "

brotherhood

to

west,

and

from

north

to

south,

over

the

whole

habitable
Wherever left their

disseminated. our globe, are Lodges have the wandering steps of civilized man there have tablished. our footprints, temples been esThe lessons of

Masonic
of the

love

have and

into
man

the

wilderness

West,
his

penetrated the red

of

our

soil has
the

shared

with
our

more

ened enlightthe
once

brother arid sands


been
not
a

mysteries of
African
a

science, while
more

of the
scene

desert

have

than

the

of

Masonic

greeting. Masonry
and

is

fountain, giving health


its humble

beauty
it is

to

some

the hamlet, and slaking single dwell stream, upon

thirst of those
but

banks;

only who a mighty

through every hill and mountain, penetrating and gliding through every field and valley of the the abundant earth, bearing in its beneficent bosom

388
waters

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

of the

love

and

charity for
of be every

and

orphan
words
on can

poor, How land."


we

the

the

widow,
far
our our

author's

admitted,
the

have here

seen we

in
are

chapter
It is

Masonic
one

Benevolence;

tereste in-

in but

thing

"

because precisely that Dr. Mackey and all other Masonic one, always speak in the singular of Masonry,

unity of this stream. Freemasonry everywhere


sonry, Freema-

is

writers

etc., and

not

of

Masonries

or

Freemasonries.

They speak
the

of the Masonic

Masonic

system, the

Masonic

Masonic religion.

philosoph sonic history,Ma-

Institution, Masonic symbolism, the Masonic ternity, Frathe Masonic Order, the Craft, the Masonic light, Masonic the world. family, the Masonic the slightest in speaking of There is never difficulty Continental ren. Breththe French, English, German, or and All extraneous devices" ornaments (on Masonic in bad taste are aprons), says Dr. Mackey, the symbolic character detract from of the investitu and But the silk or satin aprons, bespangled have been gradand painted and embroidered, which ually nection creeping into our Lodges, have no sort of conAncient Craft with Masonry. They are an of our French innovation Brethren, who are never and have by their love of pleased with simplicity, tinsel in their various faced newly-invented ceremonies, efof the most beautiful and impressivesymmany bols Institution." of our {Encyclopaedia,p. 84.) So again, treatingof the aporrheta or of the secrets Order us (Encyclopcsdia,pp. 80, 81), he informs that The far more liberal in are European Masons their views of secrecy than the Engof the obligation lish the American. There few or are things indeed
"
,

"

"

which

French

or

German

Masonic

writer

will

re-

AMERICAN
fuse

AND

EUROPEAN
the utmost

MASONRY

389
It is
now

to

discuss with
be

frankness.

beginning to
American

writers

generallyadmitted, and English and are actingon the admission, that the

only real aporrheta of Freemasonryare the modes of and the peculiarand distinctive ceremonies recognition
of the Order."

Hence

our

author, under

the

heading

"

nental Conti-

Lodges," hastens to inform us that the expression than implies nothing more ence differa mere This of usages. expression [Continental is used Lodges] throughout this work, as it constantly is by English writers,to designate the Lodges the continent of Europe which on retain many usages which have either been abandoned were by, or never observed in, the Lodges of England, Ireland, and
"
"

"

Scotland,
The
same

as

well

as

the

United

States

of

America.
in the

words

Continental

sense."

Masonry are employed {Encyclopcedia, p. 185.)


wonder that

It is,therefore,no their

Masonic

writers

in

of Masonry quote indifferently from expositions of every authors rite and it is the one nationality; "clothed," as Dr. Mackey has put system differently affects it intrinsically it, but its clothingno more

than
"

our

own

does

us.

The
and

which expositions
other continental

abound

in the French, German

says (""attacks upon sonry, Freemanot cyclopaedia, p. 270), "are for the written often under but are authority,
use

languages," he

of Continental Fraternity. The usages of publication that would Masonry permit a freedom ternity." Frabe tolerated by the English or American scarcely of the

It

is natural, therefore, to

find
over

in

the
and

of the

Lodge

the lesson

taught

symbolism over again

390

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

of this world-wide may

ployed unity; and though the symbols emremains the underlying lesson ever differ,

unchanged.
"

In

the

Lectures Dr.

of

the

York

Rite, the

clouded

Mackey (Encyclopcsdia, p. 147), the covering of the Lodge, teaching as Krause that the primitiveLodge is confined us, as says, within shut up building, but that it is universal, no and reaches to heaven, and teaching especially that in every clime under heaveipFreemasonry has its Gadike seat.' Freemason knows And saj^sT^'lEvery canopy,"
"

says is described

'

that that

by

the clouded how

canopy

we

mean

the heavens, and is of


our

it teaches

widely
is
no

extended

sphere of
inhabited

usefulness. world
as

There
our

portion
cannot

the

in which is
"

labor

be

carried

forward,
its clouded

there

no
"

portionof
Hence,

the

globe

without

Mackey continues, the German of the symbol is that it interpretation denotes the universality of Freemasonry, an interpretation that does not precisely accord with the English
"

canopy.'

then," Dr.

and

American is

systems, in which

the

doctrine and
extent

of universality of the

symbolized by
of
a

the

form

Lodge."
"

The

extent

Mason's

Lodge,"

us

(Encyclopcedia, p. 271), "is from the earth to the highest heavens; the surface to the center; in length from
and is
a

he goes on said to be in in

to

tell

height depth from


to

east

west;

in breadth

from
one,

north and of

to

south.
to

The

expression
the
tensive ex-

symbolic
of

is intended

teach the

boundaries extension So the have in Masonic

Masonry, charity."
"

and

coterminal

in Globe," he tells us that treatingof the second degree, the celestial and terrestrial globes been adopted as symbols of the universal ex"

AMERICAN
tension

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

391

versal Order, and as suggestive of the uniclaims of brotherly love." {Encyclopcedia, p. 312.) The various implements of the Order teach, lesson. according to him, the same Thus, the tools attached the Mason, to each as an degree admonish Apprentice, to prepare his mind for the receptionof
"

of

the

the great
to

truths
a

which

are

hereafter mark

to

be

unfolded

him;
adorn

as

Fellow
to

Craft, to

their

importance,

and
to

adapt them

their proper uses Master, as a ; and their beauty by the practice of brotherlylove
cement

and
common

kindness, the

that binds

all Masons

in

one

"The Fraternity" (Encyclopcedia, p. 361). in Operative Masonry is used which to unite cement the various parts of a building into one strong and is borrowed durable mass," he says, by Speculative Masonry [Freemasonry] as a symbol to denote that of all countries brotherlylove which binds the Masons
"

in

one

common

brotherhood.

As

this brotherhood Masons


to

is

Master recognized as being perfectedamong referred only, the symbol is very appropriately third degree." {Encyclopcedia, p. 153.)

the

The board

tessellated border
of "The

which

surrounds
the

the
same

tracinging. mean-

the Entered

Apprenticehas
as

tessellated border,

it is "is

called," says
a

Dr.

Mackey
with

{Encyclopcedia, p. 808),
which tassels,
surrounds

orated cord, dec-

tracing-board Entered of Apprentice, the said tracing-board an it symboof the Lodge, and lizes being a representation binds which the mystic tie of love the bond hood." brotherdispersedinto one the Craft wheresoever
the
" "

On in
same

turning to the equallyplainwords,


doctrine. "That

words
we

Mystic Tie," we find the should say even plainer,


"

sacred

and

inviolable

bond,"

392
he

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

unites of the most men (p. 517), "which hand of brothers, which opinions into one of all nations and one gives but one language to men the is properly, from altar to men of all religions, the Mystic mysterious influence it exerts, denominated Tie; and Freemasons, because they alone are under ren Brethits influence, or enjoy its benefits,are called of the Mystic Tie.' Hence of Masonry are it is that the General Laws The General Laws,, binding throughout the world. all Dr. Mackey {Encyclopcedia, p. 446), "are says ies those Regulations that have been enacted by such boduniversal had at the time as jurisdiction. They persed; disthe Craft wheresoever operate, therefore,over says discordant
'

"

and them have

as

the

paramount

bodies

which

enacted

that seem long ceased to exist, it would they are unrepealable." So, too, the presiding officers are everywhere the In every same. Symbolic Lodge," says the Doctor are (Encyclopcediaof Freemasonry, p. 865), "there three principalofficers,namely, a Master, a Senior and This rule has exWarden, a isted Junior Warden. since the revival,and for some time preever vious
"

to

that event,
as one

and of

is

so

universal landmarks.

that it has It

been in

considered

the

exists

The titles of the country and in every Rite. every officers may be dififerent in different languages, but their

functions,
German

as

presiding over
duties,are
call the two

division tripartite The

of

Lodge everywhere the


Wardens
erste

the

in
same.

Masons

and

Aufseher; the French, premier and second Surveillant; the Spanish, primer and segundo Vigilante; and the Italians, primo and secondo Sorvegliante.

zweite

394
Rose

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

Croix,

of the

Rite
of

of Strict Observance,

of

the

Illuminated

Chapter

Sweden,

and

the

Ancient

Chapter
wove

of Clermont."

So, likewise, Webb,


into
"

it the Webb

Rite, forming the American philosophy of the high Continental


in
was a man

degrees.
Dr.

of

some
"

talent," says
"

Mackey

{Encyclopcsdia, p. 454),
or

not

equal,
had about It is the

it is true, to Hutchinson

Preston and

; but

one more

who

paid more
it,than
fact is

attention

to

Masonry,
his times know

knew

any man said, upon what

of

in this country.

authorityI
he Preston
not

not, but

I think

that credible, from would

visited

England,
At

and
same a

obtained

instructions such
a man

himself.

the such

time,

have

undertaken

making himself acquaintedwith in England, and his subsequent course prevailing tinental shows that he extended his investigations to the Conscience of Masonry as developed in the hautes grades' On his return home, he availed himself of all these varied advantages to compile and arrange which that system, not only of lectures but of degrees, has ever since been practised in this country." Ancient The and Accepted Scottish tially Rite, an essenwithout
'

voyage the other systems

French

system, and

introduced

from

France

in

1783 as the Rite of Perfection, contained originally but twenty-fivedegrees. "In 1801," however, says author our {Encyclopaediaof Freemasonry, p. 697), was a Supreme Council opened in Charleston by John
"

Mitchell evidence

and

Frederick

Dalcho. of the

There

is abundant

Supreme Council that degrees of the Rite of up to that time the twenty-five Perfection alone were recognized. But suddenly, with the organizationof the Supreme Council, there a Rite, fabricated by the adoption of eight arose new

in the Archives

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

395

of the Continental high degrees,so as to make the thirty-third and the twenty-fifth not degree the summit of the Rite." Now of this Rite, Dr. Mackey says a littleearlier on the page, Although one of the Rites, having been established youngest of the Masonic earlier than 1801, it is at this day the most not lar popuand the most diffused. extensively Supreme Councils or governing bodies of the Rite are to be
more
"

found and

in almost

in many This is the That


a a

civilized country of the world, every of them it is the only Masonic obedience." in Latin countries. chiefly belong to Lodges of different may of common knowledge. Dr. Mackey Memoir," Encyclopcedia, pp. 916,
"

case

Mason
matter

Rites is

(v. McClenachan's member a 917), was


of the Ancient
one

both

of the

American

Rite

and

and

Accepted Scottish;so
of the

Dr.

Dalcho,

of

the

founders
a

Ancient

and

Scottish, was
p.

member

of the York

Rite

Accepted dia, (Encyclope-

201), etc., etc. The Lodge practiceof various Rites by the same is called Cumulation This, says Bro. Mcof Rites." the practice Clenachan by {Encyclopaedia, p. 944), is or Rites, as the American a Lodge of two or more tish York and the Ancient Accepted Scottish, or the Scot" "

and Rites
has

French been

Modern

Rites.
a

This

Cumulation
extent

of in

practisedto
of
an

considerable

France, and
Of
sources,

in Louisiana

in the United

States."
from

the
our

introduction
own was

Masonry
from

different
The

country is
introduced

excellent example.

York
the

England; then came lished French, estabRite of Perfection, a rite essentially stitutes in Paris in 1754. This, as we have seen, conand Accepted of the degrees of Ancient twenty-five Scottish Masonry, the other eightbeing various
Rite

396

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

Ancient The Masonry. degrees of high Continental and Accepted Scottish Rite, as practised us, is, among Continental therefore, pure Masonry; in fact, the Council of

Charleston, in which
"the Mother

the

Rite

was

cated, fabriWorld."

is called

Council

of
"

the

{Encyclopcedia, p. 846.) There is,"says Turkey, too, is a good example. Dr. Mackey, speaking of this country, Provincial a Grand tion Lodge of England, having under its jurisdicfour four at Lodges at Constantinople and nople, Smyrna. There are also four Lodges at Constanti"

under

the
one

Grand
at

Orient

of

France;

four

at

under the Grand Constantinople, Orient the of Italy; one at Constantinople,under Grand Lodge of Ireland; and one at Constantinople, under the Grand (EncyclopceLodge of Scotland." dia,p. 838.) And all this is Masonry, not Masonries. The in the singular; word is ever for these divisions distinctions of govare only divisions of jurisdiction; ernment, doctrines. and not of Masonic spirit That is one throughout the world, is Masonry tial essenor clearlyestablished in the very Landmarks ^ Hence the fourteenth is : of the Order. principles sit in every The to visit and right of every Mason "The regularLodge" {Masonic Ritualist, p. 242). sit in every regular to visit and right of every Mason Lodge," says Doctor Mackey, explaining this right questionable of Freemasonry, p. 442), "is an un(Encyclopcsdia

Smyrna

and

"

landmark the
'

of

the

Order.

This

is called has

right of visitation.' This always been recognizedas an


inures
to every

right of
inherent

visitation

Mason

And
^

this is because
Cfr., supra,
pp.

right which he travels through the world. as Lodges are justly considered as

23,

82.

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

397

only divisions for convenience sonic of the universal Mafamily." in good standing,"he Every affiliated Mason says again (Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 860), "has a right to visit any other Lodge, wherever it may be,
"

as

often

as

it may

suit his

pleasure or convenience,
'

and It is

this is
one

in called, the
most

Masonic

law,

the

rightof

visit.'

of

because the and


'

it is

Masonic
is the

important of all Masonic privileges, based on the principle of the identity of institution as universal one family,
of that

exponent

well-known
find been
not
a so

maxim, home,
and and
to

that in
so

in every clime Mason a may land a brother.' It has every

long

admitted, that universally


it among
"

I have

hesitated

rank

the landmarks

of the Order.
on

tinues, subjectis,"he conthat the right of visit is one of the positive sidered rightsof every Mason, because Lodges are justlyconversal as only divisions for convenience of the uniwhich Masonic family." He then gives reasons But deprive one of this right,and concludes : may without the existence of some such good reason, sonic Majuristshave always decided that the right of and inures to every visitation is absolute and positive, The in his travels throughout the world." Mason doctrine is treated at length in his Text Book of same he adds Masonic Jurisprudence, pp. 203-216, in which ever Wherever he may be, howto the text justquoted :
" " "

The

admitted

doctrine

this

distant

from

his residence
to Lodge is,a

and Mason be

in the in
ever

land

of the ing, standof the

stranger, every his home,


warmest

good
sure

where

he

should
"

and
a

truest

welcome

(p. 207).
the Union either

He

tells us,

indeed,
of
a

few of the

pages

earlier, that
in the

Grand

Lodges
denied
the

few

States

398
right
"

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

of

visit, or,
not
as an

conceding it,
absolute

conceded

it

as

favor, and
The
'

"

that

distinct

"

right. doctrine announced by Maryland is," he says, each Lodge is a family by itself, separate and all the rest of the world, and has an unfrom questionabl ciates.' right to say who shall not be their assoof Foreign Correspondence (Report of Committee It is evident, however," he 1854, p. 10).
"

says

in

footnote,
of the

"

that

this

involves,

of that universality by making each Lodge a distinct ajid independent family,the cosmopolitan character of the institution is where Fortunately this theory is nocompletely denied. else recognized." (p. 205.) Hence Master Mason has the right of aid every and assistance wherever he finds himself, and is amenable of the place in which to the Masonic jurisdiction The he dwells. (Enduty of aiding and assisting," cyclopadia,p. 50), "not only all worthy distressed Master and Masons, but their widows orphans also, wheresoever dispersedover the face of the globe/ is that is imposed of the most one important obligations brother of the mystic tie,' by the whole upon every
"
'

view

very Masonry, and

tracted con-

'

scope and tenor This oneness

of the Masonic of the Masonic

institution."

body is taught with masonry, on equal plainness p. 388 of the Encyclopcediaof Freewhere Dr. Mackey deals with the jurisdiction This jurisdiction, of a Lodge. he says, is geographical of a or personal. The geographical jurisdiction the territory Lodge is that which it exercises over
"

within

which

it is

situated,and

extends

to

all the Masons that territory

affiliated and ."


. .

who unaffiliated,

live within

"

The

of personal jurisdiction

Lodge

is that

penal

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

399 members how he far is

which jurisdiction wherever they may


a a so

it exercises be situated. from the

over

its No

own

matter

may member, his

Mason

remove

to allegiance

that

Lodge Lodge

of which

is indefeasible

long as he continues a member, and it may exercise him." Without, therefore, penal jurisdictionover of his Lodge, and liable to be ceasing to be a member punished by it, should he be judged to be derelict in his Masonic duty, a Mason, by the very fact of owes enteringanother Masonic jurisdiction, allegiance becomes its subject,even to it and though he does not have been affiliatewith any of its Lodges; for, as we divisions, for are mere taught, different jurisdictions
the convenience of

government,
law

of the
we

great Masonic
are

family ; and
is but the Hence
our

the Masonic

which the
on

of application logical author


"

considering principle.
the
"

in his article

Statistics of sality. univer-

Freemasonry
"

proudly boasts

of its

unity and

The

Mason is well

" land a that ' in every says, find a home, and in every clime a brother,' may sustained by the statistics of the Order, which

assertion," he

show

that wherever its


to

civilized
have
on

men

have

prints, left their foot-

temples
venture to

been

established.
than
a

possible It is immere

anything more
number
we are

proximat ap-

the
;

of

Freemasons in

scattered

over

the world
are more

but if
than

correct

believingthat
in the

there

400,000

Masons that

United

States whole

of

America,

any

number
a

of the

place the Fraternityeverywhere dispersed


estimate would and
a

at less than

million

half would

be

very

low

estimate. which

followingis a table of the countries in with the permission Freemasonry is openly practised of the publicauthorities,omitting the States,
The

400

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

now,

increasing spiritof tolerance, very few, the suspicions of the government pel comindeed, where in private. if they meet the Masons, at all,to meet
by
the

402 The in the drawn

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

additions, is found catalogue, with some Masonic Having been Lexicon, pp. 455-457.
same

quated thirtyyears ago, it looks a little antithe purpose of in spots, though it will still serve giving the reader an idea of the spread of Masonry
up
over over

the

world.
to

Stillson, 32", Henry Leonard Masonic Historian," writing in the Encyclopcedia Americana (Vol. X, s. v. "Masonic Fraternity"), In the United States and Canada the membership of Symbolic Masonry is published annually, the total for the year 1903 being 962,438, in 12,704 constituent lodges,under 57 grand lodges. The net gain during Tribune Almanac York 39,500." The New 1902 was Political Register for 1907 and (p. 233) gives the According
Bro.
"

"

total

number of

of North

members

of

"

The
as

Masonic

Grand

1,128,998. The Almanac World and Encyclopedia for 1908 (p. 404) of the Grand gives the returns Lodges of the United British America lows: folStates and for 1905-1906 as "Whole number of members, 1,062,425; and restorations, raised, 81,386; admissions 28,155; withdrawals, 22,008; expulsionsand suspensions, 659; of dues, 12,760; deaths, suspensions for non-payment in membership over 16,123. Gain preceding year, 58,177. Membership in 1906, 1,129,001; gain over of 66,576." An the preceding year accompanying statistical table gives the membership for as 1907 1,188,566.1
Lodges
" "
"

America"

Stevens' Cyclopedia of Fraternities (2nd ed. "more than candidates for membership 200,000 initiated every into American are fraternities and secret year into the Masonic sisterhoods, 30,000 ." The Fraternity total given above does not include the negro who Masons, ber numabout 60,000 in this country, but are considered "spurious."
1

According 1907, p. xv),

to

{Ibid.p. 72).

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

403

Of

one

body
Rite
us

of

the

divided World
"

Ancient
Almanac

and for

Accepted
1908 (p.
York

Scottish

Masons
that
one

the its

404)
was
"

informs

Sovereign Grand
years ago in

Consistory
New

organized
under
.

hundred
the

of France by M .'. I .'. Joseph Cerneau,^ thirty-third degree," and The that has fraternal Supreme Council relations with the Supreme Councils of Great Britain and Ireland, Canada, Italy,Egypt, Ciiba, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, Greece, Austria-Hungary, and other
.
.

the

cegis of
"

Grand

Orient

Grand
are

Orients." be

Which from
"

other the

Grand fact

Orients

these
to

may
same

inferred

that, according

ereign of Sovauthority, the Supreme Council Grand Inspectors-General of the Thirty-third and of the same in relalast Degree tions body are also of amity with the Supreme Councils for France Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Columbia, Chile, Central America Portugal, and Spain." tive Primiand The Sovereign Sanctuary of Ancient in and for the Freemasonry (Rite of Memphis)
"

the

"

"

Continent

of

America,"

was

introduced

into

this Mar-

country
1

from directly
is

France, by Jacques Etienne


by
many

Cerneau

considered

Masons

"

the

American

Council of Sovereign Cagliostro." He organized his Supreme in 1812. York According 33" at New Inspectors General to Mackey (Encyclopaedia, p. 697), the A. and A. Scottish Rite "not earlier than the year established 1801," and the Cyclopedia was "it constructed ed. Fraternities 43) was of (2nd says, p. of the twenty-five degrees of S. C, in 1801, out at Charleston, of of Paris, 1754. Rite Clermont, the Perfection, Chapter Grand ."
.

Scottish

The Rite

action

of

Masonry

rise Cerneau gave in the United States


p.

to

"

dissension marked
many

in

which

succeeding years."

(Ibid.

47).

404

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

conis, about
International
"

1857/

and

besides being
Orient XI

"

created
. . .

in affiliation with

the

Grand

of France,"

(New

Encyclopedia,Vol.
the various has
a

(1903),

p.

994),
of

is in affiliation with world with and

Masonic

powers

the

mania."

The
have

"

[among (Ibid.,p. 405.) Masons Royal Arch


the immediate
"

tives regular exchange of Representaother countries] Italy, Spain, Rou"

of

the

United

States

of the[ir] jurisdiction General Grand 28 subordinate Chapter chapters," of which in Porto Rico, Chili, and the Chinese some are Empire." (Ibid., p. 405.) The of Masonry," says Dr. Mackey, universality
"
"

"under

"

"

is not

more

honorable
to

to

the

Order, than
East
to

it is advantageo

the brethren.

From the

West, and

from
are

North
our

to

South,

over

whole
.
.

habitable The
.

globe,
Mason,
clime
a

Lodges disseminated.
and

indigent
"

destitute, may
land these
a

find home.'

in

every

brother, and
The
"

in every evidence of found in the

assertions," he

continues,

following table of the countries in which Freemasonry is openly and avowedly practised, Such by the permissionof the publicauthorities. toleran places as Austria, where, owing to the suspiciousinof the government, the lodges are obliged to be holden in private,are mentioned. not Italy and Hungary should be added." (Masonic Lexicon, p. 4SS-) have the unity of the Masonic Thus, we body
interest the reader rite, it may to lished estabknow, was had 1839 at Paris, and soon lodges also at Marseilles and It consisted Brussels. originally of "ninety-one degrees, later of ninety-two degrees, and afterward of ninety-six degrees, with a ninety-seventh degree for the official head of the Rite." (J^yclopadia of Fraternities,zaA ed., p. 78).
^

will be

This

in

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

405

again and again asserted in the clearest and most emphatic of terms; and we find the United States occupying its alphabetical place in the Masonic ico, list, just as France, England, Germany, Mexor any other country of the globe. The Masonry is one; the rite, the jurisdiction varies,according to the the convenience taste of the Brothers or for ceremony This has been asserted by of Masonic government. author and so variously, has been inculcated our so clearly that its denier, if so sedulouslyand persistently, be either quiteignorant of his Order, Mason, must a insincere in his denial. Its unity is embedded in its or landmarks; is expressed in its laws, its symbols, its is set forth by Masonic and orators sign-language; writers as Masonry's glory and boast; constitutes one of the customary toasts at Masonic banquets; and is vantages assiduouslyset forth as one of the great temporal adaccruing to a Mason. of course It is furthermore by accepted as a matter reference the general public, and that well-known
throughout
the world

work, the World


note:

has for several years accompanied lowing its statistical table of Freemasonry by the fol-

Almanac,

"These

Grand

Lodges [in

the

United

America] are in full affiliation with the English Grand Lodge, of which the Duke of Conland, naught is Grand Master, and the Grand Lodges of IreAustralia, New Scotland, Cuba, Peru, South
States and British South

Wales, Victoria, and


and Austria.

also
are

with
not

the

Masons

of

Germany
do
not

They
the

in affiliation and of the Grand

correspond
of France
^

with

Masons

Orient
ijn

they, however,
of
the
now

affiliatewith
for
".
. .

and

phrase
not

the latest has been

correspond Grand Orient of France.

World slightly changed and under with the Masons edition

Almanac,
reads: the

1908, this
do

of the jurisdiction

..."

4o6

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

recognize Masons
Council.
Church and World That the

under

the

of jurisdiction

the

preme Su-

Freemasonry is under the ban of the Catholic other in Spain, Italy,and countries, (The membership is small and scattered."
and

Almanac
our

Encyclopedia
Masons of

for

1906, p. 336).
and
ognize rec-

American Masons in that

affiliate with

the Brotherhood
we

Italy,even
"

though
small and

the

Masonic

country be

scattered,"
pp.

have
sq.

proved
for
us

we sufficiently,

believe, supra,
words
on

286

It remains with above the

Grand

say Orient of the

to

few

the rupture
to

France, alluded
World
is Almanac.
more

in A

the

quotations from
of

communications
in

nothing
leaves the

rupture than a trines doc-

schism

Masonry,
Craft and

which its

essential

spirit unimpaired. No one acquainted with Masonic history is ignorant of the Grand the long and bitter feud existing between Lodges of England {Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, were patched pp. 65-68), yet in 181 3, the differences and restored. So there were sensions disharmony was up in Brazil (pp. 125, 126) ; in France (pp. 288(p. 290) ; in Ireland (p. 370) ; in 290) ; in Frankfort Switzerland States (p. yjy) ; in the United (pp. 491, sonic dissensions. Ma; and, during these 477, 727, etc.) intercourse was interrupted;but the doctrine, the spirit of Masonry was at bottom, the same. ever,
of the The

argument,
and them The

therefore, which
is
an

we

hear

so

often

adduced, that there


French between
1st.

essential

difference
because

between

American
is

Masonry,
no

intercourse

severed, is of
Rite among

value.
us

Scottish
French

is

purely

French

by originand

by
has

descent.
with

2dly. The

break

been

the Grand

Orient of

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

407
Orient of

France,
France
"

as

we

have

seen. a

Now

the

Grand

represents but
Rite of

part of French
of the Ancient

The

Supreme Council
France,

Masonry. and Accepted


says

Scottish Clenachan
"

however,"
to

Bro.

Mc-

(Encyclopcedia of Freemasonry, p. 954),


still stands, true all the Father of principles which is in

stood, and
who

Masonry, prominently includingthe


Heaven,
ever

was,

existence.
owe

shall be in his sonal perlarge dependency of Craft Lodges


ever

is,and

to the Supreme Council, the number at allegiance last report being eighty-three, still while those which lingerabout the Orient, not confident of their future, including in the geographicalboundary of France all and dependencies, will approximate two its possessions of which exist in name hundred and fifty, only, many indifferent to Masonry." It is not, therefore, and are has been that there true a complete break between

French

Masons in

and

the rest

of the world. the

The

tish Scot-

Rite

it,are still in on Lodges of intercourse. friendly pediency discussing the prudence or the ex3dly. Without of infidelity of a frank avowal by the Grand of the outcome Orient, its declaration is but the logical in our have seen of esoteric Masonry, as we principles ism study of the Masonic God and Jehovah. The naturalcan of Masonry, the deification of human passion,
have, in logical minds,
Orient Masonic of France
no

together with Craft Masonry dependent


France,

eighty-three

other be

outcome.

The

Grand of

cannot

accused

of

ignorance

the fruit of its declaration was principles; long thought and consideration; it is only the open expressionof what we have again and again found expressed covertly;it may not be prudent, but it is
true.

4o8
"

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

Discussion,"

says of

Bro.
a

McClenachan,
Masonic

"

and

an

of France did fraternity avail not to Assembly of the prevent the General Grand Orient of France from completing its overthrow and that of its subordinates by the almost unanimous famous amendment of Art. I, adoption of the now of Masonry, on of the Constitution Sept. 14, 1877. The and following is the text of the amendment of the was punged exoriginal second paragraph which of the
"

attempted avoidance by a large number

threatening

ity calam-

Original paragraph : Freemasonry has for its the existence of God, the immortality of the principles of mankind.' soul, and the solidarity Substitute amendment Whereas, Freemasonry : is not doctrine a no or religion, and has therefore affirm in its Constitution, the to dogma Assembly that IX, has decided and decreed adopting the Vaeu the second paragraph of Article I of the Constitution
" '

"

shall

be

erased, and

that

for

the

words

of

the

said

I. Being following shall be substituted: institution essentially an philanthropic, philosophicand jects, obprogressive.Freemasonry has for its immediate after truth, study of universal search morality, sciences and arts, and the practiceof benevolence. It has for its principles of conscience and utmost liberty human and is Liberte, Egalite,et its motto solidarity,

article,the

Fraternite.'
"

The

adoption
a

of

the

above

was

after

full and for

deliberate
more

consideration
year
were

by

its

constituents, who
of

than
and
"

in the throes

deep

tion delibera-

In

judgment. pursuing the

above

course

France, through the

4IO

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY

Dabar, Wisdom,

D. O.

Strength, Gomer, Beauty,


Oz,
Thus the initials conceal the Mason has
to

G.

the true

meaning."
to
use

Why

be reconciled

as

the ing find;

initial of

God, Deity ; and


word the will
so

in the and how

the

why he is symbols of the


the

reconciled Masonic

by

columns

word

God, read
to to

backwards,
He-She,

Dabar,
have

Oz,

Gomer,
backwards

appeal
as

initiate who

reads
we

Jehovah
plained ex-

get Ho-Hi,

But who of the uninitiated length elsewhere.^ imagines that, God is thus distorted ? To say, therefore,that there is no Masonry without God, when almost the only reason that will reconcile a Mason to
at
"

the

use

of the initial

G," is that it represents

"

wisdom,

strength and
is, for

of beauty," the phallic pillars Christians, the veriest humbug; as Orient of France.

the

Lodge,
been

it has

for the Grand

Masonry, therefore,is everywhere the are principles taught in the higher for the same same, degrees; exoteric Masonry, or the Masonry of the unwill naturallydiffer. But for all that they instructed, form one body, though animated in different degrees have the bitterness we seen spirit. Hence by the same and bigotryof Gethsemane Chapter of Rose Croix of Bro. of Oakland, California, and Sherman, the affairs on in Masonic the Pacific Coast; leading spirit man though we should regret to believe that every gentlepresent at the meeting recorded, fullysubscribed in his- heart to the sentiments expressed. But union in a body, participation even even imperfectly in a and anti-Christian is that as spirit as anti-Catholic
Esoteric
1

Supra,

pp.

176

sqq.

AMERICAN

AND

EUROPEAN

MASONRY 411

of

true

Masonry,
Church.

cannot

but
love

be

condemned and

by
for

the cere sin-

Catholic
souls

Her
have her

very

esteem

who
make

been

deceived

by
and

outward

ances appear-

will
of As has

speak
to

openly
herself.

frankly,

less regard-

consequences

the

advanced

and

progressive
its

Masonry
of

of
God

France

openly
so

proclaimed
this is
the the

purpose purpose

driving
of
advanced

from
sonry Ma-

France,

secret

throughout Masonry unity


likewise,
among in and in the its is is
one

world. in

everywhere,
;
matter
nor

not

rite,

for for

such

merely
is
a

accidental

in

jurisdiction,
convenience;
these
are

this,
one

mere

of
for but in

nor

exoteric
of

members,
the it is

ill-instructed in its

doctrines
esoteric

Craft;
one

it aim

is

one

true

spirit;
and

its in

and

object;

one

its

light
thus

doctrines;

one

its

philosophy
craft,
one one

and stitution, ining aim-

religion;

forming
brotherhood,
to

one

family,
one

one

one

order,
itself

world,
for the

in

its

catholicity by

substitute

licity Catho-

established

Christ.

APPENDIX
The

Unity

of

Freemasonry

So Catholic

firmly

is

the that

erroneous

belief among-

rooted

in

many is

minds,
different and

Masonry
European sedulously, by

ourselves can Latin-Ameritheir


own

something

from
so

and for

Masonry,
is this
we

poses, pur-

idea
been

fostered

Masons
to
see

themselves,
the

that

have

not

surprised
one

following
^

printed, in good
A
recent

faith, by
of

of

our

Catholic

papers

address

John

C.

Strother, Lodge
known No.

of

Louisville,
400,

tucky, KenA.

delivered
reveals
a

before
not

Louisville

F.

"

M.,
viz.;
or

fact
Freemasons

generally
in the the

in
States

this
do of
not

country,

that

the

United

recognize
and

hold
Latin
The

communication countries.

with

Freemasons

France

oth"y

address,
the
say

which

is

printed

in

the

Masonic

Home

Journal,

contains
"

following:
there
is
not
are

may

different
and

kinds

of
and
as

Masonry

in in

sense.

Freemasonry
world with of
as

known

taught
in

practiced
the

all

the

that

purity
or

of

belief with

God

Supreme
of
say,

itect Arch-

the

Universe,
in this it

that
of

elevated
ours,

standard I
may

morals
as we

in

the and

lodges

country
Louisville and

and,
No.

know other exists

practice
of this

in

Lodge

400,

and

in
as

the
it

lodges
in

city

jurisdiction. Portugal
and

Freemasonry,
the

France,
is
a

Italy, Spain,

South which sect,

American in
recent

republics,
years
no

political
into

anti-religious
a

association,
anti-theistic

has
secret

developed
of
its

sort

of

which

makes

hatred

of

revealed

religion.

iThe

article
for
some

was

taken
reason,

from
gave

the
it

secular

dailies,

several

of

which,

considerable

prominence.

414
"

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY
into
France

Freemasonry
and into

was

introduced
other

1720, French

the
in

countries
numbers
were

named

probably about probably later.


lodges, where Lodges
the

gentlemen
and

great

joined the
discussed. than licentious
of

free
women

thought
were

unbelief

openly

for

organized
them and

little less
women

lodges of cal politi-

men,

and

in

royalty and standing

high social and


and

relations

became

members

devoted

tendants. at-

"In the which


the

society so
could
or

pre-eminently free from


a

religious influence
neutral

Masonic
men

lodges presented
hold
such

kind
as or

of

ground,
these

on

intercourse of Church of
of

they chose, free from


State.
to

influence
even

antagonism
historical made

In
say

ings meet-

the

existence
a

Christ,

His

divinity, was
doubtless which

matter

nothing of jocular dispute, and this


not

condition

aggravated, if it did
between

create, and the

the

tagonism an-

existed

Freemasonry
of

Roman

Catholic
"

Church. time
to

From

time

the

Popes
of

Rome

have
upon

issued the
was

their

edicts
of the

placing their ban


order.
to

of excommunication ban excommunication

members
not
as

But

the Roman

only
1888

resorted Albert

by the

Catholic

Church, but
United French

as

late

Pike, Grand
than

Commander

of the

States

(Scottish
in
terms

Rite), solemnly
not
"

excommunicated
those of used

Freemasons

less drastic This


was
a

by the God,

Popes.
the
the

result

the

practice of
of
as

lodges Supreme
as a

not

to

quire re-

belief in the
of

existence
was

Architect
mere

the
of

Universe, which speculation, to


individual
one

considered

by them rejected
no

ter mat-

be

accepted
was

or

at

the

discretion
to

of
an

the oath

brother, who
or

longer required
led
to

take

way

the

other, and

free

thinking and
and
the

perhaps
"

freer

action. did the

So

strong

antagonism between
communicated with

the

Order

Church

become, that in 1891 the Grand


were

Orient

of France

passed
to

resolutions, which
subordinate
was

binding effect
the

all
it
to

to lodges within the jurisdiction, every

effect that

the

duty of
the

good

Mason

to

use

all his influence

bring about

suppression of all ecclesiastical associations,religious,


or

educational
was

charitable,and
state;
the

to

see

that
the

their property

confiscated
to
or

to

the

and

that

it of

was

Freemason

advocate
from

exclusion
any

all

duty of every pupils of religious


the

colleges

schools

holding

official position under

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

415
naval
or

government,
civil service. "The

in

any

branch

of

the

service, military,
the

Freemasonry the France, Spain, Portugal, and


whose from Church dominant harmonious
to

relation

of

to

prevailing religion
South

in

republics of

America,

religion is Roman
in belief
or

Catholic, is, therefore, far practice. The opposition of the


and
to

the atheistic tendencies

the dissolute

habits

of

thought
France doubtless
now a

and

has practice of Masons brought about a activity by the Masons, whose political potency
in
excess

responding cor-

in

is

far

of
the

their

numerical but

proportions, which
force which
is

constitutes

unseen

powerful
Church and

bringing about complete, though

the separation of
so

State, causing
in France."

far bloodless, revolution

reader Every intelligent

will

immediately

see

the

value of Brother
1st.
"

Strother's

admissions.

Freemasonry, as it exists in France, Italy, American republics, Spain, Portugal, and the South is a political in reassociation, which cent anti-religious has developed into a sort of anti-theistic years
sect, which makes
no

secret

of

its hatred

of

revealed

religion."
centers Lodges from the beginningwere of free thought and unbelief. Lodges for women were organized little less licentious than the Lodges of ence the historical existIn their meetings, men." even of Christ, to say nothing of His was divinity, made of joculardispute." a matter 3d. This condition of affairs aggravated, if it did between existed not create, the antagonism which Catholic Church." Freemasonry and the Roman in the South 4th. The persecutionof the Church American Republics and in France, is Masonic; and has been brought about by the Church's opposition to

2d.

French

"

"

"

"

the

atheistic tendencies
and

and

to

the

dissolute

habits

of

thought

of practice

Masons."

4i6
We thank

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

the of

Brother what
we

for have

his

simple
and

and

candid

confirmation pages,
nent
we or

asserted

in

preceding
most

rather

what Masonic

the best-informed authorities have

erri-

American have

asserted; for

that of sought no merit for ourselves save faithful copyist. We are willing to admit with him, there are dififerent have clearly admitted, that as we The kinds of Masonry in a sense." only question is is esoteric Masonry, There sense." concerning this and the true or genuine article; there is exoteric, adulterated article, an put up and seasoned according There different rites, to the taste of the consumer. are have elsewhere we etc., as explained. In these
" "

"

"

senses

there other.
same.

may

be said to be different esoteric

Masonries,
is everywhere

but

in

no

Genuine

Masonry

the The

Catholic

newspaper the

erred, though with


stated
not

quoted, therefore, it best of intentions, when


address
"

above

that

Judge
in the

Strother's
in United with this

reveals

fact the

generally known
communication other Latin

country, viz.: that


do
not

Freemasons hold and


a

States
the

recognize or
of France

Freemasons

countries."

It is,unfortunately, not
in

fact. The

issue of
the press,

the
when

paper the

from San

Francisco
Rite in

Examiner
Masons

question was yet fresh following appeared in the (May 26, 1907) :
and
new

Scottish
first time convention.

of the old

worlds
have
an

are

for the

the There

history of
will
one

Masonry only
these
is to
seven

to

international from of
on

be
of

delegates
Frank in Brussels

the

United

States, and
world Mr.
next.

is W. be held
D.

Pierce

this

city. This
loth and

gathering Pierce, with


F.

June
the

James
of

Richardson will

of

see Tennes-

George

Moore

Alabama,

represent

4i8
F.

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

Gallagher
Masonic

of

Boston,

and

Barton

Smith

of

Toledo, Councils,

Ohio.
erning gov-

Richardson

said

to-day that twenty-one degrees above


was

Supreme

the for

third, were
and
for

represented

at

the for of the

congress,

which of

not

held

legislative purposes,

but
means
over

the

unification

the

Scottish the

Rite

devising
all

obtaining the
world
the
next

unification of

Supreme

Councils

arid
close
of

deaUng
the five

with
a

irregular
resolution
at
a

Masonic
was

lodges. passed
to
to

Toward hold
the upon

session
years

congress,

hence,

city

be

decided

by

the

two

American

jurisdictions.
find
two

Whom

do"

we

Councils, States; and


of the
one or

preme fraternizing? Twenty-one Suof which belong to the United


two
we

in those Scottish of these

have

all American

sons Ma-

Rite

other nineteen with

for all belong to represented, the come jurisdictions.Whence

other

councils?
we are

Mainly
hold
no

from

the members

very

tries coun-

which,
Rite

told, the
the So

of

the Is

Scottish
France list. of Is

in America

communication. United intimate States is the her D.

excluded?

It follows excluded? the United

in the bond Latin

Mexico between

unity
as

States

and

sister,that
chosen

Allison

Nailor, of Washington,
the latter. American Bro. various

C,

is

of representative and the

Italy, Spain,

Portugal,
whose

South

republics,
Strother
so

atheism

and

immorality

doubtless excluded. Let us roundly chides, are go the list again lest our have deceived over us. eyes France, Italy, Portugal, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, United of States Colombia, Argentine, Uruguay, Colon, Mexico, Santo Domingo, Spain, Chili. These
and Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales Greece, Hungary, Canada, Switzerland, Egypt, the United harmonious States, and Belgium in one unity.
are

found

with

It makes

no

difference

to

us

what

the purpose

of

the

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

419 wise. otheris not

convention

was;

whether

it very its
concerns

was

legislative or
is secrecy,
to

Masonry
supposed
Its and
cement
oneness

whose manifest

essence

to

purpose
us

profanes.
moment;
was

is all that admitted

for

the

the

purpose

of

the And

gathering
with
lie ? whom

to

unity more the preponderance in majority. And who

this

closely.
such
a

does the

convention the

With

And what

mittedly majority? The adatheistic and immoral sons European Latin Maand those of the Latin American republics. in such when convention, questions arise of a possess

Scottish
of

Rite the

Masons

are

to

hold

as

to

the Grand

Architect
the
to

Universe, Church,
esoteric

Masonic

tion, morality, educawill be clared de-

Catholic

etc., etc., what


Scottish Rite

be
And

morals?
shown the
not

to

dogma and have this, even supposing (which we be the case), that American delegatesto
true, different and from their Brethren. A Bro. the immense

gathering were majority decides;


Strother

majority is,as

not

and

moral, candidly confesses, atheistic, imand anti-Catholic. And anti-religious, bitterly ternize willingto fraonly is the Scottish Rite of America with its Latin brethren, it is willingto do more, will play the role of host. five years hence intimate
so

himself

The

union

of

Mexican

and choice

American
of Bro.

sonry, Ma-

is

shown plainly abundantly confirmed In the early months of the United

by by
of

the

Nailor,

recent

events.

the

Shriners
in the

States

1907, year established

the their

Mystic
Order

and admitted its members capital, among Freemasons of the most some prominent Mexican ; that Mystic Shrinery be contended and though it may in its own is not properly Masonry, it is certainly, way, Mexican

420

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

the

flower

and

fruit of the
are

degree
Mexican there

Masons and

Fraternity,since only high eligibleto membership.^ In it,


Masons

American

fraternize; where

is

this

is what from
The

the

Moreover, here pretended standing aloof? is planned for the next The item is year. Mexican of November Herald 5th, 1907:
committee
to
arrange

executive

appointed
for the of

by Anezah
O. W.

Temple,
of the

A.

A.

Mystic
Shriners
B.

Shrine,
in

entertainment

visiting
W. M.

January,
G. H.
D.

consisting
N.

W.

Staples, chairman,
L. Vail, K.

Hull, W.
and

Stevens, plans

L held the

Brinker,
a

Vancussed disthat

Zandt

Barto,
for

meeting

yesterday
It
is

and

general
from 1,500
to

reception.

expected

2,000

Shriners

will make
to

the pilgrimage, including


a

families, and covering


Past
most

it is proposed

get

up

series

of

entertainments

several

days.
Potentate

Imperial
of the

Clayton,
of the
to

of

St. Joseph,

Mo.,

and head

the the

members it is

imperial
be

council, will

pilgrimage, and [sic!]


1 ever

expected

the biggest affair for Masons

held

in Mexico.

(vol. x, s. v. Mystic Shrine ") of that this "order is composed only 33d degree Masons." says the Almanac This is probably to World an error. According "its is of Masons membership strictly (1908, p. 40s), composed reached the 32d degree." who have (See also Stevens' Cyclopcedia 2nd New Active York, i.) thirtyFraternities, ed.. of 1907, p. said be about hundred third degree Masons there are to only one America all told in North thirty-thirds," less than ; honorary members (Ibid. p. 54). Only active "thirty-thirds" are 1,000. of Rite. the of the Supreme (Ibid. p. Council, or governing body, Ancient Arabic Order Besides of the Mystic Shrine," the 53.
The

Encyclopedia

Americana

"

"

"

there
"

are

a as

number
a

of The in

other
to

societies

in the

United

States

which

require
the

prerequisite
New

Masonic which

bodies."
passage

uniting with International


is taken, of Order of Order
names

them

in membership from Encyclopedia,


as

quotes
the

such

societies

aflfiliated with

Masonry,
of

the the
of

Eastern

Mystic
and
1903, p.

Order

Veiled

Prophets

Enchanted Owls."

the
p.

Independent 993.) The


two
more:

International

Star, the Realm, (Vol. xi,


1907,

Cyclopedia
of

67) adds

of Fraternities (2nd ed. of the Modern Rosicrucians Society


Allied Masonic

and

the

Sovereign

College

Degrees.

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

421

Again,
of the

on

August 6th,
States
*

1907,

the

United

established from the

Knights Templar a commandery in


Mexican

Mexico
of

City. We August 7th :


solemn ceremony
was

quote

Herald

With

the

Mexico

City Commandery,
last of of

U.

D.

Knight George
of
the

Templars,
was

duly constituted
in the

night. The
the

tution consti-

effected

lodge
Grand

rooms

order, General ment Encamp-

M.

Moulton,

Past

Master

the Grand

Knights
assisted

opening of
was

Templar in the United States, presiding. At the Commandery Past Grand ton MoulCommander
by the officers who
he

had the

been

appointed by him
of Eminent

under

dispensation while
of the General

held

post

mander Com-

Grand

Commandery.
to

General

Moulton
it
a

delivered

the

Commandery
of under
. .
.

its charter, General


charter

making
took
As

regularly constituted
and the the

body

the

Grand
then

Commandery, place with


an

first elections

the

following results:
of

indication

General

Moulton's

sonic high standing in Ma-

circler. the will be


r.I. W.

following list of
Master of the
Master

offices which

he

has

filled

interesting:
Grand Grand Covenant

Lodge Lodge
R.

A.

F. and No.

A.

M.,
E

State Grand

of

Illinois; Past
Priest of

High

the

Grand

Chapter

A. No.

526; M. M., State

of

Illinois; Past
of Ceremonies Ancient and

High
Order

Priest of

Corinthian

Chapter
Marshal

69; Master
the
Past of

High

Priesthood Rite
M. of
"

in Illinois.

Accepted

Scottish
M.

of

Camp,
First
nois; Illigree, de-

Supreme
Lieutenant
Past

Council, 33rd degree Commander,


Commander
P.
R.

J.

U.

S.

A.;

Council
in Past

Deliberation, State Prince, Chicago


of
and

Chief, Oriental Sovereign Valley

Consistory 32nd
Chicago; Honorary

S. i6th

S. ;

Council,
eign SoverMem-

degree; Prince
Grand

of

Jerusalem

Inspector General
are

33rd degree

closely allied with the Freemasons. under, and as The (vol. x) treats them Encyclopedia Americana World Almanac for Fraternity." The a part of the "Masonic " orders obtain these to that A Mason [which 1908 (p. 405) says confers: Red Cross, Knight of Knights Templar Commandery a be not only a Mason, but "a Templar, Knight of Malta] must in good standing, and a Mason and Royal Arch Mason Master
1

The

Knights Templar

"

member

of both

Lodge

and

Chapter."

422
ber

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

Supreme
States

Council

Northern
near

Masonic similar
the

U. Jurisdiction,

S. A.
of the

Accredited United

representative,
and

grand

bodies named of of

Illinois, of

following

Masonic

Council, A. A. S. R. organizations: Supreme of Knights Templar S. A.; Grand Commandery


Grand Council of of

Venezuela, California;
Grand
of

Royal
Arch

and Masons

Select
of

Masters

of

Oregon;
Grand Grand

Chapter
Ancient,
of

Royal
and
A.

Delaware;
of

Lodge

Free

Accepted
of

Masons

Kansas;

Lodge

A.

F.

and

M.

the island

of Cuba.

Space
the

has

allowed Masonic

us

to

give only
Those how

about

one-half
we

of

General's

titles.

which
he. stands He

have both in

given, however,
Blue

will show and in the

high

Masonry

Scottish

Rite.

is,moreover,

and Representative of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Supreme Council, Venezuela, the Grand of well South as America; as Lodge, and of the Island of Ancient Free Accepted Masons

Accredited

Cuba. and

In

Mexico

he

is at home

highly pleased with


August
i

among his visit. Hence

his the

Brethren

Herald,
:

in its issue of
Past purpose here he

ith, 1907, informed


visit
to

its readers
for
but

Grand

Master

Moulton's Mexico

this

city

was

the

of constituting the looked


into

City Commandery, Masonry


of the in

while
was

Mexican
the

general Lodge

and here.

highly satisfied with


was

condition

Blue

He

especially well
President
of the

pleased with Republic, and

his

reception by General
local

Diaz,

the

the

Knights

Templar.

If, before
for
a

concluding,
we

we

be

allowed
General

to

digress
:

moment,

would

note

how

Moulton's

various

reveal dignities

another

fact, viz. interesting


influence in bodies

the extensive other than

ramifications
those

of Masonic

directlyor
Craft
Bro.

openly aflfiliatedwith
able the
to

Thus Masonry. ends proposed

is the
to

better Pike:

obtain

the of

it

by

spreading

UNITY

QF

FREEMASONRY

423

Masonic
to

ideas and them.

the

of legislation able favorinfluencing

No

one

is blinder

than

he
even

who
some

will not members

see;

and of
our

if

Catholics

and, perhaps,
"

persist which we sincerely hope will not be the case in refusingto accept the evidence of facts,let them seek to explain,consistently with the fairness and intelligence of Mother Church, the common
"

clergy,should

condemnation,
American

as as

well

of

European
The

and

Latin-

Masonry,
of Bro. the
own

of American.

candid
as

missions adthe the

Strother

will enlighten them


action in reference

to

justice of
former
;
our

Church's

to

Study, we
as

hope,

will have

sufficiently
action in

enlightened them
reference
to

to

the

justiceof

her

the

latter.
* * *

Should

there

remain

reader

of this volume

not

yet

fullyconvinced, let him take up The Genius of FreeCrusade Masonry and the Twentieth-Century by J. D. Mason and author of Mystic Buck, a distinguished have before us a Masonry and other writings. We
cation DediChicago (1907). The For the Good reads : of Masonry in the Interest of Freedom and Fraternity,Light, Liberty and Fear. and Love against Ignorance, Superstition tory Clericalism, Despotism,and Jesuitism." An introducitself To Catholics." The chapter addresses book is an anti-Catholic pamphlet of a type of which Anti-Clerical the bitterest European might well be proud. The author's chief thesis is that the genius of he calls Catholicism which, of course, Popery
" " "
" "
" "

of copy American

the

second

edition, published by the


"

Indo-

Book

Co. of

424 and the

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

exact are opposites," genius of Freemasonry fore, that, thereto the last degree," and antagonistic the Maison everywhere is an enemy of Popery openly: (p. 67). On page 250 he speaks still more claim set up by No such complete denial of every Clericalism [i.e. Catholicism] can anywhere else be found as confronts it in Freemasonry. Masonry self addressing him[mark well : the author is an American to Americans !] stands squarelyand on well-deRned principles for the precise opposite of Clericalism." the following page on Just so far," he continues ciples (251), "as the world is converted to the ethical prinof Freemasonry, Brotherly Love, Relief and and the ethics taught and lived by Jesus,just Truth, fast and so far the world so repudiates every principle arid every claim Clericalism. and practiceof Roman The indifference and supineness of many Masons either ignorance,folly, mean at this point must and cowardice. or Every intelligent loyal Mason ought to accept the challengeof Rome, with all that it and proceed at once it. He should to act upon implies, do this or To frankly confess himself a coward." tooth and to nail, and, if possible, fight Catholicism writer, destroy it,is, according to this latest Masonic and a very important part of the part Magnum of Freemasonry. We have not Opus enough space left to quote extensivelyfrom his book; but if the reader will peruse carefully the followingextract, taken from sonry, Genius of Free-Ma170 to 171 of The pages and weigh it in the light of the many sages pashave quoted from Pike and Mackey, he will we doubt that the esoteric no readily agree with us, first, Masons of America are getting ready to teach the exoteric brethren the logical to draw conclusions from
"
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

426
which
the he the

UNITY

OF

FREEMASONRY

ancient

Jewels
able
to

were answer
on
^

concealed
the

and

served, pre-

will

be

challenge, give Light


which
of the

countersign, Opus."
conclude
ends
:

and
^

pass

into

the

Magnum
We Buck

by quoting chapter
is indeed
a

the

words
"

with
The Real

Mr.
"

his

entitled

Issues

(p. 258)
"

The

issue

exceeding
or a

plain ;
need

so err nor

plain,
of

deed, in-

that It is
not

only
because

knave of lack

fool

therein. due

of

knowledge

warning

that

"

'

We

wait
pangs

beneath of

the

furnace

blast

The

transformation.'

"

If

we

wait

longer

it will

be

because

we

are

recreant

to

plain duty."
As for
us

Catholics,
character and

if

we

remain
aims
to

longer
of American the

in

ignorance
esoteric tions, precauof if

of

the

true

and

Freemasonry,
in
our

neglect
to

take

proper

obedience
Mother succeed the

the

oft-repeated
it will the it
serve

warning
us

Holy
Masons

Church,

right
of power

the

in
as

obtaining they
as

balance

in the and

United
us

States,
in

hold
our

to-day

in

France,
are

treat

America

poor

brethren

treated

in

that

beautiful

but

unfortunate

land.

Italics Mr.

Buck's.

THE

END.

INDEX

[Presuming
subject possible
to

that

this volume

will
with

be
a

frequently consulted
view
to

on

the
as

of
to

which

it treats, and
of
very
"

adapt

it

as

much

make
of

purposes this Index

reference,
full. The

I have

taken

considerable
course,

pains
to

figures refer, of

the

pages

the

book.

A.

P.]
B

Aaron Abraham Acacia Adam Adam


192

264
353
114, 217

Baal Bacchus

(see Bel).
149

Baptism
sq.
sqq.,

125

sq.,

213,

258,

259

187, 188, 196 Kadmon 184


302,
a

188,

Basil, Saint
Bastards
133 175,

21

sq.,

121

Adultery Age, as

308
sq.

sq.
bership mem-

Bel

173,

177,

196, 251
sqq.
4,

qualification of

Benedict

XIV

267
Masonic

328 Algabil 196 Allegory, Altar,


American
Amun Ancient
S3

Benevolence,
sqq.

S,

316

Masonic

38,
84
393

39

sqq..

Bible

14, 97,

157 ;

221

sqq.

; How

Masonry
The Masonic
Rite
sq. sqq.

corrupts XI
330

tile

238

381,

Bibliography
Black
Ball

Rite,
393,

Accepted degree, 17th


and 394
sqq., 403,

Scottish
10, sq.

381,
the

Star Blazing Blue Degrees


Book
sq.,

23S
12

406
sq.

of

Constitutions

223,

231

Ancient

Arabic Shrine
"

Order
419

of

248
187,
W.
230

Mystic
Anderson
"

Brahm
sq.

358, 360, 361


Mundi of
a

Annus

XII Masonic

"Bright Buchan,
Buck,
Buddha of
294

Masons" P.
423

6, 360
sqq.

11,

28

Anointing
Priest

High

J. S.
and

87

sq.,

89
Character 415
sq.

Buddhism

143,

262,

Anti-Religious
Freemasonry

Builder
19 sq.,

(see
Masonic

Mason).
224,

Aporrheta 32, 388


Apostate

of
sq.

the

Craft

Burial,

225

Catholics

as

Masons

379.
Apuleius Arcana,
IS, "Azoth
19, 3

Cabala Catholic of
sq.
"

(see
62
sq.,

Kabbala). IV,
sqq.
21

Church
249

sq.,

54.

The,
34

Masonry

VII,
"

59,

Catholic X,
93

Fortnightly

Review

"

Philosophorum

229

427

428
Catholic, Why
to
a

INDEX

it is
a

reclaim Mason

difficult is Catholic who


so

David

264

78 Cerneau, Joseph 403 Chaos 74 sqq., 78 Charity, Masonic 4, S, 7, 316


sqq., 334 sqq. sq.,

Death, Masonic 373 Decalogue 129s sqq. Deception, Masonic 14, 37,. 42, 45
Declaration

10,

12,

13,

Chastity 131
sqq.

133,

292,

301

Children

of Light"
49
sq.,

216

Christ

45,

60, 250, 261,

to be made by 65 sq. Degrees 360, 376, 380 Desagulier, Dr. 357, 360 Diaz, President 417 "Discipline of the Secret"

didates can-

21

262, 321 Christianity 249


Christianization
235,

sq. sqq.

Divine

in Man,

The

207 sq.

of

Masonry

26s sqq. 371 Church, the 254 sqq.


Circumambulation
sq. 119 sqq.,
122

Classes Clement

excluded

from

ship member-

329 sqq., 332 sq. XII 267, 372

of the 420 Star, Order Egypt and Egyptians 44, 51 sq., sq. 53, 242, 263, 299 Eleusis 128, 153, 210, 2ig Emanations, Ten divine, in man

Eastern

"

Ten of The Commandments, 193 England, the mother of modern Masonry 305 sqq. 261 Masonic 369 Freemasonry Communion, sq. Sacraments.) also Enlightenment, See Shock of (See Supper, Mass, En Soph 189 Entered Apprentice 2, 3, 42, 58, Square). (see Compasses 61, 62, 367, 380, 391 Confession 258 Euclid, Legend of 352 sqq. Confucius 250, 2S3, 262, 294 European Freemasons 89 20, 32 Consecrations, Masonic " 188 Eve 187, 389, Continental Masonry Masonic Exclusiveness, 332 sq. 394

Cowan

322 262 Creation

339 sq.

Excommunication,
90
sq., 100,

Creed, Masonic

103,

Extreme

Unction

Masonic 258, 260

374

Cromwell, Oliver 357 Cross, Symbolism of the 43 sq., 48 sqq., SI Cross (Masonic author) 123 of the 43 Symbolism Crown,
Crucifix 342 Ansata Crux 52 sq. Cteis 134 of Rites Cumulation
D

Faust Fellow
Fessler

210

Craft
393

367, 380,
90

391

Festivals,Masonic
Fides 128

395

sq.

Dalcho, F. 394 Daniel 264


Dante
210,

sq.

217

of 125, 299 Fire, Symbolism in France, Masonry 72, 113, 31S. 369, 384 sqq., 406 sqq., 411, 414, 418 Franklin, Benjamin 292 sqq., 298 of A science Freemasonry: speculative morality 8; a

INDEX

429
H

science
sq.,
as

7, 61

religion 32
94 of
sqq.
;

59 sqq., 79 sqq., handmaid "the


"

gion reli-

80 sqq.

corrupted and

Halls, Masonic 223 Har-oeri 164, 167, 169, 178


Hell
210

uncorrupted 103 sq. ; the true catholic religion of mankind the of prehistoric era 112;
127
sq. ; sqq.;

sqq.,

217, 219,

313

Hermaphrodite
ISS175

Divinity

153,

Christianization

of

unity of 378 sqq.; universality of 387 sqq. Freemasons (see also, Mason) Many good men i, among 16; esoteric and exoteric 10, initiates are 18, 265 ; how misled purposely 12, 13. European 20, 32; Speculative 265
"

Hermes Trismegistus 242, 244 Hermeticism 13, 247 He-She 155, 176 sqq., 178, 188

High
Hiram
Ho-hi

Priest 228

(see Priesthood).

History Masonic 346 sqq. (see He-She). Horace 138 A Masonic iii Hymn,

Masons

130

letter 143 sqq., 170, "G," The 368, sq., 409 sq. Gallagher, Charles F. 418 of Masonry General Laws 392 Genesis 264 Genius, The, of Freemasonry
423
sqq.

Masons of Ignorance many Masons, (see also. Bright Fork Knife and Degree) 8,
12,

13

IHOH

Geometry

George
Rose

144 I 359

sqq.,

ISO, 15"

International of Owls 420 121 Induction, Masonic Does Infallibility, Masonry


to? 70
sqq., sqq.,

176 236 Independent


Illinois

der Or-

tend pre-

Gethsemane

No. Chapter S, Croix (Oakland, Cal.)

255

Initiation
sqq.,

6, 58
212,

141. sq.

213,

64 sqq., 67 216, 236,

IIS sq., 273 sqq., 410 Globe 390 sq. Gnostics 174, 181, 211, 212, 92, God, The, of Masonry
sqq.,
sqq.

228
141

330 I. N.

IS7. D.

160. 163, 169, 181


151,

R. I. 49 sq. 153 Instruction, Masonic 9, 17, 18 exoteric and sqq. ; esoteric

18;

means

of

36, 38

sqq.

G.

O.

i6s, 168, 170,


of 168
79
sq., 223,

International
Freemasons

Convention

of

174, 409 sq. Architect Grand 150 sq. Grand Grand Grand
court

the

verse Uni226

416 sqq. Isis 164, 167, 169, 178, 187, 198,


230

Chaplain
Lodge
of

Communications

80
sqq.
as a

381
of

appeal 35,

72

Grand Grand

Lodge 363, 36s


Master
sq.

England

3S8,
'

139, 187 of Masonry" "Jack Cades 33 the of tians Egypthe sungod Jah,

Jachin and

Boaz

173.

174,

177
sq.,

361 ; of the U.

S.

Jehovah
ISS,

146, 147
170
sqq.,

149,

iS4,

383
Greece

174.

17s.

178,

119

430
179, ii86 sq.,

INDEX

188, 19s,

230,

252, 409

Love 197 Lustration

125 M

Jerusalem 130 Jesuits so, 54 Jesus (see Christ). Jewish Encyclopaedia 213 Saints 82 John, The two
13s, 137. 141, 223, 243

sqq. sq. 134,

Mackey,
his

Albert

G., Sketch
sqq.;

life IV

his

of works

Jonah 149 Joseph 243 Juno 198 Jupiter 149, IS9, 170, 198 398 Jurisdiction,Masonic
K

standard considered 34 Macrobius 121 119, Man, The Threefold 204 Ben Manasseh Israel 205

sq.

Marconis, J. E. 403 Mark Master's Song 11 Mary 300 Maryland Doctrine 398
Mason=builder
129 130

Kabbala
147,
209, 241,

and

Kabbalists
sqq.,

146,
Masonic
also 239,
sqq.,

sq. ; speculative

162, 170
213 242
sq.,

181, 206,
217,

215,
sq.,

Temples Taverns.)
Truths
Mason

364
42, 43 232,

sq.

(See

sq., 244

246

Masonic
Mass Master

2S3 Kadosh

258, 259 367, 380,

257

Khurum,
Kloss
"

Master
Fork

47

391

150 Knife and 28 sq.

Master's

Degree

"

6,

Knights Templar 370, 421 sq. Koran 71, 97, 108, 232, 233, 234, 248

Degree 13, 14 Maya 187, 230 Memphis, Rite of 403


Menu Mexico 253

sq.

Lady

Masons "Landmarks"
324
sq.,

304
23,

sq.

417, 418, 419, 422 Mitchell, John 394 Mithraic Mysteries (see also Mysteries) 129, 140, 230, 258 Modern Society of Rosicrucians
420

82, 109, 319,


sq.

Lanci

175, A.

386, 396 181, 195

Mohammed

262, 294
Doctrines
35, 59

Lawrence,
Lemmi,

S. C. 417

Moloch 251 "Monitorial"

287 Le Nordez, Bishop 267 Liberty, Equality, Fraternity


253
"

Moore, George F. 416, 417 Morality, Masonic 91, 290


Moral Law

sqq.

sqq.

"Morals
Mason
"

297 and Dogma"

(Pike)

Learned

6, 28

VIII

Libraries, Masonic 30 sqq., 37 Light 200 sq. Lily 299 sq. Lines, The two parallel 136 Lingam 46, 133, 264 Lodge, A symbol of life 61 sq. ; of the symbolism 136, 138; definition of a 221, 368; extent
of
a

Moses

183, 226, 24s, 250, 261,


421
sq.

264, 295

Moulton, Geo. M.

390 sqq.

Mysteries, Ancient 72, pagan 118, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 156, 177, 205, 210, 217, 218, 242, 243, 357 Mystic Ladder 230 Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets
420

Lotus

299

INDEX

431
Point
140

Mystic Shriners 419 sq. Mystic Tie 391 sq. 161 Mythology, pagan Myths, Masonic 350 sq.
N

within

Circle

134,

136,

Politics,Masons

in 284 sq.

Popery

423
44

sq.

Porphyry

Nailor, Allison 417, 418, 419 Nature Worship 156 New Masonic Testament, The
IS7 Nineveh 149 Noah 355 sq. Numa 128

Pre-existence

of

Souls
14,

Preston, William 361, 371, sq., Priesthood, The


86 sq. 88
394

348,

205, 207 359,

Masonic
231

High

Processions, Masonic Proselytism 319 sq. Psyche 197, 198 Purity, Masonic vs.
132
sqq. 10,

Christian "Ancient

Cannes 243 sq. Officers of a Lodge 392 sq. Ohio 235, 236 Oliver, Dr. 222, 349, 351,

Pythagoras
Friend
and 72,

the

356,

22

69,

Brother" 18, 19, 162, 163, 168, 177,

366
On 173, 174, 177

246, 354

sq., 375

Orients, Grand 384 Origen 207 Origin of Freemasonry


357 sqq. Osiris 149,

Q
Qualifications of 348
109,
sqq.
"

Candidate
157
sq.

323

sqq.,
"

Qualities

329 sqq. of God R

164, 167, 178, 187, 198, 230

170,

Paganism,
and

American

sonry Freema-

117 sqq., 266 Palmer, Henry L, 417 Masons" "Parrot 10, 11, 28 Past Master 224 Pentateuch 24s Phallic Worship 132 123, 131,
sqq.,

backwards 180 Reading Words M. Ragon, J. 381, 393 Rebecca, Daughters of 303 Rejection of Candidates 331 sq. Relief, Rule of 335 sqq. Revival of Masonry 358 sq. Richardson, James D. 416,417 Religion, Masonic, notion of 59
sqq.,
loi

sq.,
a

311

sqq.;

sonry Ma;

230,

13s. 29S

137.

140.

152.

107,

is

84

sqq.,

94

religion 79 sqq. 106; "not sqq.,

Phallus 133 sq., 135, 152, 187 Pharaoh 252 Philo 191 Phtha 52, 242 416, 417 Pierce, W. Frank Pike, Albert IX sqq., 159, 213, 414 Pius IX Pillars Plato 253 Plautus

sectarian" no sq. Rite of Perfection 395 Rites, Masonic 380 sq. 26 sq., 89, 228, Ritual, Masonic

385
Rose

sqq.

of and

258, 267 sqq. the Lodge 152, 165,


Platonism
sq.

Degree 46 sq., 48, 261, 262, 273 sqq., 393 Rose, The symbolism of the 45
49, 51,
SM. .

Croix

187,264 206, 208,

Rosicrucianism
420

228, 357,
173,

393,

121

Royal Arch Royal Secret

380,

404-

208

432

INDEX Supper, the fraternal 260 sq. Emanuel 247, 248 Swedenborg,

Sabaism Samothrace
219
"

124

Swedish Masonic
127,
"

Rite

393
,

Sacraments,

258
143,

sqq.

Symbol, Masonic
sq.

38

sqq.,

41. 5"
10, sq.,

128,

153,

Sancta Sanctis 198, 199 Sanctum Sanctorum 88 sq. Satan 194 sqq. Satan Worship 196 Saturn 149

Symbolism
14,

of

Freemasonry
42, 132

38
sq.,

sqq.,

45. S4
sqq., 209 sq.,

57, 228

61 192

127, 197

143
sq.,

sqq^

sq.,

sq.,

sq., 23s,

Schisms, Secrecy,

Syria

127,

263, 299 128, 153.

389

219

Masonic
the
2 essence

23,
12,

25 of
13,

masonry Free27, 29,

sqq.,

36, 41 sqq., 56, 321 sqq. Sephiroth 189, 192, 239 Serpent 263 Sex in Deity 178; as a 155, Masonic qualification for membership 324, 328 Shea, J. G. 270 Shock of Enlightenment (see of Entrance) also. Shock 69 76 sqq.,
"

Talisman Talmud Taverns,

228,
213

229

sq.

the The

first

temples
sq.

of

Freemasonry

363

Temple,
130,

real

85 sqq., its temple Egyptian 138 ; mon's Solo131 ; archetype 266, 299, 3S2 139 sqq.,
Masonic Border
391

Tessellated

Shock

of

Tetragrammaton lightenment 187 EnEntrance and " 58 sqq., 63, 126, Texas 236
^

154,

172, 173,

212,

294

Thirty-second Degree
343

Sign
Sin

of

Distress
Barton

Thirty-Third
the U.

Degree

229 Masons

in

216

S. 420

Smith,
Social 6
Socrates

418
of

Aspect
253
130,

Freemasonry

Solomon of

134,
sq.,

139

ple 138; Tem228, 264, 301, and


211

Thoth 52, 242, 26s 161 sq. Tolerance, Masonic of the Apprentice's Tracing-Board degree 165, 391 Tradition, oral 23 sqq., 36 of Knowledge Tree 264
Trestle

326, sq. Soul, Freemasonry


human
200

Board,

the

Mason's

233

the

sq.

sqq.,

sqq.,

216

sqq., 356 Sovereign College of Allied Masonic Degrees 420 222, 223, Square and Compasses 228, 231, 230, 22s, 227, 224,

Triangle 165 sq., 169, 178, 229 Tripolo 267 in 396 Turkey, Freemasonry
U Unction
"

239,

241,

244

(see

Extreme
"

tion). Unc-

Statistics 399 sqq. 85 of Foundation Stone C. 413 sqq. Strother, John Sun Sun
230

136, 230 Worship

120,

123, 131,

13S,

Uniformity of Work 24 sq. Unity of Freemasonry 378 sqq. 388 sqq., 40S, 413 sqq. Universality of Masonry 47

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