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386 - What is the symbolism of the letter "G"? | 386 - What is the symbolism of the letter "G"? | ||
| + | *G. This letter is deservedly regarded as one of the most sacred of the Masonic emblems. Where it is used, however, as a symbol of Deity, it must be remembered that it is the Saxon representative of the Hebrew Yod and the Greek Tau - the initial letters of the name of the Eternal in those languages. This symbol proves that Freemasonry always prosecuted its labors with reference to the grand ideas of Infinity and Eternity. By the letter G - which conveyed to the minds of the brethren, at the same time, the idea of God and that of Geometry - it bound heaven to earth, the divine to the human, and the infinite to the finite. Masons are taught to regard the Universe as the grandest of all symbols, revealing to men, in all ages, the ideas which are eternally revolving in the mind of the Deity, and which it is their duty to reproduce in their own lives and in the world of art and industry. Thus God and Geometry, the material worlds and the spiritual spheres, were constantly united in the speculations of the ancient Masons. They, consequently, labored earnestly and unweariedly, not only to construct cities, and embellish them with magnificent edifices, but also to build up a temple of great and divine thoughts and of ever growing virtues for the soul to dwell in. The symbolical letter G * * * "That hieroglyphic bright, Which none but craftsmen ever saw," and before which every true Mason reverently uncovers, and bows his head - is a perpetual condemnation of profanity, impiety and vice. No brother who has bowed before that emblem can be profane. He will never speak the name of the Grand Master of the Universe but with reverence, respect and love. He will learn, by studying the mystic meaning of the letter G, to model his life after the divine plan; and, thus instructed, he will strive to be like God in the activity and earnestness of his benevolence, and the broadness and efficiency of his charity. "The letter G occupies a prominent position in several of the degrees in the American system; is found in many of the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite; in Adonhiramite Masonry; and, in fact, in every one of the many systems in which the people of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were so prolific in manufacturing. Wherever we find this recondite symbol in any of the Masonic rites, it has the same significance - a substitute for the Hebraic jod, the initial letter of the Divine name, and a monogram that ex pressed the Unereated Being, principle of all things; and, inclosed in a triangle, the unity of God. We recognize the same letter G in the Syriac Gad, the Swedish Gud, the German Gott, and the English God - all names of the Deity and all derived from the Persian Goda, itself derived from the absolute pronoun signifying himself. The young Fellowcraft is the representative of a student of the sciences, and to him the letter G represents the science of Geometry." | ||
| + | 387 - Is the Temple merely a symbol in Masonry, or an historical building? | ||
| + | *Gates of the Temple. In the system of Freemasonry, the Temple of Solomon is represented as having a gate on the east, west, and south sides but none on the north. In reference to the historical Temple of Jerusalem, such a representation is wholly incorrect. In the walls of the building itself there were no places of entrance except the door of the porch, which gave admission to the house. But in the surrounding courts there were gates at every point of the compass. The Masonic idea of the Temple is, however, entirely symbolic. The Temple is to the Speculative Mason only a symbol, not an historical building, and the gates are imaginary and symbolic also. They are, in the first place, symbols of the progress of the sun in his daily course, rising in the east, culminating to the meridian in the south, and setting in the west. They are also, in the allegory of life, which it is the object of the third degree to illustrate, symbols of the three stages of youth, manhood, and old age, or, more properly of birth, life, and death. | ||
| + | 388 - What is the symbolism of the gavel? | ||
| + | *Gavel. An emblem in the degree of Entered Apprentice. It is a hammer with an edge such as is used by stone masons to break off the corners of stones, in preparing them for the builder's use. In the Masonic system it is employed as a symbol by which the Mason is constantly admonished to divest his mind and conscience of all the vices and errors of life, thereby fitting his body as a living stone for that building "that house not made with hands - eternal in the heavens." It is also an emblem of authority, and is used by the Master in governing the Lodge. It is sometimes erroneously confounded with the setting maul, which is quite a different instrument. It borrows its name from its shape, being that of the gable or gavel end of a house; and this word again comes from the German gip f el, a summit, top or peak - the idea of a pointed extremity being common to all. The form of the gavel used by the presiding officer of a Masonic Lodge varies in different sections of the country. Among our French and Spanish brethren, it is familiarly known as the president's hammer. The stone mason's hammer is the appropriate emblem of authority in the hand of the Master of the Lodge. The gavel is also called a Hiram. | ||
| + | 389 - What is the origin of the General Regulations of Ancient Craft Masonry? | ||
| + | *General Regulations. The General Regulations are those that have been enacted by such bodies as had at the time universal jurisdiction over the craft. By the concurring consent of all Masonic jurists, it is agreed that the regulations adopted previous to the year 1721 shall be considered as general in their nature; because all the Masonic authorities established since that period have derived their existence, either directly or indirectly, from the Grand Lodge of England, which was organized in 1717, and hence the regulations adopted by that body, at the period of its organization, and immediately afterwards, or by its predecessors, the annual General Assemblies of the craft, were of universal authority at the time of their adoption. But soon after 1721, other Grand Lodges were established with equal powers to make regulations for their own jurisdictions, and hence the subsequent enactments of the Grand Lodge of England ceased to be of force in those new and independent jurisdictions, and they therefore lost their character of universality. | ||
| + | 390 - How was the term "Gentleman Mason" employed? | ||
| + | *Gentleman Mason. In some of the old lectures of the last century this title is used as equivalent to Speculative Freemason. Thus they had the following catechism: | ||
| + | :Q. What do you learn by being a Gentleman Mason? | ||
| + | :A. Secrecy, Morality, and Good Fellowship. | ||
| + | :Q. What do you learn by being an Operative Mason? | ||
| + | :A. Hew, Square, Mould stone, lay a Level, and raise a Perpendicular." Hence we see that Gentleman Mason was in contrast with Operative Mason. | ||
| + | 391 - Of what is the act of kneeling a token? | ||
| + | *Genuflexion. A bending of the knee, or kneeling. The act of kneeling has, among all people, and in all ages, been a token of reverence, a sign of dependence, supplication, and humility. | ||
| + | 392 - What is the geographical jurisdiction of a Lodge? | ||
| + | *Geographical Jurisdiction. The geographical jurisdiction of a Lodge is that penal jurisdiction which it exercises over the territory within which it is situated, and extends to all the Masons, affiliated and unaffiliated, who live within that territory. | ||
| + | As to the local extent of this jurisdiction, it is universally supposed to extend to a point equally distant from the adjacent Lodge. Thus, if two Lodges are situated within twenty miles of each other, the geographical jurisdiction of each will extend ten miles from its seat in the direction of the other Lodge. But in this case both Lodges must be situated in the same State, and hold their warrants from the same Grand Lodge; for it is a settled point of Masonic law that no Lodge can extend its geographical jurisdiction beyond the territorial limits of its own Grand Lodge. | ||
| + | Thus, if of two Lodges, twenty miles distant from each other, one is situated in Georgia, five miles from the boundary line between that State and Alabama, and the other in Alabama, fifteen miles from the line, then the jurisdiction of the Georgia Lodge will not cross over the boundary, but will be restricted to the five miles which are between it and the line, while the fifteen miles which are between that line and the Alabama Lodge will be within the penal jurisdiction of the latter body. | ||
| + | 393 - What is the relation of Geometry to Freemasonry? | ||
| + | *Geometry. Among the mathematical sciences, geometry is the one which has the most especial reference to architecture, and we can, there fore, under the name of geometry, understand the whole art of Free masonry. In Anderson's Book of Constitutions, Freemasonry is frequently called geometry, and of the latter he said that the whole being of the Order is comprehended in it. Freemasons therefore ought to make themselves intimately acquainted with . geometry. It is not absolutely necessary to be able to delineate geometrical figures, but it is necessary to be able to deduce all our actions, works, or resolutions from geometrical principles. | ||
| + | 394 - Who were the Ghiblimites? | ||
| + | *Ghiblim. The Ghiblimites were expert operative Masons, who understood the science of geometrical proportion in its practical applications and were cemented in their lodges by the morality of its detached and component parts. | ||
| + | 395 - How did the expression "riding the goat" originate? | ||
| + | *Goat, Riding the. The vulgar idea that "riding the goat" constitutes a part of the ceremonies of initiation in a Masonic lodge has its real origin in the superstition of antiquity. The old Greeks and Romans portrayed their mystical god Pan in horns and hoofs and shaggy hide, and called him "goat footed." When the demonology of the classics was adopted and modified by the early Christians, Pan gave way to Satan, who naturally inherited his attributes; so that to the common mind the Devil was represented by a he goat and his best known marks were the horns, the beard, and the cloven hoofs. Then came the witch stories of the Middle Ages, and the belief in the witch orgies, where, it was said, the Devil appeared riding on a goat. These orgies of the witches, where amid fearfully blasphemous ceremonies, they practiced initiation into their Satanic rites, became, to the vulgar and illiterate, the type of the Masonic mysteries: for, as Dr. Oliver says, it was in England a common belief that the Freemasons were accustomed in their lodges "to raise the Devil." So the "riding of the Goat" which was believed to be practiced by the witches, was transferred to the Free masons; and the saying remains to this day, although the belief hap very long since died out. | ||
| + | 396 - Why cannot an atheist become a Mason? | ||
| + | *God. A belief in the existence of God is an essential point of Speculative Masonry - so essential, indeed, that it is a landmark of the. Order that no Atheist can be made a Mason. Nor is this left to an inference; for a specific declaration to that effect is demanded as an indispensable preparation for initiation. And hence Hutchinson says that the worship of God "was the first and corner stone on which our originals thought it expedient to place the foundation of Masonry." The religion of Masonry is cosmopolitan, universal; but the required belief in God is not incompatible with this universality; for it is the belief of all peoples. "Be assured," says Godfrey Higgins, "that God is equally present with the pious Hindoo in the temple, the Jew in the synagogue, the Mohammedan in the mosque, and the Christian in the church." There never has been a time since the revival of Freemasonry, when this belief in God as superintending power did not form a part of the system. The very earliest rituals that are extant, going back almost to the beginning of the eighteenth century, contain precisely the same question as to the trust in God which is found in those of the present day; and the oldest manuscript, Constitutions, dating as far back as the fifteenth century at least, all commence with, or contain, an invocation to the "Mighty Father of Heaven." There never was a time when the dogma did not form an essential part of the Masonic system. | ||
| + | God is the highest and most perfect intelligence: in Him all things exist, and from Him all things depend. The belief in God is not the result of teaching, not the result of the exercise of reason, not a deduction from the order and regularity of the universe; for faith in a Supreme Being was universal among men in the infancy of the race, and before the human mind was capable of that power of analysis, or had attained to that degree of science which this study of the universe and of the laws of nature supposes. As the notion of an Infinite Being transcends the circle of sensible and material objects, and is clearly beyond the power of a finite being to create, therefore that notion must have been communicated directly to man by God himself. Man believes in a God, therefore God exists; because, were there no God the notion of such a being could not exist. The crowning attribute of man, and what distinguishes him from the brute, is not the faculty of reason; for that, the brute has in common with man; but the power of seeing and aspiring to the ideal. Thus man had no sooner looked upon the grandeur, and glory, and beauty of the world, than he saw enthroned far above the world that which was vaster, more beautiful, more glorious than the world, the Ideal, that is to say, God. Therefore, Freemasonry accepts the idea of God, as a supreme fact, and bars its gates with inflexible sternness against those who deny his existence. No atheist can become a Mason. | ||
| + | 397 - What is the member who introduces a candidate in France called? | ||
| + | *Godfather. In French Lodges the member who introduces a candidate for initiation is called his "parrain," or "godfather." | ||
| + | 398 - What three pillars of Masonry are named by the letters "G. O. D.?" | ||
| + | *G. O. D. The initials of Gomer, Oz, Dabar. It is a singular coincidence, and worthy of thought, that the letters composing the English name of Deity should be the initials of the Hebrew words wisdom, strength, and beauty; the three great pillars, or metaphorical supports, of Masonry. They seem to present almost the only reason that can reconcile a Mason to the use of the initial "G" in its conspicuous suspension in the East of the Lodge in place of the Delta. The incident seems to be more than an accident. | ||
| + | :Dabar, Wisdom, D. | ||
| + | :Oz, Strength, O. | ||
| + | :Gomer, Beauty, G. | ||
| + | 399 - Why is the Masonic apron compared with the Golden Fleece? | ||
| + | *Golden Fleece. In the lecture of the first degree, it is said of the Mason's apron, that it is "more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter." The reference is here evidently not to the Argonautic expedition in search of the golden fleece, nor to the deluge, of which that event is supposed to have been a figure, as Dr. Oliver incorrectly supposes, but to certain decorations of honor with which the apron is compared. The eagle was to the Romans the ensign of imperial power; the Order of the Golden Fleece was of high repute as an Order of Knighthood. It was established in Flanders, in 129, by the Duke of Burgundy, who selected the fleece for its badge because wool was the staple production of the country. It has ever been considered, says Clark, one of the most illustrious Orders in Europe. The Order of the Garter was, and is still, considered the highest decoration that can be bestowed upon a subject by a sovereign of Great Britain. Thus, the apron is proudly compared with the noblest decorations of ancient Rome and of modern Europe. But the Masons may have been also influenced in their selection, of a reference to the Golden Fleece, by the fact that in the Middle Ages it was one of the most important symbols of the Hermetic philosophers. | ||
| + | 400 - Why do Masons observe the Golden Rule? | ||
| + | *Golden Rule. Freemasonry recommends the practice of the Golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do to you, not so much to preserve the peace and order of civil society (which notwithstanding it cannot fail to do) as to inspire in our own bosoms, a love of virtue and good will to man. | ||
| + | 401 - Who was called the Good Shepherd? | ||
| + | *Good Shepherd. Our Saviour called himself the Good Shepherd. Thus, in St. John's Gospel (x. 14, 15, 16), he says: "I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd." Hence, in Masonic as well as in Christian symbolism, Christ is naturally called the Good Shepherd. | ||
| + | 402 - Where did the Grand Lodge of England hold its first meeting? | ||
| + | *Goose and Gridiron. An alehouse with this sign, in London House Yard at the north end of St. Paul's. In 1717 the Lodge of Antiquity met at the Goose and Gridiron, and it was there that the first quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge of England, after the revival of 1717, was held on the 24th of June, 1717. | ||
| + | 403 - How are the grades of Masonic rank defined? | ||
| + | *Grades of Rank. Many persons have endeavored to substantiate their objections to the institution of Freemasonry from the admitted dogma that its members meet on a level; whence they conclude that the system abolishes all human distinctions and promises to disorganize society, and reduce it to its primitive elements. But it does no such thing. There is, in fact, no other institution where the grades of rank are better defined and preserved. The Worshipful Master sits in the east. For what purpose is he placed there? Why, to rule and govern his lodge. And he is invested with power even to despotism, should he consider it safe to use it, and the Wardens are his assistants, not his equals. Each has a particular duty assigned to him, and beyond that, he has no right to interfere. The next grade are the Deacons. And what is their duty? Not, surely, to rank in equality with the Master and Wardens, but to perform the part of inferiors in office, to carry messages and commands. It is their province to attend on the Master, and to assist the Wardens in the active duties of the lodge, such as the reception of candidates into the different degrees of Masonry, and the immediate practice of our rites. This is the business of the Deacons; and by its punctual discharge, the office becomes a stepping stone to further preferment, for as it is incumbent on a brother to serve the office of a Warden, before he is eligible for the chair of a lodge, so it would be well if the office of a Deacon were preparatory to that of a Warden. The Treasurer, the Secretary, the Stewards, and the Tiler all have their respective duties to perform, and rank to support; while the brethren are bound to obey the will and pleasure of the Master. | ||
| + | 404 - What is the usual Masonic name for the Deity? | ||
| + | *Grand Architect. This Most High Being ought to be duly revered by every brother as the Great Architect of heaven and earth, and his name ought never to be spoken but with the greatest humility and reverence. It is not improper, when we are always speaking of Masonry, to call God the Great Architect of heaven and earth, as we also call him the Lord of lords and King of kings. Every one, even those who are not Freemasons, call him the Creator of heaven and of earth. He has created everything that we can see; and it is certain that he has created many things which we have not power to see; and when the brethren strive to adorn his greatest work - when they assist in carrying on the spiritual temple in the manner he has ordained - they most assuredly fulfill his holy law. | ||
| + | 405 - What is the office and function of Grand Chaplain? | ||
| + | *Grand Chaplain. This is an office of very modern date. No allusion to such an officer is to be found in any of the old Constitutions, and Preston informs us that it was instituted on the 1st of May, 1775, on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the Freemasons' Hall in London. A sense of propriety has, however, notwithstanding its want of antiquity, since caused this office to be universally recognized by the Grand Lodges of this country, some of whom have in creased the number of Grand Chaplains from one to several. | ||
| + | The duties of the Grand Chaplain are confined to offering up prayer at the communications of the Grand Lodge, and conducting its devotional exercises on public occasions. | ||
| + | He is, by virtue of his office, a member of the Grand Lodge, and entitled to a seat and a vote. The only qualifications generally required appear to be that he should be a Master Mason, in good standing in his Lodge, and a recognized clergyman of some religious denomination. | ||
| + | 406 - What is the history and function of the office of Grand Deacon? | ||
| + | *Grand Deacon. The office of Grand Deacon is of more modern origin than that of any other officer in the Grand Lodge. I can find no reference to it in any of the old Regulations, in Anderson, or any subsequent edition of the Book of Constitutions, in Preston's Illustrations, or in Lawrie's History. By the Regulations of 1721, the duties of the Grand Deacons seem to have been divided between the Grand Wardens and the Stewards; nor is a place appropriated in any of the processions described in the various works already cited. They are first found in a procession which took place in 1831, recorded by Oliver, in his Continuation of Preston's History. But they have since been placed among the officers of the Grand Lodge in the Constitutions of England, Scotland and Ireland. | ||
| + | In America, the office has an older date; for Grand Deacons are recorded as being present in a procession of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, in 1783, the account of which is to be found in Smith's "Ahiman Rezon." They are also mentioned among the officers of the Grand Lodge in the Constitution adopted in 1797 by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. I know not whence the anomaly arose of these officers existing in Grand Lodges of America in the eighteenth century, while they are not to be found in those of Great Britain until late in the nineteenth. They could scarcely have been derived from the Athol Grand Lodge, since the York Masons of South Carolina had no such officers in 1807, when Dalcho published the first edition of his "Ahiman Rezon." Be this as it may, the office is now recognized in all the Grand Lodges of this country. | ||
| + | The Grand Deacons are generally two in number, a Senior, who is usually appointed by the Grand Master, and a Junior, who receives his appointment from the Senior Grand Warden. It is their province to attend upon the Grand Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the Grand Lodge. Their duties differ but little from those of the corresponding officers in a subordinate Lodge. | ||
| + | 407 - Why is the seat of a Grand Lodge known as the Grand East? | ||
| + | *Grand East. The city in which the Grand Lodge, or other governing Masonic body is situated, and whence its official documents emanate, is called the Grand East. Thus a document issued by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts would be dated from the "Grand East of Boston," or if from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, it would be the "Grand East of New Orleans." The place where a Grand Lodge meets is therefore called a Grand East. The word is in constant use on the continent of Europe and in America, but seldom employed in England, Scotland, or Ireland. | ||
| + | The East with Masons has a peculiar meaning. It is well known that the sciences first rose in the East, and that the resplendent orb of light from that quarter proclaims the glory of the day. "And behold the Glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the East, and his voice was like the noise of many waters; the earth shined with his glory. The East Gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened; and no,man shall enter by it, because the Glory of the God of Israel hath entered by it. It is for the Prince." If | ||
| + | 408 - What is the office and function of Grand Lecturer? | ||
| + | *Grand Lecturer. The office of Grand Lecturer is one of great importance; perhaps there is none so important in the whole series of offices which constitute the controlling element of a Grand Lodge. He is the recognized teacher of the Masonic system, and it is by his faithful instructions alone that unity can be maintained in the methods of communicating our ritual. | ||
| + | "This unity," says a distinguished Mason, Bro. Sandford, of Iowa, "makes the world a Mason's home, and raising him high above geographical divisions and the obstacles of language and religion, secures him protection and repose wherever fate or fortune may direct his steps. Without it, our grand fabric of universal benevolence, which has withstood the storms of numerous centuries, would be shattered to atoms in a single age." I presume that it will be admitted by every intelligent Mason, that Bro. Sandford has not placed too high an estimate on the importance of a uniformity of work. If Masonry contain within itself anything worthy of the study of intellectual men - if our theories of its antiquity be not fallacious - if our legends and ceremonies and symbols are not, as one class of our opponents have declared them to be, the puerile amusements of a past age of dreamers - then surely it is the bounden duty of the supreme head of the Order, in every jurisdiction, to preserve those legends and ceremonies and symbols as pure and unsullied by error and innovation as they were when received. It is a part of the covenant into which we have all entered, and to which we are all bound by the most solemn obligations, to preserve the ancient Landmarks which have been intrusted to our care, and never to suffer them to be infringed, or to countenance a deviation from the established usages and customs of the fraternity. | ||
| + | This, it appears to me, is the most prominent and especial duty of a Grand Lodge. It is the conservator of the Order in its own jurisdiction, and is expected by all the sanctions of justice and reason to hand down to its successors the rites and ceremonies of the institution, as it received them from its predecessors. Unless it does this, it is recreant to its trust. It may dispense charity - it may endow colleges - it may decide disputes - it may invent financial systems, or legislate for general purposes - but unless it shall take constant and careful precautions for preserving the ancient Landmarks, and disseminating among the craft a uniformity of work and lectures, according to the true system, it will be neglecting the principal design of its organization, and will become a "cruel" instead of a "gentle mother" to its children. Under an administration which shall totally abandon all supervision of the ritual, and devise no means of teaching it, the very identity of Masonry would soon altogether be extinguished, and Lodges would speedily de generate into social clubs. | ||
| + | 409 - What qualifications are necessary for a candidate for the office of Grand Lecturer? | ||
| + | *Grand Lecturer, Qualifications of. Not only should the authority of the Grand Lecturer as a Masonic teacher be sovereign and undivided in his jurisdiction, and the tenure of his office permanent, so that the craft may not be annually subjected to changes in the form and sub stance of the instruction that they receive, but, above all, he should be fully competent, by previous study, to discharge the duties of his high calling. | ||
| + | No man can be qualified as a Grand Lecturer unless he has devoted his time, his talent, and his labor to the arduous, though pleasant, task of Masonic study. The old Romans had a proverb that a Mercury could not be made out of any kind of wood, and neither can a Grand Lecturer be manufactured out of any kind of Mason. A Masonic teacher requires qualifications of the highest character. A profound knowledge of the ritual is, of course, essential; and this alone is to be acquired only after the most laborious study, aided by the adventitious assistance of an excellent and retentive memory. But to this must be added, if we would give dignity to the office, or confer a benefit on the pupils whom he is to teach, an education above the common standard, a cultivated intellect, an acquaintance with that ancient language from whose records our system is derived, a familiarity with history and antiquities, and an extent of reading and power of mind which will enable him to trace the symbolism of our Order through all its progress, from the ancient priesthood of Egypt, the mysteries of Greece and Asia and the kabbala of Palestine. | ||
| + | It may be said that the standard is here placed too high, and that few will be found to reach it. Better, then, would it be to do without a Lecturer than to have an incompetent one; and I know of no less amount of learning that would make a Masonic teacher, such as a Masonic teacher should be. But moreover, by placing the standard of qualifications high, intellectual men would be found to work up to it; while, by placing it lower, ignorant men would readily avail themselves of the privileges that so low a standard would present. The "consummation devoutly to be wished" in Masonry is, that none but learned men should become Masonic teachers. | ||
| + | The old Constitutions do not recognize the office of Grand Lecturer òunder that name; but it has always existed, and its duties were per formed in the eighteenth century by some of the most learned men of the order. Anderson, Desaguliers, Martin Clare, Hutchinson and Preston were all, in the strict sense of the word, Grand Lecturers, and discharged the duties of the office with great benefit to the craft. | ||
| + | 410 - What are the powers of a Grand Lodge? | ||
| + | *Grand Lodge. This governing body consists of a Grand Master with a full staff of officers, and the Masters and Wardens, of every warranted lodge. In the Grand Lodge, besides the power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Craft, and of altering, repealing, and abrogating them (provided that they continue to pre serve the ancient landmarks of the Order) the Grand Lodge has also the inherent power of investigating, regulating, and deciding all matters relative to the Craft or to particular lodges, or to individual brothers, which it may exercise either by itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom and discretion, it may appoint; but in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power of erasing lodges, and passing upon appeals from decisions of Masters and constituent lodges. | ||
| + | 411 - May an Entered Apprentice attend Grand Lodge? | ||
| + | *Grand Lodge Attendance. Entered Apprentices formerly had the right of being present at the communications of the Grand Lodge, or General Assembly, and taking part in its deliberations. In fact, it is expressly prescribed, in the last of the Regulations of 1721, that none of these important laws can be altered, or any new General Regulations made, until the alteration or the new regulation is submitted to all the Brethren, "even the youngest Entered Apprentice." But this rule is now obsolete, because, being founded on the fact that Apprentices were then the body of the craft, and they being no longer so, the reason of the law having ceased, the law also ceases. | ||
| + | 412 - Is the possession of a Grand Lodge Certificate conclusive evidence of the good standing of its possessor? | ||
| + | *Grand Lodge Certificates. Intimately connected with the subject of the right of visit is that of Grand Lodge certificates. The propriety of any Regulation requiring such a document as a necessary preliminary to a visit, has, within the last few years, been warmly agitated by several of the Grand Lodges of this country; and some of them, denying its antiquity, have abolished the Regulation in their own jurisdictions. It is, however, surprising that any writer professing to be acquainted with the history of the institution, should for a moment deny the great antiquity and universality of the law which has required every strange Brother to furnish the Lodge which he intends to visit with a certificate of his good standing in the Lodge and the jurisdiction from which he hails. | ||
| + | The Regulation was certainly in force two centuries ago; for we have he evidence of that fact in the Regulation adopted in the General Assembly in 1663, under the Grand Mastership of the Earl of St. Albans, in the following explicit language: "No person hereafter, who shall be accepted a Freemason, shall be admitted into any Lodge or assembly, until he has brought a certificate of the time and place of his acceptation from the Lodge that accepted him, unto the Master of that limit or division where such a Lodge is kept." | ||
| + | From that time, at least, the Regulation has been strictly observed in the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, and many of the older Grand Lodges of this country. Several other Grand Lodges, however, whose Constitutions are of a later date, have, as I have al ready observed, abolished it, and decline to furnish their members with such certificates. There may be a doubt whether a Masonic certificate, not renewable, but given to its possessor for his life, is of any real value in establishing his Masonic standing, except at the time that he received it; but there can be no doubt that the Regulation requiring one to be given is one of the most ancient written laws of the Order. Under any circumstances, it must, however, be recollected that a Grand Lodge certificate is to be considered only as a collateral evidence of the good standing of its possessor, preparatory to an examination in the legal way; and hence the Regulation adopted by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 1848 seems to be a reasonable one, namely, that where the visitor, being without a certificate, can furnish other sufficient evidence of his Masonic standing, and assign a satisfactory reason for his being without a certificate, the Lodge which he proposes to visit may proceed to his examination. | ||
| + | 413 - What is the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge? | ||
| + | *Grand Lodges, Jurisdiction of. At first there were no clear nor well defined notions in regard to the territorial jurisdiction of Grand Lodges. Until within a few years each Grand Lodge claimed the right to constitute lodges in any part of the world. At the time of the breaking out of our Revolutionary War the Grand Lodges of England, Ire land, and Scotland had lodges in Massachusetts and other colonies. The principle, however, is now well settled that the Grand Lodge of a Province or State has exclusive jurisdiction within such territory, and that no other Grand Lodge can legally charter lodges therein. A Grand Lodge is supreme over its own affairs. There is no Masonic authority or power above it: it is subject only to the unchangeable laws of the Order, the acknowledged constitutions, and the Ancient Landmarks. | ||
| + | 414 - How is a Grand Lodge organized? | ||
| + | *Grand Lodges, Organization of. A Grand Lodge consists of the Master and Wardens of all the lodges under its jurisdiction and such Past Masters as may be elected members. The officers are a Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain, Senior Grand Deacon, Junior Grand Deacon, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Pursuivant, Grand Sword Bearer and Grand Tiler. In a country or state where there is no Grand Lodge three or more legal lodges may meet in convention and organize a Grand Lodge. Then these lodges surrender their charters to the Grand Lodges from which they received them, and take others from the new Grand Lodge. | ||
| + | 415 - What is the usual procedure of a Grand Lodge in conducting a Masonic trial? | ||
| + | *Grand Lodge Trials. Trials in a Grand Lodge are to be con ducted on the same general principles as in private Lodges; but here, in consequence of the largeness of the body, and the inconvenience which would result from holding the examinations in open Lodge, and in the presence of all the members, it is more usual to appoint a committee, be fore whom the case is tried, and upon whose full report of the testimony the Grand Lodge bases its action. And the forms of trial in such committees must conform, in all respects, to the general usage already de tailed. | ||
| + | 416 - What is the office and function of Grand Marshal? | ||
| + | *Grand Marshal. The first allusion that I find to this office is in the second edition of the Book of Constitutions, where, under the date of 1730, a procession is described, which was closed by "Marshal Pyne, with his truncheon blew, tipt with gold." But as throughout the remainder of the book, and all the subsequent editions, the allusion is not repeated, I am led to suppose that this was simply a temporary appointment of an officer to keep order, without any reference to Masonic rank. There is no such officer in the present Grand Lodge of England, and the office is unknown in several of the American jurisdictions. | ||
| + | The duty of the Grand Marshal in those Grand Lodges which recognize the office is simply to arrange the processions of the Grand Lodge, and to preserve order, according to the forms prescribed. | ||
| + | 417 - What are the powers and privileges of a Grand Master? | ||
| + | *Grand Master. The presiding officer of the symbolic degrees in a jurisdiction. He presides, of course, over the Grand Lodge, and has the right not only to be present, but also to preside in every Lodge, with the Master of the Lodge on his left hand, and to order his Grand War dens to attend him, and act as Wardens in that particular Lodge. He has the right of visiting the lodges and inspecting their books and mode of work as often as he pleases, or, if unable to do so, he may depute his Grand officers to act for him. He has the power of granting dispensation for the formation of new lodges; which dispensations are of force until revoked by himself or the Grand Lodge. He may also grant dispensations for several other purposes. Formerly, the Grand Master appointed his Grand officers, but this regulation has been repealed, and the Grand officers are now all elected by the Grand Lodges. | ||
| + | When the Grand Master visits a lodge, he must be received with the greatest respect, and the Master of the Lodge should always offer him the chair, which the Grand Master may or may not accept at his pleasure. | ||
| + | Should the Grand Master die, or be absent from the jurisdiction during his term of office, the Deputy Grand Master assumes his powers, or, if there be no Deputy, then the Grand Wardens according to seniority. | ||
| + | 418 - What is the origin and history of the office of Grand Master? | ||
| + | *Grand Master, Office of. The office of Grand Master is one of such antiquity as to be coeval with the very origin of the institution, whether we look at that origin in a traditional or in an historical point of view. There never has been a time in which the Order has not been governed by a chief presiding officer under this name. | ||
| + | From this fact we derive the important principle that the office of Grand Master is independent of the Grand Lodge, and that all his prerogatives and duties, so far as they are connected generally with the craft, are inherent in the office, and not derived from, nor amenable to, any modern Constitutions. | ||
| + | The whole records of our written and traditional history show that Grand Masters have repeatedly existed without a Grand Lodge, but never a Grand Lodge without a Grand Master. And this is because the connection of the Grand Master is essentially with the craft at large, and only incidentally with the Grand Lodge. He is neither elected, in stalled, nor saluted as the "Grand Master of the Grand Lodge," but as the "Grand Master of Masons"; and if the institution, so far as relates to its present organization, was again to be resolved into the condition which it occupied previous to the year 1717, and the Grand Lodge were to be abolished, in consequence of the resumption by the subordinate Lodges of their original prerogatives, the office of Grand Master would be unaffected by such revolution, and that officer would still remain in possession of all his powers, because his office is inseparable from the existence of the fraternity, and he would be annually elected as formerly, by the craft in their "General Assembly." In accordance with these views, we find Anderson recording that in the year 926, at the city of York, Prince Edwin, as Grand Master, summoned the craft, who then "composed a Grand Lodge, of which he was the Grand Master." The Grand Lodge did not constitute him as their Grand Master, for the appointment of Grand Master, according to the record, preceded the organization of the Grand Lodge. | ||
| + | Again: both Anderson and Preston show us a long list of Grand Masters who were not even elected by the Grand Lodge, but held their appointment from the King. In 1663, a Regulation was adopted, declaring "that, for the future, the fraternity of Freemasons shall be regulated and governed by one Grand Master, and as many Wardens as the said society shall think fit to appoint at every annual General Assembly," which Assembly, it must be recollected, was not, as now, a Grand Lodge, consisting of the representatives of Lodges, but a mass meeting of all the members of the craft. Again: an attentive perusal of the history of the present organization of Grand Lodges on St. John the Baptist's day, 1717, will show that the craft first, in General Assembly, elected their Grand Master, who then appointed his Wardens, and established a Grand Lodge, by summoning the Masters and Wardens of the Lodges to meet him in quarterly communication. In short, everything of an authentic nature in the history of Masonry shows that the Grand Master is the officer and the organ of the craft in general, and not of the Grand Lodge, and that although for purposes of convenience, the fraternity have, for the last one hundred and thirty five years, conceded to their Masters and Wardens in Grand Lodge convened the privilege of electing him for them, such concession does not impair his, rights, nor destroy the intimate and immediate connection which exists between him and the craft at large, to whom alone he can be said to have any rightful responsibility. | ||
| + | 419 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to assem bling Masons into Lodges? | ||
| + | *Grand Master's Power of Congregating Masons. Analogous to the dispensing power is the prerogative which the Grand Master possesses of authorizing Masons to congregate together and form a Lodge. According to the Regulations of 1721, and the modern Constitutions of England, the Grand Master has the power to grant warrants for the permanent establishment of Lodges, by warrant of constitution. But in this country this prerogative has not, for many years, been exercised by Grand Masters, who only grant their authority for the holding of Lodges temporarily, until the next communication of the Grand Lodge. Hence, as no Lodge can be legally held, except under a warrant of constitution, granted by a Grand Lodge, when the Grand Master permits such an assemblage, he suspends for a time the operation of the law; and for this reason the document issued by him for this purpose is very appropriately called a dispensation, for it is simply a permission or license granted to certain brethren to dispense with the law requiring a warrant, and to meet and work masonically without such an instrument. | ||
| + | 420 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to his power of convening Grand Lodge? | ||
| + | *Grand Master's Power of Convening Grand Lodge. The Grand Master has the right to convene the Grand Lodge on any special occasion, at such time and place as he may deem expedient. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge necessarily must designate a time and place for the annual communication, which it is not in the power of the Grand Master to change. But on the occurrence of any emergency, which may, in his opinion, render a special communication necessary, the Grand Master possesses the prerogative of convoking Grand Lodge, and may select such time and place for the convocation as he deems most convenient or appropriate. This prerogative has been so repeatedly exercised by Grand Masters, from the earliest times to the present day, that it seems to be unnecessary to furnish any specific precedents out of the multitude that the most cursory reading of the old records would supply. | ||
| + | 421 - What is the Grand Master's prerogative with regards to the arrest of the charter of a Lodge? | ||
| + | *Grand Master's Prerogative of Arrest of Charter. An important prerogative of the Grand Master is that of arresting the charter of a subordinate Lodge. To arrest the charter, is a technical phrase, by which is meant to suspend the work of a Lodge - to prevent it from holding its usual communications, and to forbid it to transact any business, of to do any work. A Grand Master cannot revoke the warrant of a Lodge; for this, as I have already shown, is the peculiar prerogative of the Grand Lodge. But if, in his opinion the good of Masonry, or any other sufficient cause requires it, he may suspend the operation of the warrant until the next communication of the Grand Lodge, which body is alone competent to revise or approve of his action. But this prerogative of the Grand Master, as it deprives a Lodge of its activity and usefulness for a period of some duration, and inflicts some portion of disgrace upon the body which has subjected itself to such discipline, should be exercised with the utmost caution and reluctance. | ||
| + | 422 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to dispensations? | ||
| + | *Grand Master's Prerogative of Dispensation. One of the most important prerogatives of a Grand Master is that of granting dispensations. A dispensation may be defined to be "the granting of a license, or the license itself, to do what is forbidden by laws or regulation, or to omit something which is commanded; that is, the dispensing with a law or regulation, or the exemption of a particular person from the obligation to comply with its injunctions." This power to dispense with the provisions of law in particular cases appears to be inherent in the Grand Master, because, although frequently referred to in the Old Regulations, it always is as if it were a power already in existence, and never by way of a new grant. There is no record of any Masonic statute or constitutional provision conferring this prerogative in distinct words. The instances, however, in which this prerogative may be exercised are clearly enumerated in various places of the Old Constitutions, so that there can be no difficulty in understanding to what extent the prerogative extends. | ||
| + | Thus, one of the Regulations of 1721 prescribes that "no Lodge shall make more than five new brethren at one time"; but the Grand Master may grant his dispensation to authorize any Lodge on a particular occasion to go beyond this number. | ||
| + | Again, in another Regulation it is enacted that "no man can be made or admitted a member of a particular Lodge without previous notice one month before"; but here the Grand Master may interfere with his dispensing power, and permit a candidate to be made without such previous notice. | ||
| + | Another Regulation prescribes that "no set or number of brethren shall withdraw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made brethren, or were afterwards admitted members, unless the Lodge becomes too numerous, nor even then, without a dispensation." But this Regulation has long since become obsolete, and Masons now demit from their Lodges without the necessity of asking a dispensation. In fact, as the law is no longer in force, no authority is needed to dispense with its injunctions. | ||
| + | The Twelfth Regulation of 1721 prescribes that none but members of the Grand Lodge shall be permitted to be present at its quarterly communications, except by dispensation. The Grand Master is thus authorized to set aside the provisions of the law for the benefit of a particular individual, and this right of the Grand Master to admit strangers as visitors in the Grand Lodge is still recognized as one of his prerogatives. | ||
| + | Besides these particular instances of the exercise of the dispensing power which are referred to in the Old Regulations, there are many others which arise from the nature of the prerogative, and which have been sanctioned by immemorial usage. | ||
| + | Thus, when a Lodge has neglected to elect its officers at the constitutional time of election, or having elected them, has failed to proceed to installation, the Grand Master may, on application, issue his dispensation, authorizing the election or installation to take place at some time subsequent to the constitutional period. And without such dispensation, no election or installation could take place; but the old officers would have to continue in office until the next regular time of election, for no Lodge can perform any act at any other time, or in any other mode, except that which is provided by its by laws, or the Regulations of the Grand Lodge, unless in a particular case a dispensation is granted to set aside for the time the provisions of the law. | ||
| + | Again: although no one can serve as Master of a Lodge, unless he has previously acted as a Warden, yet in particular cases, as in the organization of a new Lodge, or when, in an old Lodge, no one who has been a Warden is willing to serve as Master, the Grand Master may grant his dispensation, empowering the members to elect a Master from the floor. | ||
| + | But as it is a principle of the law that the benignity of the Grand Master must not affect the rights of third parties, no dispensation can issue for the election from the floor, if there be a Warden or Past War den who is willing to serve; for eligibility to the chair is one of the prerogatives which arises from having served in the office of Warden, and a dispensation cannot set aside a prerogative. | ||
| + | By the operation of the same equitable principle, the Grand Master is prohibited from issuing a dispensation to authorize the initiation of a person who has been rejected by a Lodge; for it is the inherent right of a Lodge to judge of the fitness of its own members, and the Grand Master cannot, by the exercise of his dispensing power, interfere with this inherent right. | ||
| + | 423 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to presiding over the Craft? | ||
| + | *Grand Master's Prerogative of Presiding. The Grand Master has the right to preside over every assembly of the craft, wheresoever and whensoever held. This is a Landmark of the Order, and consequently the right of the Grand Master to preside at all meetings of the Grand Lodge, which is derived from it, is an inherent right, of which no constitutional provision can deprive him. From this prerogative is also derived the principle that the Grand Master may assume the chair of any private Lodge in which he may be present, and govern the Lodge as its Master. He is also, by virtue of the same prerogative, the chair man of every committee of the Grand Lodge which he may choose to attend. He is, in brief, the head of the craft in his own jurisdiction, and cannot, at any meeting of the fraternity for Masonic purposes, be placed, without his consent, in a subordinate position. | ||
| + | 424 - What is the Grand Master's prerogative with respect to voting in Grand Lodge? | ||
| + | *Grand Master's Prerogative of Voting. The Twelfth Regulation of 1721 gave the Grand Master the prerogative of casting two votes in all questions before the Grand Lodge. The words of the Regulation are, it is true, very explicit, and would seem to leave no doubt upon its face; and yet I am scarcely inclined to believe that under all circumstances that officer was permitted to vote twice, while every other member voted but once. Contemporaneous exposition, however, supplies no aid in the interpretation of the law; for I have looked in vain through the earlier editions of the Book of Constitutions for any further reference to the subject. The modern Grand Lodge of England retains the very words of the Old Regulations; but in this country, where it has principally been preserved by usage, it is so interpreted as that the Grand Master gives his second vote only in the case of a tie, and this, I suspect, was the object of the original law. | ||
| + | 425 - What three important events in Scripture are designated as the three grand offerings of Masonry? | ||
| + | *Grand Offerings. According to the English system of lectures, three important events recorded in Scripture are designated as the three grand offerings of Masonry, because they are said to have occurred on Mount Moriah, which symbolically represents the ground floor of the Lodge. These three grand offerings are as follows: The first grand offering was when Abraham prepared to offer up his son Isaac; the second was when David built an altar to stay the pestilence with which his people were afflicted; and the third was when Solomon dedicated to Jehovah the Temple which he had completed. | ||
| + | 426 - How may Grand Officers be removed from office? | ||
| + | *Grand Officers. None of the grand officers can be removed, unless for reasons which appear sufficient to the Grand Lodge; but, should the Grand Master be dissatisfied with the conduct of any of his grand officers he may submit the case to the Grand Lodge; and should it appear to the majority of the brethren present that the complaint be well founded, he may displace such grand officer, and nominate another. | ||
| + | 427 - What are the office and function of Grand Pursuivant? | ||
| + | *Grand Pursuivant. In the science of heraldry, a Pursuivant is the lowest order of officers at arms, and is, as the title implies, an attendant on the heralds. The office is unknown to the English Constitutions of Masonry, either ancient or modern, and appears to be peculiar to this country, where it is to be found in a large number of Grand Lodges, whose Regulations are, however, generally silent as to the nature of the functions to be discharged. | ||
| + | The "Ahiman Rezon" of South Carolina says that his station is near the door, whence he receives all reports from the Grand Tiler, and announces the name and Masonic rank of all who desire admission, seeing that none enter without their appropriate decorations. He combines therefcre, in part, the duties of the Junior Deacon with those of a gentleman usher. | ||
| + | I have already said that the office is modern, as no allusion to it is to be found in any of the old Regulations. The appointment is generally vested in the Grand Master. | ||
| + | 428 - What is the nature and function of the office of Grand Secretary? | ||
| + | *Grand Secretary. The Regulations of 1721 had described the duties to be performed by the Grand Secretary; but from the organization of the Grand Lodge in 1717, to the year 1723, no such officer had been appointed. In the last mentioned year, however, Bro. William Cowper was chosen by the Grand Lodge. The office was therefore first an elective one, but Anderson, in his edition of 1738, says that "ever since, the new Grand Master, upon his commencement, appoints the Secretary, or continues him by returning him the books." This usage is still pursued by the modern Grand Lodge of England, but in every jurisdiction of this country, the office of Grand Secretary is an elective one. | ||
| + | The functions, the discharge of which is intrusted to the Grand Secretary, are of the most important nature, and require no ordinary amount of talent. It is his duty to record all the proceedings of the Grand Lodge with the utmost fidelity and exactness. He is also the official organ of the Grand Lodge, and in that capacity conducts its correspondence. He is, besides, the recipient of the returns and dues of Lodges, which amounts he pays over to the Grand Treasurer, so that each of these officers acts as a check upon the other. | ||
| + | The Grand Secretary is also in this country the keeper of the seal of the Grand Lodge, which he affixes to all documents that require it. His signature is considered as essential to the validity of any document which emanates from the Grand Lodge. | ||
| + | Like the Grand Treasurer, he was permitted by the old Regulations to appoint an assistant, who did not, however, by such appointment, be come a member of the Grand Lodge. The Regulation is still in force in several of the American jurisdictions. | ||
| + | 429 - What are the history and functions of the office of Grand Steward? | ||
| + | *Grand Stewards. The duty of the Grand Stewards is to attend upon the tables during the hours of refreshment, and to assist the Junior Grand Warden in managing the Grand Feast, in jurisdictions where this ancient usage is observed. | ||
| + | 430 - What is the history and function of the office of Grand Sword Bearer? | ||
| + | *Grand Sword Bearer. In 1731, the Duke of Norfolk, being then Grand Master, presented to the Grand Lodge of England "the old trusty sword of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, that was worn next by his successor in war, the brave Bernard, Duke of Saxe Weimar. with both their names on the blade, which the Grand Master had ordered Brother George Moody (the King's sword cutler) to adorn richly with the arms of Norfolk in silver on the scabbard, in order to be the Grand Master's sword of state in future." At the following feast, Bro. Moody was appointed Sword Bearer, and the office has ever since existed, and is to be found in almost all the Grand Lodges of this country. | ||
| + | The Grand Sword Bearer should be appointed by the Grand Master, and it is his duty to carry the sword of state immediately in front of that officer in all processions of the Grand Lodge. | ||
| + | 431 - What are the office and functions of the Grand Tiler? | ||
| + | *Grand Tiler. This is an office which derives its existence from the Landmarks of the Order, and must therefore have existed from the earliest times, as it is impossible that any Grand Lodge or Assembly of Masons could ever have met for purposes of Masonic business unless the room in which they were assembled had been duly tiled. | ||
| + | The duties of the office are so evident to every Mason as to need no explanation. | ||
| + | The Grand Tiler cannot, during his term of office be a member of the Grand Lodge, for his official position places it out of his power to assist in its deliberations. | ||
| + | He is generally appointed by the Grand Master and no other qualification is required for the office than that of being a worthy Master Mason. | ||
| + | 432 - What are the functions of a Grand Treasurer? | ||
| + | *Grand Treasurer. The functions of the Grand Treasurer do not differ from those of the corresponding officer in a subordinate Lodge. It is his duty to act as the depositary of all the funds and property of the Grand Lodge, to keep a fair account of the same, and render a statement of the condition of all the property in his possession, when ever called upon by either the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge. He also pays all bills and orders which have been approved by the Grand Lodge. He is, in one word, under such regulations as that body shall prescribe, the banker of that body. | ||
| + | The old Regulations permitted him to appoint an assistant, whose only qualification was, that he must be a Master Mason. But such assistant did not, by his appointment, become a member of the Grand Lodge, although permitted to be present at its communications. The usage has been continued in many of the Grand Lodges of this country. | ||
| + | 433 - What are the office and functions of Grand Wardens? | ||
| + | *Grand Wardens. Next in dignity to the Deputy Grand Master come the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens. These two officers are, however, although subordinate in rank, of much more importance than the Deputy, in the working of the Order, and are possessed of some prerogatives which do not belong to him. Their duties do not very materially differ from those of the corresponding officers in a subordinate Lodge, although, of course, from their more exalted position, their powers are more extensive. | ||
| + | In this country, by universal consent, the Wardens succeed to the government of the craft in order of rank, upon the death or absence from the jurisdicton of the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters. | ||
| + | 434 - Of what is the grave emblematic? | ||
| + | *Grave. The grave is, in the Master's degree, the analogue of the pastos, couch or coffin, in the Ancient Mysteries, and is intended scenically to serve the same purpose. The grave is, therefore, in that degree, intended, in connection with the sprig of acacia, to teach symbolically the great Masonic doctrine of a future life. | ||
| + | 435 - Should members be permitted to leave the Lodge during initiation ceremonies? | ||
| + | *Gravity. In a good lodge silence and gravity are recommendations during the hours appropriated to labor. The ordinary business is of too serious a nature to admit of any disturbances; and hence the ancient charges direct that no brother shall behave himself ludicrously or jestingly while the lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence whatever; but pay due reverence to the Masters, Wardens, and Fellows, and put them to worship. Even the noise of moving the seats or the feet is to be avoided as much as possible; nor are the brethren permitted to leave the lodge during the solemn ceremonies, lest the noise thus made should disturb the proceedings. The effect of an initiation would be entirely destroyed by any interruption of this kind, and it is easy to understand that the same kind of disturbance would be calculated to distract the attention of the brethren during the delivery of lectures. | ||
| + | 436 - What is the symbolism of the Great Lights? | ||
| + | *Great Lights. The Freemasons are enlightened by great and small lights. The Bible, the square, and the compasses, belong to the first; and the sun, the moon, and the Master to the second. The great lights are immortal, and neither limited by time nor space; the small ones are limited by both. The Bible rules and governs our faith; the square our actions; and the compasses keep us in a bond of union with all man kind, especially with a brother Mason. Or with other words, the Bible directs us to elevate our spirits to a reasonable and rational faith; the square teaches so to discipline our minds as to make them correspond with a pure and prompt obedience to the laws of our native land; and the compasses teach us so to cultivate our understandings as to enable us to live in the bonds of social and fraternal union with all man kind, whatever may be their peculiar views on religious or political subjects. | ||
| + | 437 - Why were grips and signs used by operative Masons? | ||
| + | *Grip and Sign. In rude times, when men, ignorant of chirography, impressed a seal on parchment in lieu of a signature, it was usual for Master Masons to give their apprentice a grip or sign, by which to make himself known; another when he had completed his apprenticeship, and passed on to the rank of a journeyman, or Fellow craft; and a third when,, by assiduity and skill, he had become himself a master of the work, took buildings to rear, hired Fellowcrafts or journeymen, and received apprentices. The word, the sign, and the grip, in those days, were the certificate of the Craft to its regularly taught members. | ||
| + | 438 - Why is the ground floor of a Lodge known as Mount Moriah? | ||
| + | *Ground Floor of the Lodge. Mount Moriah, on which the Temple of Solomon was built, is symbolically called the ground floor of the lodge, and hence it is said that "the lodge rests on holy ground." This ground floor of the lodge is remarkable for three great events recorded in Scripture, and which are called "the three grand offerings of Masonry." It was here that Abraham prepared, as a token of his faith, to offer up his beloved son Isaac - this was the first grand offering; it was held that David, when his people were afflicted with a pestilence, built an altar, and offered thereon peace offerings and burnt offerings to appease the wrath of God - this was the second grand offering; and lastly, it was here, that when the Temple was completed, King Solomon dedicated that magnificent structure to the service of Jehovah, with the offering of pious prayers and many costly presents - and this was the third grand offering. | ||
| + | This sacred spot was once the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, and from him David purchased it for fifty shekels of silver. The Kabbalists delight to invest it with still more solemn associations, and declare that it was the spot on which Adam was born and Abel slain. | ||
| + | 439 - On what grounds may a Mason lawfully avouch ,for a visitor? | ||
| + | *Grounds for Avouchment. Under ordinary circumstances, it would undoubtedly be the safest plan to require that avouchment should be founded on the fact of the voucher's having sat in a Lodge with the visitor. But it cannot be denied that there are occasions in which an intelligent and experienced Mason will be as competent, from his own private examination, to decide the Masonic qualifications of a candidate for admission, as if he had sat with him in the communication of a Lodge. This subject of vouching does not, indeed, appear to have been always understood. Many Masons suppose that the prerogative of vouching is inherent in every Brother, and that if A shall say that he vouches for B, and that he has sat in a Lodge with him, the assertion should be received with all respect, and B admitted. But in how many cases may not A, from ignorance or inexperience, be liable to be deceived? How are we to know that A himself was not in a clandestine Lodge, which had been imposed upon his ignorance, when he sat with B? How are we to be sure that his memory has not been treacherous, and that the Lodge in which he saw B was not a Fellowcrafts' or Entered Apprentices', instead of being a Masters' l Why, only by knowing that the Masonic skill and experience, and the general good sense and judgment of A are such as not render him liable to the commission of such errors. And if we are confident of his Masonic knowledge and honesty, we are ready, or ought to be, to take his vouching, without further inquiry as to its foundation; but if we are not, then it is safer to depend on an examination by a committee than on the avouchment of one in whose ability we have no confidence. A Masonic avouchment is, in fact, in the nature of a mercantile or legal security. Its whole value depends on the character and attainments of the one who offers it; and it would be better, I imagine, if a positive rule is to be laid down, to say that no visitor shall be admitted into a Lodge except with the avouchment of a well known and skillful Mason, or upon examination by a committee. | ||
| + | Still, it must be confessed, however humiliating the confession may be, that a very large number of Masons are too little skilled in the mysteries which have been communicated to them, to be enabled to pass a stranger through that ordeal of strict examination, which alone can prove a friend, or detect a foe, and an ingenious imposter would often find it a task of but little difficulty to deceive such an unskillful examiner. Thus imposed upon himself, the deceived brother unwittingly might extend his error, by vouching for one who has no claims upon the fraternity. The vouching of such brethren, derived from their private examination, should, of course, be considered as of no value. But, on the other hand, there are many Masons so well skilled in the principles of the craft, that no danger of imposition need be feared when we depend on the information which they have derived from an examination, conducted as they would of course do it, with all the necessary forms, and guarded by all the usual precautions. The avouchments of such brethren should be considered as perfectly satisfactory. | ||
| + | I am inclined, therefore, to believe that the spirit of the law simply requires that a Master shall permit no visitor to be admitted without previous examination, unless he can be vouched for by a Brother who has sat with him in open Lodge, or, if the avouchment be made in con sequence of a private examination, unless the Brother so vouching be known to the presiding officer as a skillful and experienced Mason. | ||
| + | But, if we admit this to be the true interpretation of the law of avouchment, then it becomes necessary that we should inquire more closely into what are to be the governing principles of that private examination from which the authority of the avouchment is to be de rived, and into the nature of the competency of the Brother who ventures to give it. | ||
| + | In the first place, the avouchment thus given is, it is understood, to be founded on some previous private examination. Therefore it follows, that the Brother who undertakes to vouch for a visitor on these grounds, must have been thoroughly competent to conduct such an examination. There must be no danger of his having been imposed upon by an ignorant pretender. And consequently the Master of a Lodge would be culpable in receiving the avouchment of a young and inexperienced, or of an old and ignorant Mason. | ||
| + | 440 - What are regarded as sufficient grounds for expulsion of a Mason? | ||
| + | *Grounds for Expulsion. As this penalty is of so severe a nature. rupturing all the ties which bind a Mason to the fraternity, it is evident that it should only be inflicted for the most heinous offences - offences which, in their nature, affect the character, the well being and the safety of the whole society, and hence the Grand Lodge of New York has very wisely ordered that it shall only follow "a gross violation of the moral law, or the fundamental principles of Masonry, or attempts against any part of the frame work of its government." The penalty is not inflicted so much as a punishment of the guilty person, as it is as a safe guard or security of the Order. The object is not to reform an evil, but to prevent its influence on the fraternity. A Mason who habitually transgresses the moral code, or lives in constant violation of the fundamental teachings of the Order, is to the society, what a gangrenous limb is to the body. The incurable wound, says the Roman poet, must be cut off with the knife, lest the healthy part of the body be involved in the disease. And so the unworthy Mason is to be expelled from the Order, lest his example spread, and disease be propagated through the whole constitution of Masonry. But, in accordance with this principle, expulsion should be inflicted only for offences which affect the security and honor of the whole Order. The remedy should never be applied to transgressions of a subordinate nature which neither deserve nor require its application. | ||
| + | 441 - Under what promise do we begin our Masonic career? | ||
| + | *Guide. At our introduction into Masonry, we seek for an able guide to conduct us from this dark state of human life into light, and when arrived at that desired point, we are struck with the symbolic representations before us; and under promise of fidelity we begin our career in this secret society of Free and Accepted Masons. We emerge gradually from the lowest vale, and by study arrive at the highest degree of the occult science, or to the greatest mental perfection. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === H === | ||
'''TO BE CONTINUED''' | '''TO BE CONTINUED''' | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
=== I === | === I === | ||
Version vom 26. April 2016, 13:59 Uhr
Inhaltsverzeichnis
MACKEY - Masonry Defined
Source / Credit: Scanned at Phoenixmasonry by Ralph W. Omholt, PM in May 2007.
MASONRY DEFINED, A Liberal Masonic Education
INFORMATION EVERY MASON SHOULD HAVE
Compiled from the Writings of, DR. Albert G. Mackey 33° and Many Other Eminent Authorities
Questions Every Mason Should Be Able to Answer
A
- ABIF
1. Why was Hiram, our ancient Grand Master, called "ABIF?"
- ABLUTION
2. How is moral purification symbolized?
- ABSENCE
3. What is the ancient rule regarding attendance at Lodge?
- ACACIA
4. What is the symbolism of the sprig of Acacia?
- ACCEPTED
5. Why are Masons said to be "Free and Accepted?"
- ACCORD
6. What is the meaning of "Free Will and Accord?"
- ACCUSATION
7. What is the preliminary step in every Masonic trial?
- ACCUSER
8. Who is the prosecuting officer of a Lodge?
- ACQUITTAL
9. Does acquittal of a Mason by a jury prevent his being tried again by a Lodge on the same charge?
- ACTION ON PETITION
10. What action should a Lodge take on receipt of a favorable report on a petition?
- ACTIVE
11. When is a Lodge or Brother said to be "active?"
- ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP, Prerogative of
12. What are the prerogatives of the active members of a Lodge?
- ADAMS, John Quincy,
13. What President of the United States was a bitter opponent of Freemasonry?
- ADDRESS
14. What are the qualifications of Lodge officers?
- ADDRESSING A LODGE
15. What rules govern a Brother while speaking in a Lodge?
- ADHERING MASON
16. To whom does the term "adhering Mason" apply?
- ADMISSION
17. How many candidates can be made Masons on the same day?
- ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
18. Has the Master the right to deny a member admission to his own Lodge?
- ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS
19. What right has a new Lodge with respect to the admission of members?
- ADMISSION OF VISITORS
20. Has the Master of a Lodge the right to decline to admit, as a visitor, a Master Mason in good standing? ADMITTANCE TO THE LODGE 21. What is the duty of the Tiler with reference to the admission of persons to a Lodge room?
- ADMONITION
22. How should a Brother be admonished?
- ADONIRAM
23. Who was Adoniram?
- ADOPTIVE MASONRY
24. What is the relation of women to Masonry in France and in America?
- ADVANCED
25. How is the word "advanced" technically used in Masonry?
- ADVANCEMENT, denial of
26. What is the status of an Entered Apprentice if the Lodge denies him advancement?
- ADVANCEMENT, right of
27. Does an Entered Apprentice have the right of advancement?
- ADYTUM
28. What are the supports of the Adytum or Lodge?
- AFFABILITY
29. Of what were the ancient Lodges schools?
- AFFILIATED
30. What is the distinction between an affiliated and a non affiliated Mason?
- AFFILIATION
31. What is the Masonic meaning of the term "affiliation?"
- AFFILIATION OF NON RESIDENTS
32. Are there any geographical restrictions on the right of affiliation?
- AFFILIATION, petition for
33. To what Lodge or Lodges may a Mason apply for affiliation?
- AGAPE, Love Feast
34. What is the relation of the ancient Love Feast to Masonry?
- AGATE
35. Of what was the stone of foundation formed?
- AGE, LAWFUL,
36. Is the age of twenty one the lawful age of admission in all Masonic jurisdictions?
- AGE, MASONIC
37. Certain numbers are assigned as the symbolic ages of Masons of various degrees. What are they, and why?
- AGENDA
38. How is the word "agenda" used in Masonry?
- AHIMAN REZON
39. What was the book of the Constitutions of the Ancient Masons called?
- AID AND ASSISTANCE
40. To what extent should a Mason extend aid to a worthy distressed brother? AIR 41. By what three elements is a Mason proved?
- ALARM
42. In what sense is the word "alarm" used in Masonry?
- ALOORAN
43. What is the sacred book of the Mohammedans called?
- ALDWORTH, the Hon. Mrs.
44. Has a woman ever been made a Mason?
- ALLAH
45. What is the name of God in the Mohammedan religion?
- ALLEGIANCE
46. What effect does non affiliation have upon the allegiance of a Mason to the fraternity?
- ALL SEEING EYE
47. What is the symbolism of the All Seeing Eye?
- ALLUREMENTS
48. What allurements does Masonry hold out?
- ALMOND TREE
49. What is the symbolism of the Almond tree?
- ALTAR
50. What is the symbolism of the Masonic altar?
- AMALTHEA
51. What is the Steward's Jewel, and why?
- AMEN
52. Why do Masons say "amen" at the close of prayer?
- AMULET
53. What is an Amulet?
- ANCHOR
54. What is the symbolism of the Anchor?
- ANCHOR AND ARK
55. Of what are the Anchor and Ark the emblems?
- ANCIENT CRAFT MASONRY
56. What is included in Ancient Craft Masonry?
- ANCIENT CRAFT MASONRY, degrees of
57. How many degrees were there in Ancient Craft Masonry?
- ANCIENT MASONS
58. Who and what were the Ancient Masons?
- ANDERSON, JAMES, D.D.
59. Who was the author of the "Constitutions of the Freemasons?"
- ANDREW, ST.
60. Who is the patron saint of Scottish Masons? ANNIVERSARIES, Masonic 61. What are the two principal anniversaries of symbolic Masonry?
- ANNUAL MEETINGS OF GRAND LODGE
62. What is the precedent for annual meetings of Grand Lodges?
- ANOMOLY
63. Why is Masonry mysterious?
- ANNUITIES
64. What is the most useful form of Masonic charity?
- ANTI MASONIC PARTY
65. Did the anti Masonic party ever nominate a candidate for President?
- ANTI MASONRY
66. Who was alleged to have been murdered by Masons?
- ANTIQUITY OF FREEMASONRY
67. In what year did Masonry become entirely speculative?
- APORRHETA
68. What is permitted to be printed about Masonry and what is not?
- APPEAL FROM BALLOT
69. Has a Grand Lodge the right to entertain an appeal to reverse a ballot?
- APPEAL FROM GRAND MASTER'S DECISION
70. Does an appeal lie from a decision of the Grand Master to the Grand Lodge?
- APPEAL OF ENTERED APPRENTICES OR FELLOWCRAFTS
71. Does an Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft enjoy the right of Masonic relief?
- APPEAL, right of
72. What rights does a Mason have to appeal from a decision against him?
- APPEAL TO GRAND LODGE
73. How should an appeal to Grand Lodge be made?
- APPELLANT, status of
74. What is the Masonic status of an Appellant during the pendency of an appeal?
- APPOINTMENTS, Grand Master's prerogative of
75. What is the Grand Master's prerogative with respect to appointments?
- APPOINTMENT OF JUNIOR OFFICERS
76. Who has the prerogative of appointing the junior officers of a Lodge?
- APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTITUTE OFFICERS
77. Who has the right to appoint substitute officers in the absence of appointive officers of a Lodge?
- APRON
78. What is the symbolism of the Masonic Apron?
- ARCHITECTURE
79. What is the relation of Architecture to Masonry?
- ARCHIVES
80. For what were the pillars "B" and "J" used? ARK OF THE COVENANT 81. What was the Ark of the Covenant and for what was it used?
- ARMS OF FREEMASONRY
82. What armorial bearings have been borne by Freemasons?
- ARRANGEMENT
83. How were the 18th Century Lodges arranged?
- ARREST OF WARRANT
84. What is the status of a Lodge whose warrant has been arrested?
- ARTS, liberal
85. In what degree are the seven liberal arts and sciences explained?
- ASCENT
86. How does a Fellowcraft ascend to receive his wages?
- ASHLAR
87. Of what is the Ashlar emblematic?
- ASPIRANT
88. What name is applied to a seeker of Masonic light?
- ASS
89. Of what is the Ass an emblem?
- ATHEIST
90. Why cannot an atheist become a Freemason?
- MASONRY DEFINED
- ATTENDANCE
91. What is the duty of a Mason in respect to attendance at his Lodge?
- ATTESTED COPY OF CHARGES
92. Under what circumstances is it necessary for a Lodge to submit an attested copy of charges against a member?
- AUGUSTAN STYLE
93. In what city are some of the best examples of Operative Masonry to be found?
- AVOUCHMENT
94. What regulations govern Masonic avouchments?
- AVOUCHMENT AT second hand
95. May a Master Mason lawfully vouch for a visitor on the authority of another?
- AXE
96. Why was King Solomon's temple built without the use of iron tools?
- AZURE
97. What is the color appropriate to symbolic Masonry?
B
- BABYLONISH CAPTIVITY
98. What punishment was meted out to the Jews who failed to keep the ordinances of Jehovah?
- BACH
99. What is the symbolism of the fourth point of fellowship?
- BADGE
100. What is the badge of a Master Mason and Why?
- BALDACHIN
101. What is the symbolism of the canopy over the Master's chair?
- BALLOT, method of
102. What is the proper method of conducting the ballot?
- BALLOT, reconsideration of
103. Has a Grand Master power to order reconsideration of a ballot?
- BALLOT, secrecy of the
104. Has a Mason the right to announce how he has cast his ballot for a candidate?
- BALLOT UNDER DISPENSATION
105. Do the members of a Lodge under dispensation have the right of ballot on candidates?
- BAND
106. How should lodge officers wear their jewels?
- BANQUET
107. Should the Worshipful Master be present at Masonic banquets?
- BARE FEET
108. What is the symbolism of pulling off the shoes?
- BASILICA
109. What is a Basilica?
- BATON
110. What is the badge of the Marshal of a Lodge?
- BEAUTY
111. Why do Masons cultivate order, harmony and beauty?
- BEEHIVE
112. Of what is the beehive emblematic?
- BEHAVIOR
113. What is the ethical code of Freemasonry?
- BELIEF
114. Upon what scriptural basis are the lectures of Freemasonry largely founded?
- BENAI
115. How were the Fellowcrafts employed in the building of King Solomon's temple?
- BENEFITS
116. Of what do the charities of the Masonic order (in part) consist?
- BETRAYING
117. Do we betray Masonic secrets?
- BIBLE
118. What is the relation of the Bible to Freemasonry?
- BIBLE, requirement of
119. Is a candidate for Masonry required to believe in the divine authenticity of the Scriptures?
- BLACK
120. What do the colors, black and white, symbolize?
- BLACK BALLS
121. Is the rule that one black ball rejects of universal application?
- BLAZING STAR
122. What is the symbolism of the blazing star?
- BLUE MASONRY
123. What is the symbolism of the color blue?
- BOAZ
124. What was the name of the left hand pillar on the porch of King Solomon's temple?
- BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS
125. What is the Book of Constitutions?
- BOOK OF THE LAW
126. What is the symbolism of the Book of the Law?
- BORDER
127. What are the ornaments of a Lodge?
- BRAZEN PILLARS
128. What do the two pillars on the tracing board represent?
- BREAST
129. What is the duty of a Mason with respect to a Brother's secrets?
- BRIGHT
130. What is a Mason called who has mastered the ritual?
- BROACHED THURNAL
131. What was the Broached Thurnal?
- BROKEN COLUMN
132. Of what is the broken column emblematic?
- BROTHERHOOD
133. In what sense is Freemasonry called a brotherhood?
- BROTHERLY KISS
134. How does the Master of a European Lodge greet a newly made Mason?
- BROTHERLY LOVE
135. What Masonic duties are implied by the tenets of brotherly love?
- BULL, PAPAL
136. What were the bulls issued by the Popes against the Masonic order?
- BURIAL
137. What right of burial has a Master Mason?
- BURIAL, Masonic
138. May an Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft take part in a Masonic funeral procession?
- BURIAL OF ENTERED APPRENTICES
139. Does an Entered Apprentice have the right of Masonic Burial?
- BURIAL PLACE
140. Where is the burial place of a Master Mason?
- BURIED TREASURES
141. Where were treasures commonly concealed in ancient times?
- BUSINESS
142. On what degree should the business of a Lodge be transacted, and why?
- BY LAWS
143. What are the rules called that govern a Lodge?
- BY LAWS, powers of Grand Lodge over
144. What are the powers of a Grand Lodge with respect to the by laws of a subordinate Lodge?
- BY LAWS, right of making
145. Has a Lodge the right to prescribe its own by laws?
- BY LAWS, uniform code of
146. Has a Grand Lodge the right to prescribe the by laws of constituent Lodges?
C
- CABLE TOW'S LENGTH
147. What is the length of a Mason's cable tow?
- CABUL
148. What country did King Solomon cede to Hiram, King of Tyre?
- CALENDAR
149. What calendars have been adopted by the various branches of Freemasonry?
- CALLING OFF
150. What term is applied to the temporary postponement of the labors of a Lodge?
- CANDIDATE
151. What are the qualifications for admission to Freemasonry?
- CARDINAL POINTS
152. What is the Masonic significance of the cardinal points?
- CARDINAL VIRTUES
153. What are the four cardinal virtues?
- CARPET
154. What is the Masonic carpet?
- CATECHISM
155. What part of the Masonic ritual is in the form of a catechism?
- CATHERINE
156. What great woman ruler prohibited Masonry in her country, and afterwards fostered, encouraged and protected it?
- CAUTION
157. What new name is given to the Entered Apprentice, and why?
- CAUTIOUS SECRECY
158. Why was secrecy observed by our ancient operative brethren?
- CAVE
159. Where did King Solomon have a cave dug and for what purpose?
- CEDAR
160. What are the characteristics of the cedars of Lebanon?
- CEMENT
161. What is the cement of the Lodge?
- CENSURE, nature and effect of
162. What is the nature and effect of Masonic censure?
- CENTER OF UNITY
163. What is the Masonic center of unity?
- CENTER, opening on
164. What symbolic degree is said to be opened on the center?
- CENTRE
165. How far must the labors of a Freemason penetrate?
- CEREMONIES
166. What should be the mental attitude of one taking the degrees of Masonry?
- CERTIFICATE
167. What is the force and value of a Masonic certificate?
- CHAIN
168. What do all Masons upon earth form?
- CHALK
169. Of what are charcoal and clay emblematic?
- CHANGE FROM OPERATIVE TO SPECULATIVE FREEMASONRY
170. What was the effect of the change from operative to speculative Freemasonry on the status of an Entered Apprentice?
- CHAPLAIN
171. What is the status of the Chaplain in ancient craft Masonry?
- CHAPLAIN, Grand
172. What are the duties of a Grand Chaplain of a Grand Lodge?
- CHAPTER PAST MASTERS
173. Has a virtual or chapter Past Master the status of a Past Master of a Lodge?
- CHARACTER
174. What moral qualifications are demanded of an applicant for the degrees of Masonry?
- CHARGE
175. What solemn admonitions are given at the close of each degree of Masonry?
- CHARGES
176. What is the proper form and effect of Masonic charges?
- CHARGES, Ancient
177. What are the so called Ancient charges?
- CHARGES OF 1722
178. What charges were adopted in 1722, and by whom were they presented?
- CHARITY
179. What is the brightest ornament of our Masonic profession?
- CHARTER
180. What document is required to make the meetings of a Lodge regular?
- CHASTITY
181. What is the ancient admonition of the craft with respect to chastity?
- CHIEF POINT
182. What is the chief point in Masonry?
- CHILDREN OF LIGHT
183. As true Masons, from what do we stand redeemed?
- CHOICE OF OFFICERS
184. What qualifications should be required of officers of a Lodge?
- CIRCLE
185. Of what is the circle emblematic?
- CIRCLE AND PARALLEL LINES
186. Of what is the point within a circle emblematic?
- CIRCUMSPECTION
187. What is a Mason's duty as to his words and carriage?
- CLASSES
188. How did King Solomon classify the workmen on the temple?
- CLAY GROUND
189. Where were the pillars of the Temple cast?
- CLEAN HANDS
190. What is the symbolism of clean hands?
- CLEMENT XII
191. Who was the Pope who issued a bull against Freemasonry?
- CLOSING
192. Can a Masonic Lodge be adjourned?
- CLOTHED
193. When is a Mason properly clothed?
- CLOTHING, partial
194. Of what, in Masonry, is partial clothing a symbol?
- COERCION
195. Should anyone be urged to become a Mason against his will?
- COFFIN
196. Of what is the Coffin emblematic?
- COLLECTION OF LODGE DUES
197. What are the duties of the Secretary with reference to the collection of Lodge dues?
- COLORS
198. What are the Masonic colors and what do they represent?
- COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
199. What is the prerogative of the Master with reference to lodge committees?
- COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
200. Is it lawful for a Masonic Lodge to sit as a committee of the whole?
- COMMITTEES, regulations governing
201. What are the regulations which govern committees of the Lodge?
- COMMUNICATION
202. What term signifies a regular meeting of a Lodge?
- COMMUNICATION OF CHARGES
203. How may charges of un-masonic conduct be communicated to a non resident brother?
- COMO
204. What city was headquarters of the operative Masons during the dark ages?
- COMPASSES
205. Of what is a line drawn by the compasses emblematic?
- COMPLAINT
206. How should complaints against a brother be handled?
- COMPOSITION OF GRAND LODGE
207. What is the definition of a Grand Lodge and of whom is it composed?
- CONCORD
208. Upon what should the Master of a Lodge found his government?
- CONDUCTING CANDIDATES
209. Who performs the duty of conducting a candidate during Masonic work?
- CONFERRING DEGREES IN GRAND LODGE
210. Has the Grand Lodge the power to confer the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry?
- CONFIDENCE
211. What is the real meaning of the so called "Oath"?
- CONGRESS, MASONIC
212. What efforts have been made to establish a General Grand Lodge for the United States?
- CONSECRATION, elements of
213. What materials are used by Masons for consecration purposes?
- CONSECRATION OF LODGES
214. What custom should be observed on the day of consecration?
- CONSENT, unanimous
215. What is the origin of the rule requiring unanimous consent to the admission of a candidate?
- CONSTITUTE, legally
216. When is a Lodge legally constituted?
- CONSTITUTION, just and legal
217. When is a Lodge said to be justly and legally constituted?
- CONSTITUTION OF A LODGE
218. What is the effect of the ceremony of constitution?
- CONTROVERSY
219. What subjects of discussion are barred from the Lodge room?
- CONVENING A LODGE
220. Can a Lodge be congregated without the consent of the Master?
- CORINTHIAN
221. What was the origin of the Corinthian columns?
- CORN
222. What is the symbolism of Corn?
- CORNER STONE, symbolism of the
223. What is the symbolism of the Corner stone?
- CORNUCOPIA, or the horn of plenty
224. Of what is the Cornucopia emblematic?
- CORRESPONDENCE OF THE LODGE
225. What is the duty of the Secretary with reference to the correspondence of the Lodge?
- COUNSEL AT MASONIC TRIAL
226. Has a Master Mason on trial the right to employ counsel?
- COVENANT OF MASONRY
227. What are the obligations of the Masonic covenant?
- COWAN
228. Why are Cowans excluded from a Lodge?
- CRAFT
229. Define the word "Craft."
- CRAFTSMAN
230. As a Craftsman, what are you to encourage?
- CREED, a Mason's
231. What is the creed of a Freemason?
- CRIMES, Masonic
232. What constitutes a crime in Freemasonry?
- CRIMES, Masonic punishment of
233. What is the definition of a Masonic crime?
- CROSS LEGGED
234. Who were called "cross legged" Masons?
- CROWN OF THORNS
235. Of what was the "crown of thorns" on the Savior's brow composed?
- CUBICAL STONE
236. What is the legend of the cubical stone?
- CUBIT
237. What is the length of a cubit?
- CURIOSITY
238. What is one of the prevailing passions of the human heart?
- CUSTODY OF THE BALLOT BOX
239. To whom is entrusted the custody of the ballot box?
- CUSTODY OF WARRANT
240. Who has the custody of the warrant of constitution?
D
- DARKNESS
241. Of what is darkness a symbol?
- DAUGHTER OF A MASON
242. What are the privileges of a Mason's daughter?
- DAY'S WORK
243. Why is the Senior Warden's station in the west?
- DEACONS
244. What part have the Deacons in the work of the Craft?
- DEATH
245. What is the symbolic meaning of Death?
- DEBATE
246. What are the Masonic rules of debate?
- DEBATES, prohibited
247. What subjects of debate are prohibited in a Lodge?
- DECISION OF MASTER
248. Has a Master of a Lodge the right to permit an appeal by courtesy from a decision?
- DECISIONS OF THE MASTER, appeals from
249. What rules govern appeals from a decision of a master of a Lodge?
- DECLARATION OF CANDIDATES
250. What declaration is required from candidates for initiation into Masonry?
- DECLARING OFF
251. What is meant by "declaring off?"
- DEDICATION
252. To whom were Lodges formerly dedicated?
- DEDICATION, ceremony of
253. What is the origin of the ceremony of dedication?
- DEFAMATION
254. What is a Mason's duty as to the good name of his brethren?
- DEFINITE SUSPENSION
255. What is the meaning and effect of the Masonic penalty of definite suspension?
- DEFINITION OF FREEMASONRY
256. What is the definition of Freemasonry?
- DEGREE
257. What does the word "degree" signify?
- DEGREES
258. Why are there degrees in Masonry?
- DEGREES, ancient
259. What was the custom of ancient craft Masonry in conferring the three degrees?
- DEMISSION
260. Under what circumstances can a Mason exercise the right of demission?
- DEMIT
261. What is a Masonic demit, and how does it affect his standing in the Craft?
- DEPRIVATION OF RIGHT TO VOTE
262. Can a Mason be lawfully deprived of the right of participation in a ballot?
- DEPUTY GRAND MASTER
263. What are the office and function of a Deputy Grand Master?
- DEPUTY GRAND MASTER, prerogatives of
264. Has the Deputy Grand Master the prerogative of establishing Lodges and granting dispensations?
- DESAGULIERS, JOHN THEOPHILUS
265. Who is called the father of modern speculative Freemasonry?
- DESIGN
266. What is the design of Freemasonry?
- DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE
267. What Masonic degree is based on the destruction of the Temple?
- DEVELOPMENT
268. How may a brother make progress in Masonry?
- DIDACTICAL
269. What is the fourth section of the first lecture called?
- DIFFUSION
270. How did King Solomon diffuse Masonry throughout the world?
- DIPLOMA
271. Why should a Mason carry a traveling certificate or diploma?
- DISCIPLINE
272. What system of discipline should be enforced in Masonic Lodges?
- DISCOVERY
273. What discovery was made at the building of the second Temple?
- DISCUSSION OF BALLOT
274. Has a Mason the right to declare how he voted on a ballot?
- DISPENSATION
275. What is a dispensation and by whom can it be granted?
- DISPENSATION, by laws of Lodges under
276. Has a Lodge under dispensation power to enact its own by laws?
- DISPENSATION, candidates of a Lodge under
277. By what procedure are candidates of a Lodge under dispensation elected?
- DISPENSATION, length of
278. How long does a Lodge usually run under dispensation?
- DISPENSATION, Lodge under
279. What is the status of a Mason made in a Lodge under dispensation?
- DISPENSATION OF UNANIMOUS CONSENT
280. Has a Grand Lodge the right to issue a dispensation to admit a Mason without unanimous consent?
- DISPENSATION TO FILL VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF MASTER
281. Has the Grand Master the right to grant a dispensation for the election of a Master in the event of the Master's death or disability?
- DISPENSATIONS FOR LODGES
282. What is the status of a Lodge under dispensation?
- DISPUTES
283. How should disputes between Masons be disposed of?
- DISSOLUTION OF A LODGE
284. On what grounds may a Masonic Lodge be lawfully dissolved?
- DISTRESS
285. Is Freemasonry a charitable institution?
- DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER
286. What official in British Freemasonry corresponds to the District Deputy Grand Master?
- DIVISION OF MASONIC OFFENSES
287. Into what three classes are Masonic offenses divided?
- DOCTRINES
288. What do the three degrees blend?
- DORIC
289. What is the second order of architecture?
- DOTAGE
290. What is the meaning of the word "dotage" as used in Free masonry?
- DOUBLE PUNISHMENT
291. May charges be lawfully brought by a Masonic Lodge for an offense for which the brother has already been punished by the civil authorities?
- DOUBTS
292. What is a good rule in all doubtful matters?
- DOVE
293. Of what is the dove emblematic?
- DUE FORM
294. What distinguishes "due form" from "ample form"?
- DUE GUARD
295. What does the due guard teach?
- DUE GUARD, meaning of
296. What is the due guard?
- DUES
297. What are the rights of a Lodge with respect to establishing dues and assessments?
- DUES, payment of
298. What is the origin of the custom requiring the payment of dues?
- DUES UNDER SUSPENSION
299. Ts a Mason required to pay dues while under suspension?
- DUMBNESS
300. Can a dumb person become a Mason?
- DUTIES OF LODGE
301. What are the duties of a Lodge with reference to the reputation of ancient craft Masonry?
- DUTIES OF MASTER MASONS
302. What duties do Masons owe to God, their neighbors and them selves?
- DUTY
303. What are the duties of a Mason?
E
- EAST
304. Why does the Worshipful Master sit in the east?
- EAVESDROPPER
305. What was the Masonic punishment for eavesdropping?
- ECCLESIASTICAL OR POLITICAL OFFENSES
306. Can Masonic charges be based upon ecclesiastical or political offenses?
- EDICT OF CYRUS
307. What degrees of Masonry are based on the rebuilding of the Temple?
- EGYPTIAN MYSTERIES
308. What were the Egyptian mysteries?
- ELECTING OFFICERS
309. What qualifications should be sought in the choice of the officers of a Lodge?
- ELECTION OF GRAND WARDENS
310. What was formerly the custom of the Craft with regard to the choice of Grand Wardens?
- ELECTION OF OFFICERS
311. How often and at what time should the officers of a Lodge be elected?
- ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF LODGE UNDER DISPENSATION
312. Has a Lodge under dispensation the right to elect its own officers?
- ELECTIONS, regulations governing
313. What rules govern the election of a Masonic official?
- ELECTION TO FILL VACANCY
314. What steps must be taken to fill a vacancy in an office in a Masonic Lodge?
- ELIGIBILITY AS GRAND WARDEN
315. What is required for eligibility to the office of Grand Warden?
- ELIGIBILITY AS MASTER OF A LODGE
316. What other office must a Master Mason have held to become eligible to be Master of a Lodge?
- ELIGIBILITY AS TILER
317. Who are eligible for election as Tiler in a Masonic Lodge?
- ELIGIBILITY OF PAST MASTERS
318. What are the prerogatives of a Past Master with respect to office in the Grand Lodge?
- ELIGIBILITY OF WARDENS
319. What prerogatives do Wardens enjoy with reference to eligibility for election to office?
- ELIGIBILITY TO ELECTION AS OFFICERS
320. What regulations govern eligibility to office in a Lodge?
- EMBLEM
321. What is the difference between an Emblem and a Symbol?
- EMERGENCY
322. What constitutes a case of emergency in Masonry and who is the Judge?
- ENTERED APPRENTICE
323. As an Entered Apprentice, what was the Mason taught?
- ENTERED APPRENTICES, relief of
324. Are Entered Apprentices entitled to Masonic relief?
- ENTERED APPRENTICE, right of visitation
325. Does an Entered Apprentice have the right of visitation?
- ENTERED APPRENTICE, rights of
326. What rights does a candidate obtain after receiving the Entered Apprentice degree?
- ENTERED APPRENTICE, status of
327. What was the original status of the Entered Apprentice degree?
- ENTRANCE
328. What penitential hymn of King Solomon is read on the entrance of the candidate in the third degree?
- ENVY
329. What should be the attitude of a Mason toward a brother?
- EQUALITY
330. What is a Masonic equality?
- EQUIVOCATION
331. Why must the Masonic oath be taken without equivocation?
- ERASURE FROM THE ROLL
332. What is the status of a Mason whose name has been stricken from the roll for non payment of dues?
- ESOTERIC MASONRY
333. What distinguishes exoteric from esoteric Freemasonry?
- ESSENTIAL SECRETS
334. What are the essential secrets of Masonry?
- ESTABLISHED RELIGION
335. What should be the attitude of Masons toward the Church?
- EUNUCH
336. Why cannot a Eunuch become a Mason?
- EUNUCHS, status of
337. Were Eunuchs ever eligible for initiation into Masonry?
- EVERGREEN
338. Why do Masons wear evergreens at funerals?
- EVIDENCE
339. Is it lawful to admit on appeal new evidence not presented at the original trial?
- EXAMINATION
340. How should we treat a stranger who claims to be a Mason?
- EXAMINATION OF OFFICERS OF A NEW LODGE
341. By whom should the officers of a newly organized Lodge be examined?
- EXAMINATION OF VISITORS
342. Under what circumstances may a visitor be admitted to a Lodge without examination?
- EXCLUSION
343. Has a Lodge a right to exclude a member on cause shown temporarily or permanently, from a Lodge?
- EXCLUSION, meaning of
344. What is the Masonic definition of the word "exclusion"?
- EXECUTIVE POWERS OF GRAND LODGE
345. How are the executive powers of a Grand Lodge exercised?
- EXEMPTION
346. What privileges were given the Masons selected to build the Temple?
- EXEMPTION OF MASTER FROM TRIAL BY LODGE
347. Has a Masonic Lodge the right to try its Master on charges?
- EX POST FACTO LAWS
348. Has the Grand Lodge the right to pass Ex Post Facto laws?
- EXPULSION
349. What is the effect of the expulsion of a Mason from his Lodge?
- EXPULSION BY GRAND LODGE
350. Is it lawful for a Grand Lodge to expel a member of a subordinate Lodge?
- EXPULSION, prerogative of
351. In what body is the prerogative of expulsion from Freemasonry vested?
- EXTENT
352. What is the extent of a Masonic Lodge?
- EXTERNAL
353. Where does the external preparation of a candidate take place?
- EYE
354. Of what is the Eye of God symbolic?
- EYESIGHT
355. Why does the candidate wear a hoodwink?
- Eyesight. He who has been temporarily deprived of his sight is reduced to the condition of a new born babe, or of one of those unfortunate individuals whose natural infirmity renders the presence of a conductor indispensably necessary; but when there are no outward objects to distract his attention, it is then that with the eye of reflection he probes into the deepest and darkest recesses of his own heart, and discovers his natural imperfections and impurities much more readily than he could possibly have done had he not been deprived of his sight. This short deprivation of sight has kindled in his heart a spark of the brightest and the purest flame. "The people which sat in darkness saw a great light." (Mat. iv. 16). We must further admit that those who have been deprived of their sight, and who have hopes of being restored to it, strive most industriously and diligently to obtain it; that they have no greater desire, and that they will most readily pledge themselves to do all that can be required of them, in order to obtain that inestimable blessing.
F
356 - Upon what is the Masonic system founded?
- Fabric. The Masonic system exhibits a stupendous and beautiful fabric founded on universal piety. To rule and direct our passions, to have faith and hope in God, and charity towards man, I consider as the objects of what is termed speculative Masonry.
357 - Why should Masons avoid fanaticism?
- Fanaticism. Fanaticism, or a fanatic, dare not be permitted among Freemasons. We should unanimously strive to obtain that object for which the rules of the Order so powerfully work, and thus there can be no disputes or persecutions among us for diversity of opinion. Every Freemason prays to God in the way his religion teaches him, and he is encouraged so to do in the lodge. If we did not allow the wild dreams of imagination, or the still wilder ones of superstition, to have any effect upon our ideas of God and of godly things, all persecution for difference of religious opinions would fall of themselves. Of fanaticism of whole lodges against each other for a difference in their rituals and systems, there were formerly too many traces; but they have happily for many years entirely ceased. Religious fanaticism cannot have any place in a Freemason's lodge, for the members of every sect of the Christian Church have an equal right in the Order. If a Roman Catholic is at the head of the lodge today, and a Lutheran or a member of the Reformed Church tomorrow, it is scarcely remarked by the brethren.
158 - By which of the five senses does a Mason distinguish a friendly or brotherly grip?
- Feeling. Feeling is that sense by which we are enabled to distinguish the different qualities of bodies, such as hardness and softness, heat and cold, roughness and smoothness, figure, solidity, motion, and extension, all of which, by means of corresponding sensations of touch, are presented to the mind as real external qualities, and the conception or belief of them invariably connected with these corresponding sensations by an original principle of nature, which far transcends our inquiry.
359 - What are the present rights of Fellowcrafts?
- Fellowcraft, Right of. At the present day, Fellowcrafts possess no more rights and prerogatives than do Entered Apprentices. Preston, indeed, in his charge to a candidate who has been passed to that degree, says that he is entitled in the meetings to express his "sentiments and opinions on such subjects as are regularly introduced in the lecture, under the superintendence of an experienced Master, who will guard the landmark against encroachment." If this only means that in the course of instruction he may respectfully make suggestions for the purpose of eliciting further information, no one will, I presume, be willing to deny such a privilege. But the traditional theory that Apprentices were not permitted to speak or vote, but that Fellowcrafts might exercise the former right, but not the latter, has no foundation in any positive law that I have been enabled to discover. I have never seen this prerogative of speaking assumed by a Fellowcraft in this country, and doubt whether it would be permitted in any well regulated Lodge.
It was certainly the usage to permit both Apprentices and Fellow crafts to vote, as well as to speak, but there never was such a distinction as that alluded to in the text. The Old Regulations of the Grand Lodge of England provided that "the Grand Master shall allow any Brother, a Fellowcraft, or Entered Prentice, to speak, directing his discourse to his worship in the chair; or to make any motion for the good of the fraternity, which shall be either immediately considered, or else referred to the consideration of the Grand Lodge, at their next communication, stated or occasional." But this regulation has long since been abrogated. Fellowcrafts formerly possessed the right of being elected Wardens of their Lodge, and even of being promoted to the elevated post of Grand Master, although, of course - and the language of the Regulation implies the fact - a Fellowcraft who had been elected Grand Master, must, after his election, be invested with the Master's degree. At the present day, Fellowcrafts possess no other rights than those of sitting in a Lodge of their degree, of applying for advancement, and of being tried by their peers for Masonic offences, with the necessary privilege of an appeal to the Grand Lodge. 360 - Why cannot a woman be present in an open Lodge of Freemasons?
- Females. The only reason why women cannot be present in an open lodge of Freemasons is that their mysteries, being symbolical of labor as performed by man, could not be shared by women; no honest hearted man could for a moment believe that in mind woman is inferior; if a man existed who thought so, let him ask from whom he first imbibed lessons of piety, virtue and honor. But if women cannot share our labor of work, there is no reason why they should not enjoy our labor of love.
361 - Under what name did our ancient brethren worship Deity?
- Fides. In the lecture of the first degree, it is said that "our ancient brethren worshipped deity under the names of Fides or Fidelity, which was sometimes represented by two right hands joined, and some times by two human figures holding each other by the right hands." The deity here referred to was the goddess Fides, to whom Numa first erected temples, and whose priests were covered by a white veil as a symbol of the purity which should characterize Fidelity. No victims were slain on her altars, and no offerings made to her except flowers, wine, and incense. Her statues were represented clothed in a white mantle, with a key in her hand and a dog at her feet. The virtue of Fidelity is, however, frequently symbolized in ancient medals by a heart in the open hand, but more usually by two right hands clasped. Ilorace calls her "incorrupta fides," and makes her the sister of Justice; while Cicero says that that which is religion towards God and Piety towards our parents is fidelity towards our fellow men. There was among the Romans another deity called Fidius, who presided over oaths and contracts, a very usual form of imprecation being "Me Dills Fidius adjuvet," that is, so help me the god Fidius. Noel says that there was an ancient marble at Rome consecrated to the god Fidius, on which was depicted two figures clasping each other's hands as the representatives of Honor and Truth, without which there can be no fidelity nor truth among men. Masonry, borrowing its ideas from the ancient poets, also makes the right hand the symbol of Fidelity.
362 - Who is responsible for the finances of a Masonic Lodge?
- Finance. The funds of a Lodge are deposited with the Treasurer, who pays them out on the order of the Master, and with the consent of the brethren. According to an ancient practice the funds are first received by the Secretary, who transfers them to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same. His yearly accounts are examined by an auditing committee.
363 - What are the moral teachings of the first degree?
- First Degree. In this lecture virtue is painted in the most beautiful colors, and the beauties of morality are strictly enforced. Here we are taught such wise and useful lessons as prepare the mind for a regular advancement in the principles of knowledge and philosophy; and these are imprinted on the memory by lively and sensible images, well calculated to influence our conduct in the proper discharge of the duties of life. The whole is a regular system of morality, conceived in a strain of interesting allegory, which readily unfolds its beauties to the candid and industrious inquirer.
364 - What are the teachings of the five points of fellowship?
- Five Points of Fellowship. The five points of fellowship were thus illustrated in the lectures used by the Athol Masons of the last century:
- 1. "When the necessities of a brother call for my support, I will be ever ready to lend him a helping hand to save him from sinking if I find him worthy thereof.
- 2. Indolence shall not cause my footsteps to halt, nor wrath to turn them aside, but forgetting every selfish consideration, I will be ever swift of foot to save, help, and execute benevolence to a fellow creature in distress, but more particularly to a brother Mason.
- 3. When I offer up my ejaculations to Almighty God, I will remember my brother's welfare, even as my own; for as the voice of babes and sucklings ascend to the throne of grace, so most assuredly will the breathings of a fervent heart ascend to the mansions of bliss.
- 4. A brother's secret, delivered to me as such, I will keep as I would my own, because, if I betray the trust which has been reposed in me, I might do him an irreparable injury; it would be like the villainy of an assassin, who lurks in the darkness to stab his adversary when unarmed and least prepared to meet an enemy.
- 5. A brother's character I will support in his absence, as I would in his presence. I will not revile him myself, nor suffer it to be done by others, if it is in my power to prevent it. Thus by the five points of fellowship, we are linked together in one indivisible chain of sincere affection, brotherly love, relief, and truth."
365 - In what degree are the lessons of the five senses explained?
- Five Senses. The brain is wonderfully adapted by its perfect system of nervous sympathy to give the intellectual powers their force, and enable the mind to receive perceptions of every object in the wide creation, that comes within the sphere of hearing, feeling, smelling, tasting, and seeing; these being the five human senses explained in the lecture of the Fellow Craft's degree.
366 - What are the fixed lights of a Lodge?
- Fixed Lights. The fixed lights of a lodge were formerly represented by "three windows, supposed to be in every room where a lodge is held; referring to the cardinal points of the compass, according to the antique rules of Masonry." There was one in the east, another in the west, and another in the south, to light the men to, at, and from labor; but there was none in the north, because the sun darts no rays from thence. These constitute the symbolical situations of the three chief' officers.
367 - Of what is the Mosaic pavement emblematic?
- Floor. In a symbolical lodge, the first object which deserves attention is the mosaic floor on which we tread; it is intended to convey to our minds the vicissitudes of human affairs, chequered with a strange contrariety of events. Today elated with the smiles of prosperity, tomorrow depressed by the frowns of misfortune. The precariousness of our situation in this world should teach us punctuality, to walk uprightly and firmly upon the broad basis of virtue and religion, and to give assistance to our unfortunate fellow creatures who are in distress; let, on some capricious turn of fortune's wheel, we may become dependent on those who before looked up to us as their benefactors.
368 - What is the symbolism of the foot in Masonry?
- Foot to Foot. The old lectures of the last century descanted on the symbolism of foot to foot as teaching us "that indolence should not permit the foot to halt or wrath to turn our steps out of the way; but forgetting injuries and selfish feelings, and remembering that man was born for the aid of his fellow creatures, not for his own enjoyments only, but to do that which is good, we should be swift to extend our mercy and benevolence to all, but more particularly to a brother Mason." The present lecture on the same subject gives the same lesson, more briefly and more emphatically, when it says, "we should never halt nor grow weary in the service of a brother Mason."
369 - What is the function of the Grand Lodge Committee on Foreign Correspondence?
- Foreign Correspondence. Committees of Foreign Correspondence are bodies known only to American Masonry; and until within a few years, as far as the efficient discharge of any duty was concerned, they appear to have been of but little value. But at the present time they occupy an important position in the working of every Grand Lodge.
The Committees on Correspondence are the links which bind the Grand Lodges into one united whole in the pursuit of knowledge; they are the guardians appointed by their respective bodies to inform their constituents what has been the progress of the institution for the past year - to warn them of the errors in discipline or in Masonic science which they may suppose to have been committed - and to suggest the best method by which these errors may be avoided or amended. 370 - What do Masons mean by traveling in a foreign country?
- Foreign Country. The lecture of the third degree begins by declaring that the recipient was induced to seek that sublime degree "that he might perfect himself in Masonry, so as to travel into foreign countries, and work and receive wages as a Master Mason." Thousands have often heard this ritualistic expression at the opening and closing of a Master's Lodge, without dreaming for a moment of its hidden and spiritual meaning, or, if they think of any meaning at all, they content themselves by interpreting it as referring to the actual travels of the Masons, after the completion of the Temple, into the surrounding countries in search of employment, whose wages were to be the gold and silver which they could earn by the exercise of their skill in the operative art.
But the true symbolic meaning of the foreign country into which the Master Mason travels in search of wages is far different. The symbolism of this life terminates with the Master's degree. The completion of that degree is the lesson of death and the resurrection to a future life, where the true word, or Divine Truth, not given in this, is to be received as the reward of a life worthily spent in its search. Heaven, the future life, the higher state of existence after death, is the foreign country in which the Master Mason is to enter, and there he is to receive his wages in the reception of that truth which can be imparted only in that better land. 371 - What is the form of a Masonic Lodge?
- Form of the Lodge. The form of a Masonic lodge is said to be a parallelogram or oblong square - its greatest length being from East to West - its breadth from North to South. A square, a circle, a triangle, or any other form but that of an oblong square would be eminently incorrect and unmasonic, because such a figure would not be an expression of the symbolic idea which is intended to be conveyed. At the Solomonic era - the era of the building of the Temple at Jerusalem - the world, it must be remembered, was supposed to have that very oblong form, which has been here symbolized. If, for instance, on a map of the world, we should inscribe an oblong figure whose boundary lines would circumscribe and include just that portion which was known and inhabited in the days of Solomon, these lines running a short distance North and South of the Mediterranean sea, and ex tending from Spain in the West to Asia Minor in the East, would form an oblong square, including the southern shore of Europe, the northern shore of Africa, and the western district of Asia, the length of the parallelogram being about sixty degrees from East to West, and its breadth being about twenty degrees from North to South. This oblong square, thus inclosing the whole of what was then supposed to be the habitable globe, would precisely represent what is symbolically said to be the form of the lodge, while the Pillars of Hercules in the West, on each side of the straits of Gades or Gibraltar, might appropriately be referred to the two pillars that stood at the porch of the Temple.
A Masonic Lodge is, therefore, a symbol of the world. This symbol is sometimes, by a very usual figure of speech, extended, in its application, and the world and the universe are made synonymous, when the lodge becomes, of course, a symbol of the universe. But in this case the definition of the symbol is extended, and to the ideas of length and breadth are added those of height and depth, and the lodge is said to assume the form of a double cube. The solid contents of the earth below and the expanse of the heavens above will then give the outlines of the cube, and the whole created universe be included within the symbolic limits of a Mason's Lodge. The form of a Lodge should always be an oblong square, in length, between the East and West; in breadth, between the North and the South; in height, from earth to heaven; and in depth, from the surface to the center. This disposition serves to indicate the prevalence of Freemasonry over the whole face of the globe, guarded by its laws, and ornamented by its beautiful tenets. Every civilized region is illuminated by its presence. Its charity relieves the wretched; its brotherly love unites the Fraternity in a chain of indissoluble affection, and extends its example beyond the limits of the Lodge room, to embrace, in its ample scope, the whole human race, infolding them in its arms of universal love. The square form was esteemed by our ancient operative brethren as one of the Greater Lights, and a component part of the furniture of the Lodge. The double cube is an expressive emblem of the united powers of darkness and light in the creation. 372 - What is the Masonic virtue of fortitude?
- Fortitude. By fortitude we are taught to resist temptation, and encounter danger with spirit and resolution. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice; and he who possesses it is seldom shaken, and never overthrown, by the storms that surround him.
373 - When is the ballot box said to be foul?
- Foul. The ballot box is said to be "foul" when, in the ballot for initiation or advancement of a candidate, one or more black balls are found.
374 - On what days should corner stones be laid?
- Foundation. The Masonic days proper for laying the foundation stone of a Masons' lodge are from the 15th of April to the 15th of May; and the 18th of April has been pronounced peculiarly auspicious, because nothing can be more consonant with reason and propriety, than to commence a building in the early spring, that the workmen may have the whole summer before them to complete the undertaking advantageously, in order that they may celebrate the cap stone with confidence and joy.
375 - How many degrees had Ancient Freemasonry?
- Four Degrees. Ancient Masonry consists of four degrees; the first of which are the Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, and the sublime degree of Master; and the fourth, the Holy Royal Arch.
376 - In what sense is the word "free" applied to Masons?
- Free. The word "free," in connection with "Mason," originally signified that the persons so called were free of the company of gild or incorporated Masons. For those operative Masons who were not thus made free of the gild, were not permitted to work with those who were. A similar regulation still exists in many parts of Europe al though it is not known to this country.
In reference to the other sense of free as meaning not bound, not in captivity, it is a rule of Masonry that no one can be initiated who is at the time restrained of his liberty. The old lectures formerly used in England give the following ac count of the origin of the term: "The Masons who were selected to build the Temple of Solomon were declared Free, and were exempted, together with their descend, ants, from imposts, duties and taxes. They had also the privilege to bear arms. At the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar, the posterity of these Masons were carried into captivity with the ancient Jews. But the good will of Cyrus gave them permission to erect a second Temple, having set them at liberty for that purpose. It is from this epoch that we bear the name of Free and Accepted Masons." 377 - How did the title, "Free and Accepted Masons," originate?
- Free and Accepted. The title of "Free and Accepted Masons" was first used by Dr. Anderson in the second edition of the Book of Constitutions, published in 1738, the title of which is "The History and Constitutions of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons." In the first edition of 1723, the title was "The Constitutions of the Freemasons." The newer title continued to be used by the Grand Lodge of England, in which it was followed by those of Scotland and Ireland; and a majority of the Grand Lodges in this country have adopted the same style, and call themselves Grand Lodges of Free and Accepted Masons.
378 - What must be the status of a candidate for Masonry?
- Freeborn. No candidate can be admitted into Freemasonry, or share in its occult mysteries, unless he be a free man, of mature age, sound judgment, and strict morality. Nor can any one, although he have been initiated, continue to act as a Mason, or practise the rites of the Order, if he be temporarily deprived of his liberty, or freedom of will, so essential is it to Freemasonry, that its members should be perfectly free in all their actions, thoughts and designs.
379 - What is the distinction between Masonry and Freemasonry?
- Freemasonry. Masonry, according to the general acceptation of the term, is an art founded on the principles of geometry, and directed to the service and convenience of mankind. But Freemasonry, embracing a wider range and having a nobler object in view, namely, the cultivation and improvement of the human mind, may with propriety be called a science, inasmuch as availing itself of the terms of the former, it inculcates the principles of the purest morality, though its lessons are for the most part veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.
380 - What are the best known definitions of Freemasonry?
- Freemasonry, Definitions of. The definitions of Freemasonry have been numerous, and they all unite in declaring it to be a system of morality, by the practice of which its members may advance their spiritual interest, and mount by the theological ladder, from the lodge on earth to the Lodge in heaven. Subjoined are a few of the most important definitions:
- "Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. " - Hemming.
- "The grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race. " - Washington.
- "Masonry is an art, useful and extensive, which comprehends within its circle every branch of useful knowledge and learning, and stamps an indelible mark of pre eminence on its genuine professors, which neither chance, power, nor fortune can bestow." - Preston.
- "Freemasonry is an establishment founded on the benevolent intention of extending and conferring mutual happiness upon the best and truest principles of moral life and social virtue. " - Calcott.
- "Freemasonry is an institution calculated to benefit mankind." - Andrew Jackson.
- "Freemasonry is a moral order, instituted by virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime truths, in the midst of the most innocent and social pleasures, founded on liberality, brotherly love and charity." - Arnold.
- "I have ever felt it my duty to support and encourage the principles of Freemasonry, because it powerfully develops all social and benevolent affections. " - Lord Durham.
- "From its origin to the present hour, in all its vicissitudes, Masonry has been the steady, unvarying friend of man." - Rev. Erastus Burr.
- "Masonry is one of the most sublime and perfect institutions that ever was formed for the advancement of happiness, and the general good of mankind, creating, in all its varieties, universal benevolence and brotherly love." - Duke of Sussex.
- "For centuries had Freemasonry existed ere modern political controversies were ever heard of, and when the topics which now agitate society were not known, but all were united in brotherhood and affection. I know the institution to be founded on the great principles of charity, philanthropy, and brotherly love. " - Bulwer.
- "Everything which tends to combine men by stronger ties is useful to humanity; in this point of view, Masonry is entitled to respect" - La Lande.
- "I think we are warranted in contending that a society thus constituted, and which may be rendered so admirable an engine of improvement, far from meriting reproach, deserves highly of the community. " - Rev. Dr. Milne.
- "Charity, or brotherly kindness, is as much a Masonic as it is a Christian virtue." - Rev. Dr. Slade.
- "A Mason's Lodge is a school of piety. The principal emblems are the teachers." - Rev. Dr. Norval.
- "The aims of Freemasonry are not limited to one form of operation, or one mode of benevolence. Its object is at once moral and social. It proposes both to cultivate the mind and enlarge and purify the heart." - Rev. J. O. Skinner.
- "The Masonic system exhibits a stupendous and beautiful fabric founded on universal piety: To rule and direct our passions; to have faith and love in God, and charity toward man." - Stephen Jones.
- "There are Great Truths at the foundation of Freemasonry - truths which it is its mission to teach, and which constitute the very essence of that sublime system which gives to the venerable institution its peculiar identity as a science of morality, and it behooves every disciple diligently to ponder and inwardly digest." - Albert . Pike.
- "Its laws are reason and equity, its principles benevolence and love; and its religion purity and truth; its intention is peace on earth; and its disposition good will toward man." - Rev. T. M. Harris.
381 - Why are Masons forbidden to solicit members?
- Free Will and Accord. There is one peculiar feature in the Masonic Institution that must command it to the respect of every generous mind. In other associations it is considered meritorious in a member to exert his influence in obtaining applications for admission; but it is wholly uncongenial with the spirit of our Order to persuade any one to become a Mason. Whosoever seeks a knowledge of our mystic rites must first be prepared for the ordeal in his heart; he must not only be endowed with the necessary moral qualifications which would fit him for admission into our ranks, but he must come, too, uninfluenced by friends and unbiased by unworthy motives. This is a settled landmark of the Order; and, therefore, nothing can be more painful to a true Mason than to see this landmark violated by young and heedless brethren..
382 - On what is the universality of Masonry based?
- Friendship. Friendship is traced through the circle of private connections to the grand system of universal benevolence, which no limits can circumscribe, as its influence extends to every branch of the human race. On this general plan the universality of the system of Masonry is established. Were friendship confined to the spot of our nativity, its operation would be partial, and imply a kind of enmity to other nations. Where the interests of one country interfere with those of another, nature dictates an adherence to the welfare of our own immediate connections; but such interference apart, the true Mason is a citizen of the world, and his philanthropy extends to all the human race. Uninfluenced by local prejudices, he knows no preference in virtue but according to its degree, from whatever country or clime it may spring.
383 - Has the Lodge the right to conduct a funeral procession without a dispensation from the Grand Lodge?
- Funeral Processions. As to the dispensation spoken of in the Regulations of
1754, as being required from the Grand Master or his Deputy, for a funeral procession, as that regulation was adopted at so late a period, it cannot be considered as universal Masonic law. To make it obligatory in any jurisdiction, it is necessary that it should be adopted as a local law by specific enactment of the Grand Lodge of that jurisdiction. And although it may be admitted that, for large cities especially, it is a very wholesome regulation, many Grand Lodges have neglected or declined to adopt it. In the United States, dispensations for this purpose have very seldom, if at all, been required. In deed, Preston, in explaining the object of the regulation, says: "It was planned to put a stop to mixed and irregular conventions of Masons, and to prevent them from exposing to derision the insignia of the Order, by parading through the streets on unimportant occasions; it was not, however, intended to restrict the privileges of any regular Lodge, or to encroach on the legal prerogative of any installed Master." Accordingly, in America, Masons have generally been permitted to bury their dead without the necessity of a dispensation, and the Master of the Lodge engaged in this melancholy task, while supposed to be possessed of competent discretion to regulate the ceremony, is of course held amenable to the Grand Lodge for any impropriety that may occur. 384 - Under what conditions can Masonic burial be granted?
- Funeral Services. No Mason can be interred with the ceremonies of the Order, unless it be by his own request, made while living, to the Master of the Lodge of which he died a member; nor unless he has been raised to the third degree of Masonry; sojourners and officers high in the Order excepted. A dispensation has first to be obtained from the Grand Master before any public procession can be allowed to
385 - What is the furniture of the Lodge?
- Furniture of the Lodge. Every well regulated Lodge is furnished with the Holy Bible, the Square, and the Compasses. These constitute the furniture of the Lodge, being the three Great Lights of Masonry. The first is designed to be the guide of our faith; the second to regulate our actions; and the third to keep us within proper bounds with all mankind.
G
386 - What is the symbolism of the letter "G"?
- G. This letter is deservedly regarded as one of the most sacred of the Masonic emblems. Where it is used, however, as a symbol of Deity, it must be remembered that it is the Saxon representative of the Hebrew Yod and the Greek Tau - the initial letters of the name of the Eternal in those languages. This symbol proves that Freemasonry always prosecuted its labors with reference to the grand ideas of Infinity and Eternity. By the letter G - which conveyed to the minds of the brethren, at the same time, the idea of God and that of Geometry - it bound heaven to earth, the divine to the human, and the infinite to the finite. Masons are taught to regard the Universe as the grandest of all symbols, revealing to men, in all ages, the ideas which are eternally revolving in the mind of the Deity, and which it is their duty to reproduce in their own lives and in the world of art and industry. Thus God and Geometry, the material worlds and the spiritual spheres, were constantly united in the speculations of the ancient Masons. They, consequently, labored earnestly and unweariedly, not only to construct cities, and embellish them with magnificent edifices, but also to build up a temple of great and divine thoughts and of ever growing virtues for the soul to dwell in. The symbolical letter G * * * "That hieroglyphic bright, Which none but craftsmen ever saw," and before which every true Mason reverently uncovers, and bows his head - is a perpetual condemnation of profanity, impiety and vice. No brother who has bowed before that emblem can be profane. He will never speak the name of the Grand Master of the Universe but with reverence, respect and love. He will learn, by studying the mystic meaning of the letter G, to model his life after the divine plan; and, thus instructed, he will strive to be like God in the activity and earnestness of his benevolence, and the broadness and efficiency of his charity. "The letter G occupies a prominent position in several of the degrees in the American system; is found in many of the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite; in Adonhiramite Masonry; and, in fact, in every one of the many systems in which the people of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were so prolific in manufacturing. Wherever we find this recondite symbol in any of the Masonic rites, it has the same significance - a substitute for the Hebraic jod, the initial letter of the Divine name, and a monogram that ex pressed the Unereated Being, principle of all things; and, inclosed in a triangle, the unity of God. We recognize the same letter G in the Syriac Gad, the Swedish Gud, the German Gott, and the English God - all names of the Deity and all derived from the Persian Goda, itself derived from the absolute pronoun signifying himself. The young Fellowcraft is the representative of a student of the sciences, and to him the letter G represents the science of Geometry."
387 - Is the Temple merely a symbol in Masonry, or an historical building?
- Gates of the Temple. In the system of Freemasonry, the Temple of Solomon is represented as having a gate on the east, west, and south sides but none on the north. In reference to the historical Temple of Jerusalem, such a representation is wholly incorrect. In the walls of the building itself there were no places of entrance except the door of the porch, which gave admission to the house. But in the surrounding courts there were gates at every point of the compass. The Masonic idea of the Temple is, however, entirely symbolic. The Temple is to the Speculative Mason only a symbol, not an historical building, and the gates are imaginary and symbolic also. They are, in the first place, symbols of the progress of the sun in his daily course, rising in the east, culminating to the meridian in the south, and setting in the west. They are also, in the allegory of life, which it is the object of the third degree to illustrate, symbols of the three stages of youth, manhood, and old age, or, more properly of birth, life, and death.
388 - What is the symbolism of the gavel?
- Gavel. An emblem in the degree of Entered Apprentice. It is a hammer with an edge such as is used by stone masons to break off the corners of stones, in preparing them for the builder's use. In the Masonic system it is employed as a symbol by which the Mason is constantly admonished to divest his mind and conscience of all the vices and errors of life, thereby fitting his body as a living stone for that building "that house not made with hands - eternal in the heavens." It is also an emblem of authority, and is used by the Master in governing the Lodge. It is sometimes erroneously confounded with the setting maul, which is quite a different instrument. It borrows its name from its shape, being that of the gable or gavel end of a house; and this word again comes from the German gip f el, a summit, top or peak - the idea of a pointed extremity being common to all. The form of the gavel used by the presiding officer of a Masonic Lodge varies in different sections of the country. Among our French and Spanish brethren, it is familiarly known as the president's hammer. The stone mason's hammer is the appropriate emblem of authority in the hand of the Master of the Lodge. The gavel is also called a Hiram.
389 - What is the origin of the General Regulations of Ancient Craft Masonry?
- General Regulations. The General Regulations are those that have been enacted by such bodies as had at the time universal jurisdiction over the craft. By the concurring consent of all Masonic jurists, it is agreed that the regulations adopted previous to the year 1721 shall be considered as general in their nature; because all the Masonic authorities established since that period have derived their existence, either directly or indirectly, from the Grand Lodge of England, which was organized in 1717, and hence the regulations adopted by that body, at the period of its organization, and immediately afterwards, or by its predecessors, the annual General Assemblies of the craft, were of universal authority at the time of their adoption. But soon after 1721, other Grand Lodges were established with equal powers to make regulations for their own jurisdictions, and hence the subsequent enactments of the Grand Lodge of England ceased to be of force in those new and independent jurisdictions, and they therefore lost their character of universality.
390 - How was the term "Gentleman Mason" employed?
- Gentleman Mason. In some of the old lectures of the last century this title is used as equivalent to Speculative Freemason. Thus they had the following catechism:
- Q. What do you learn by being a Gentleman Mason?
- A. Secrecy, Morality, and Good Fellowship.
- Q. What do you learn by being an Operative Mason?
- A. Hew, Square, Mould stone, lay a Level, and raise a Perpendicular." Hence we see that Gentleman Mason was in contrast with Operative Mason.
391 - Of what is the act of kneeling a token?
- Genuflexion. A bending of the knee, or kneeling. The act of kneeling has, among all people, and in all ages, been a token of reverence, a sign of dependence, supplication, and humility.
392 - What is the geographical jurisdiction of a Lodge?
- Geographical Jurisdiction. The geographical jurisdiction of a Lodge is that penal jurisdiction which it exercises over the territory within which it is situated, and extends to all the Masons, affiliated and unaffiliated, who live within that territory.
As to the local extent of this jurisdiction, it is universally supposed to extend to a point equally distant from the adjacent Lodge. Thus, if two Lodges are situated within twenty miles of each other, the geographical jurisdiction of each will extend ten miles from its seat in the direction of the other Lodge. But in this case both Lodges must be situated in the same State, and hold their warrants from the same Grand Lodge; for it is a settled point of Masonic law that no Lodge can extend its geographical jurisdiction beyond the territorial limits of its own Grand Lodge. Thus, if of two Lodges, twenty miles distant from each other, one is situated in Georgia, five miles from the boundary line between that State and Alabama, and the other in Alabama, fifteen miles from the line, then the jurisdiction of the Georgia Lodge will not cross over the boundary, but will be restricted to the five miles which are between it and the line, while the fifteen miles which are between that line and the Alabama Lodge will be within the penal jurisdiction of the latter body. 393 - What is the relation of Geometry to Freemasonry?
- Geometry. Among the mathematical sciences, geometry is the one which has the most especial reference to architecture, and we can, there fore, under the name of geometry, understand the whole art of Free masonry. In Anderson's Book of Constitutions, Freemasonry is frequently called geometry, and of the latter he said that the whole being of the Order is comprehended in it. Freemasons therefore ought to make themselves intimately acquainted with . geometry. It is not absolutely necessary to be able to delineate geometrical figures, but it is necessary to be able to deduce all our actions, works, or resolutions from geometrical principles.
394 - Who were the Ghiblimites?
- Ghiblim. The Ghiblimites were expert operative Masons, who understood the science of geometrical proportion in its practical applications and were cemented in their lodges by the morality of its detached and component parts.
395 - How did the expression "riding the goat" originate?
- Goat, Riding the. The vulgar idea that "riding the goat" constitutes a part of the ceremonies of initiation in a Masonic lodge has its real origin in the superstition of antiquity. The old Greeks and Romans portrayed their mystical god Pan in horns and hoofs and shaggy hide, and called him "goat footed." When the demonology of the classics was adopted and modified by the early Christians, Pan gave way to Satan, who naturally inherited his attributes; so that to the common mind the Devil was represented by a he goat and his best known marks were the horns, the beard, and the cloven hoofs. Then came the witch stories of the Middle Ages, and the belief in the witch orgies, where, it was said, the Devil appeared riding on a goat. These orgies of the witches, where amid fearfully blasphemous ceremonies, they practiced initiation into their Satanic rites, became, to the vulgar and illiterate, the type of the Masonic mysteries: for, as Dr. Oliver says, it was in England a common belief that the Freemasons were accustomed in their lodges "to raise the Devil." So the "riding of the Goat" which was believed to be practiced by the witches, was transferred to the Free masons; and the saying remains to this day, although the belief hap very long since died out.
396 - Why cannot an atheist become a Mason?
- God. A belief in the existence of God is an essential point of Speculative Masonry - so essential, indeed, that it is a landmark of the. Order that no Atheist can be made a Mason. Nor is this left to an inference; for a specific declaration to that effect is demanded as an indispensable preparation for initiation. And hence Hutchinson says that the worship of God "was the first and corner stone on which our originals thought it expedient to place the foundation of Masonry." The religion of Masonry is cosmopolitan, universal; but the required belief in God is not incompatible with this universality; for it is the belief of all peoples. "Be assured," says Godfrey Higgins, "that God is equally present with the pious Hindoo in the temple, the Jew in the synagogue, the Mohammedan in the mosque, and the Christian in the church." There never has been a time since the revival of Freemasonry, when this belief in God as superintending power did not form a part of the system. The very earliest rituals that are extant, going back almost to the beginning of the eighteenth century, contain precisely the same question as to the trust in God which is found in those of the present day; and the oldest manuscript, Constitutions, dating as far back as the fifteenth century at least, all commence with, or contain, an invocation to the "Mighty Father of Heaven." There never was a time when the dogma did not form an essential part of the Masonic system.
God is the highest and most perfect intelligence: in Him all things exist, and from Him all things depend. The belief in God is not the result of teaching, not the result of the exercise of reason, not a deduction from the order and regularity of the universe; for faith in a Supreme Being was universal among men in the infancy of the race, and before the human mind was capable of that power of analysis, or had attained to that degree of science which this study of the universe and of the laws of nature supposes. As the notion of an Infinite Being transcends the circle of sensible and material objects, and is clearly beyond the power of a finite being to create, therefore that notion must have been communicated directly to man by God himself. Man believes in a God, therefore God exists; because, were there no God the notion of such a being could not exist. The crowning attribute of man, and what distinguishes him from the brute, is not the faculty of reason; for that, the brute has in common with man; but the power of seeing and aspiring to the ideal. Thus man had no sooner looked upon the grandeur, and glory, and beauty of the world, than he saw enthroned far above the world that which was vaster, more beautiful, more glorious than the world, the Ideal, that is to say, God. Therefore, Freemasonry accepts the idea of God, as a supreme fact, and bars its gates with inflexible sternness against those who deny his existence. No atheist can become a Mason. 397 - What is the member who introduces a candidate in France called?
- Godfather. In French Lodges the member who introduces a candidate for initiation is called his "parrain," or "godfather."
398 - What three pillars of Masonry are named by the letters "G. O. D.?"
- G. O. D. The initials of Gomer, Oz, Dabar. It is a singular coincidence, and worthy of thought, that the letters composing the English name of Deity should be the initials of the Hebrew words wisdom, strength, and beauty; the three great pillars, or metaphorical supports, of Masonry. They seem to present almost the only reason that can reconcile a Mason to the use of the initial "G" in its conspicuous suspension in the East of the Lodge in place of the Delta. The incident seems to be more than an accident.
- Dabar, Wisdom, D.
- Oz, Strength, O.
- Gomer, Beauty, G.
399 - Why is the Masonic apron compared with the Golden Fleece?
- Golden Fleece. In the lecture of the first degree, it is said of the Mason's apron, that it is "more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter." The reference is here evidently not to the Argonautic expedition in search of the golden fleece, nor to the deluge, of which that event is supposed to have been a figure, as Dr. Oliver incorrectly supposes, but to certain decorations of honor with which the apron is compared. The eagle was to the Romans the ensign of imperial power; the Order of the Golden Fleece was of high repute as an Order of Knighthood. It was established in Flanders, in 129, by the Duke of Burgundy, who selected the fleece for its badge because wool was the staple production of the country. It has ever been considered, says Clark, one of the most illustrious Orders in Europe. The Order of the Garter was, and is still, considered the highest decoration that can be bestowed upon a subject by a sovereign of Great Britain. Thus, the apron is proudly compared with the noblest decorations of ancient Rome and of modern Europe. But the Masons may have been also influenced in their selection, of a reference to the Golden Fleece, by the fact that in the Middle Ages it was one of the most important symbols of the Hermetic philosophers.
400 - Why do Masons observe the Golden Rule?
- Golden Rule. Freemasonry recommends the practice of the Golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do to you, not so much to preserve the peace and order of civil society (which notwithstanding it cannot fail to do) as to inspire in our own bosoms, a love of virtue and good will to man.
401 - Who was called the Good Shepherd?
- Good Shepherd. Our Saviour called himself the Good Shepherd. Thus, in St. John's Gospel (x. 14, 15, 16), he says: "I am the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd." Hence, in Masonic as well as in Christian symbolism, Christ is naturally called the Good Shepherd.
402 - Where did the Grand Lodge of England hold its first meeting?
- Goose and Gridiron. An alehouse with this sign, in London House Yard at the north end of St. Paul's. In 1717 the Lodge of Antiquity met at the Goose and Gridiron, and it was there that the first quarterly communication of the Grand Lodge of England, after the revival of 1717, was held on the 24th of June, 1717.
403 - How are the grades of Masonic rank defined?
- Grades of Rank. Many persons have endeavored to substantiate their objections to the institution of Freemasonry from the admitted dogma that its members meet on a level; whence they conclude that the system abolishes all human distinctions and promises to disorganize society, and reduce it to its primitive elements. But it does no such thing. There is, in fact, no other institution where the grades of rank are better defined and preserved. The Worshipful Master sits in the east. For what purpose is he placed there? Why, to rule and govern his lodge. And he is invested with power even to despotism, should he consider it safe to use it, and the Wardens are his assistants, not his equals. Each has a particular duty assigned to him, and beyond that, he has no right to interfere. The next grade are the Deacons. And what is their duty? Not, surely, to rank in equality with the Master and Wardens, but to perform the part of inferiors in office, to carry messages and commands. It is their province to attend on the Master, and to assist the Wardens in the active duties of the lodge, such as the reception of candidates into the different degrees of Masonry, and the immediate practice of our rites. This is the business of the Deacons; and by its punctual discharge, the office becomes a stepping stone to further preferment, for as it is incumbent on a brother to serve the office of a Warden, before he is eligible for the chair of a lodge, so it would be well if the office of a Deacon were preparatory to that of a Warden. The Treasurer, the Secretary, the Stewards, and the Tiler all have their respective duties to perform, and rank to support; while the brethren are bound to obey the will and pleasure of the Master.
404 - What is the usual Masonic name for the Deity?
- Grand Architect. This Most High Being ought to be duly revered by every brother as the Great Architect of heaven and earth, and his name ought never to be spoken but with the greatest humility and reverence. It is not improper, when we are always speaking of Masonry, to call God the Great Architect of heaven and earth, as we also call him the Lord of lords and King of kings. Every one, even those who are not Freemasons, call him the Creator of heaven and of earth. He has created everything that we can see; and it is certain that he has created many things which we have not power to see; and when the brethren strive to adorn his greatest work - when they assist in carrying on the spiritual temple in the manner he has ordained - they most assuredly fulfill his holy law.
405 - What is the office and function of Grand Chaplain?
- Grand Chaplain. This is an office of very modern date. No allusion to such an officer is to be found in any of the old Constitutions, and Preston informs us that it was instituted on the 1st of May, 1775, on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the Freemasons' Hall in London. A sense of propriety has, however, notwithstanding its want of antiquity, since caused this office to be universally recognized by the Grand Lodges of this country, some of whom have in creased the number of Grand Chaplains from one to several.
The duties of the Grand Chaplain are confined to offering up prayer at the communications of the Grand Lodge, and conducting its devotional exercises on public occasions. He is, by virtue of his office, a member of the Grand Lodge, and entitled to a seat and a vote. The only qualifications generally required appear to be that he should be a Master Mason, in good standing in his Lodge, and a recognized clergyman of some religious denomination. 406 - What is the history and function of the office of Grand Deacon?
- Grand Deacon. The office of Grand Deacon is of more modern origin than that of any other officer in the Grand Lodge. I can find no reference to it in any of the old Regulations, in Anderson, or any subsequent edition of the Book of Constitutions, in Preston's Illustrations, or in Lawrie's History. By the Regulations of 1721, the duties of the Grand Deacons seem to have been divided between the Grand Wardens and the Stewards; nor is a place appropriated in any of the processions described in the various works already cited. They are first found in a procession which took place in 1831, recorded by Oliver, in his Continuation of Preston's History. But they have since been placed among the officers of the Grand Lodge in the Constitutions of England, Scotland and Ireland.
In America, the office has an older date; for Grand Deacons are recorded as being present in a procession of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, in 1783, the account of which is to be found in Smith's "Ahiman Rezon." They are also mentioned among the officers of the Grand Lodge in the Constitution adopted in 1797 by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. I know not whence the anomaly arose of these officers existing in Grand Lodges of America in the eighteenth century, while they are not to be found in those of Great Britain until late in the nineteenth. They could scarcely have been derived from the Athol Grand Lodge, since the York Masons of South Carolina had no such officers in 1807, when Dalcho published the first edition of his "Ahiman Rezon." Be this as it may, the office is now recognized in all the Grand Lodges of this country. The Grand Deacons are generally two in number, a Senior, who is usually appointed by the Grand Master, and a Junior, who receives his appointment from the Senior Grand Warden. It is their province to attend upon the Grand Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the Grand Lodge. Their duties differ but little from those of the corresponding officers in a subordinate Lodge. 407 - Why is the seat of a Grand Lodge known as the Grand East?
- Grand East. The city in which the Grand Lodge, or other governing Masonic body is situated, and whence its official documents emanate, is called the Grand East. Thus a document issued by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts would be dated from the "Grand East of Boston," or if from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, it would be the "Grand East of New Orleans." The place where a Grand Lodge meets is therefore called a Grand East. The word is in constant use on the continent of Europe and in America, but seldom employed in England, Scotland, or Ireland.
The East with Masons has a peculiar meaning. It is well known that the sciences first rose in the East, and that the resplendent orb of light from that quarter proclaims the glory of the day. "And behold the Glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the East, and his voice was like the noise of many waters; the earth shined with his glory. The East Gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened; and no,man shall enter by it, because the Glory of the God of Israel hath entered by it. It is for the Prince." If 408 - What is the office and function of Grand Lecturer?
- Grand Lecturer. The office of Grand Lecturer is one of great importance; perhaps there is none so important in the whole series of offices which constitute the controlling element of a Grand Lodge. He is the recognized teacher of the Masonic system, and it is by his faithful instructions alone that unity can be maintained in the methods of communicating our ritual.
"This unity," says a distinguished Mason, Bro. Sandford, of Iowa, "makes the world a Mason's home, and raising him high above geographical divisions and the obstacles of language and religion, secures him protection and repose wherever fate or fortune may direct his steps. Without it, our grand fabric of universal benevolence, which has withstood the storms of numerous centuries, would be shattered to atoms in a single age." I presume that it will be admitted by every intelligent Mason, that Bro. Sandford has not placed too high an estimate on the importance of a uniformity of work. If Masonry contain within itself anything worthy of the study of intellectual men - if our theories of its antiquity be not fallacious - if our legends and ceremonies and symbols are not, as one class of our opponents have declared them to be, the puerile amusements of a past age of dreamers - then surely it is the bounden duty of the supreme head of the Order, in every jurisdiction, to preserve those legends and ceremonies and symbols as pure and unsullied by error and innovation as they were when received. It is a part of the covenant into which we have all entered, and to which we are all bound by the most solemn obligations, to preserve the ancient Landmarks which have been intrusted to our care, and never to suffer them to be infringed, or to countenance a deviation from the established usages and customs of the fraternity. This, it appears to me, is the most prominent and especial duty of a Grand Lodge. It is the conservator of the Order in its own jurisdiction, and is expected by all the sanctions of justice and reason to hand down to its successors the rites and ceremonies of the institution, as it received them from its predecessors. Unless it does this, it is recreant to its trust. It may dispense charity - it may endow colleges - it may decide disputes - it may invent financial systems, or legislate for general purposes - but unless it shall take constant and careful precautions for preserving the ancient Landmarks, and disseminating among the craft a uniformity of work and lectures, according to the true system, it will be neglecting the principal design of its organization, and will become a "cruel" instead of a "gentle mother" to its children. Under an administration which shall totally abandon all supervision of the ritual, and devise no means of teaching it, the very identity of Masonry would soon altogether be extinguished, and Lodges would speedily de generate into social clubs. 409 - What qualifications are necessary for a candidate for the office of Grand Lecturer?
- Grand Lecturer, Qualifications of. Not only should the authority of the Grand Lecturer as a Masonic teacher be sovereign and undivided in his jurisdiction, and the tenure of his office permanent, so that the craft may not be annually subjected to changes in the form and sub stance of the instruction that they receive, but, above all, he should be fully competent, by previous study, to discharge the duties of his high calling.
No man can be qualified as a Grand Lecturer unless he has devoted his time, his talent, and his labor to the arduous, though pleasant, task of Masonic study. The old Romans had a proverb that a Mercury could not be made out of any kind of wood, and neither can a Grand Lecturer be manufactured out of any kind of Mason. A Masonic teacher requires qualifications of the highest character. A profound knowledge of the ritual is, of course, essential; and this alone is to be acquired only after the most laborious study, aided by the adventitious assistance of an excellent and retentive memory. But to this must be added, if we would give dignity to the office, or confer a benefit on the pupils whom he is to teach, an education above the common standard, a cultivated intellect, an acquaintance with that ancient language from whose records our system is derived, a familiarity with history and antiquities, and an extent of reading and power of mind which will enable him to trace the symbolism of our Order through all its progress, from the ancient priesthood of Egypt, the mysteries of Greece and Asia and the kabbala of Palestine. It may be said that the standard is here placed too high, and that few will be found to reach it. Better, then, would it be to do without a Lecturer than to have an incompetent one; and I know of no less amount of learning that would make a Masonic teacher, such as a Masonic teacher should be. But moreover, by placing the standard of qualifications high, intellectual men would be found to work up to it; while, by placing it lower, ignorant men would readily avail themselves of the privileges that so low a standard would present. The "consummation devoutly to be wished" in Masonry is, that none but learned men should become Masonic teachers. The old Constitutions do not recognize the office of Grand Lecturer òunder that name; but it has always existed, and its duties were per formed in the eighteenth century by some of the most learned men of the order. Anderson, Desaguliers, Martin Clare, Hutchinson and Preston were all, in the strict sense of the word, Grand Lecturers, and discharged the duties of the office with great benefit to the craft. 410 - What are the powers of a Grand Lodge?
- Grand Lodge. This governing body consists of a Grand Master with a full staff of officers, and the Masters and Wardens, of every warranted lodge. In the Grand Lodge, besides the power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Craft, and of altering, repealing, and abrogating them (provided that they continue to pre serve the ancient landmarks of the Order) the Grand Lodge has also the inherent power of investigating, regulating, and deciding all matters relative to the Craft or to particular lodges, or to individual brothers, which it may exercise either by itself or by such delegated authority as, in its wisdom and discretion, it may appoint; but in the Grand Lodge alone resides the power of erasing lodges, and passing upon appeals from decisions of Masters and constituent lodges.
411 - May an Entered Apprentice attend Grand Lodge?
- Grand Lodge Attendance. Entered Apprentices formerly had the right of being present at the communications of the Grand Lodge, or General Assembly, and taking part in its deliberations. In fact, it is expressly prescribed, in the last of the Regulations of 1721, that none of these important laws can be altered, or any new General Regulations made, until the alteration or the new regulation is submitted to all the Brethren, "even the youngest Entered Apprentice." But this rule is now obsolete, because, being founded on the fact that Apprentices were then the body of the craft, and they being no longer so, the reason of the law having ceased, the law also ceases.
412 - Is the possession of a Grand Lodge Certificate conclusive evidence of the good standing of its possessor?
- Grand Lodge Certificates. Intimately connected with the subject of the right of visit is that of Grand Lodge certificates. The propriety of any Regulation requiring such a document as a necessary preliminary to a visit, has, within the last few years, been warmly agitated by several of the Grand Lodges of this country; and some of them, denying its antiquity, have abolished the Regulation in their own jurisdictions. It is, however, surprising that any writer professing to be acquainted with the history of the institution, should for a moment deny the great antiquity and universality of the law which has required every strange Brother to furnish the Lodge which he intends to visit with a certificate of his good standing in the Lodge and the jurisdiction from which he hails.
The Regulation was certainly in force two centuries ago; for we have he evidence of that fact in the Regulation adopted in the General Assembly in 1663, under the Grand Mastership of the Earl of St. Albans, in the following explicit language: "No person hereafter, who shall be accepted a Freemason, shall be admitted into any Lodge or assembly, until he has brought a certificate of the time and place of his acceptation from the Lodge that accepted him, unto the Master of that limit or division where such a Lodge is kept." From that time, at least, the Regulation has been strictly observed in the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, and many of the older Grand Lodges of this country. Several other Grand Lodges, however, whose Constitutions are of a later date, have, as I have al ready observed, abolished it, and decline to furnish their members with such certificates. There may be a doubt whether a Masonic certificate, not renewable, but given to its possessor for his life, is of any real value in establishing his Masonic standing, except at the time that he received it; but there can be no doubt that the Regulation requiring one to be given is one of the most ancient written laws of the Order. Under any circumstances, it must, however, be recollected that a Grand Lodge certificate is to be considered only as a collateral evidence of the good standing of its possessor, preparatory to an examination in the legal way; and hence the Regulation adopted by the Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 1848 seems to be a reasonable one, namely, that where the visitor, being without a certificate, can furnish other sufficient evidence of his Masonic standing, and assign a satisfactory reason for his being without a certificate, the Lodge which he proposes to visit may proceed to his examination. 413 - What is the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge?
- Grand Lodges, Jurisdiction of. At first there were no clear nor well defined notions in regard to the territorial jurisdiction of Grand Lodges. Until within a few years each Grand Lodge claimed the right to constitute lodges in any part of the world. At the time of the breaking out of our Revolutionary War the Grand Lodges of England, Ire land, and Scotland had lodges in Massachusetts and other colonies. The principle, however, is now well settled that the Grand Lodge of a Province or State has exclusive jurisdiction within such territory, and that no other Grand Lodge can legally charter lodges therein. A Grand Lodge is supreme over its own affairs. There is no Masonic authority or power above it: it is subject only to the unchangeable laws of the Order, the acknowledged constitutions, and the Ancient Landmarks.
414 - How is a Grand Lodge organized?
- Grand Lodges, Organization of. A Grand Lodge consists of the Master and Wardens of all the lodges under its jurisdiction and such Past Masters as may be elected members. The officers are a Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplain, Senior Grand Deacon, Junior Grand Deacon, Grand Stewards, Grand Marshal, Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Pursuivant, Grand Sword Bearer and Grand Tiler. In a country or state where there is no Grand Lodge three or more legal lodges may meet in convention and organize a Grand Lodge. Then these lodges surrender their charters to the Grand Lodges from which they received them, and take others from the new Grand Lodge.
415 - What is the usual procedure of a Grand Lodge in conducting a Masonic trial?
- Grand Lodge Trials. Trials in a Grand Lodge are to be con ducted on the same general principles as in private Lodges; but here, in consequence of the largeness of the body, and the inconvenience which would result from holding the examinations in open Lodge, and in the presence of all the members, it is more usual to appoint a committee, be fore whom the case is tried, and upon whose full report of the testimony the Grand Lodge bases its action. And the forms of trial in such committees must conform, in all respects, to the general usage already de tailed.
416 - What is the office and function of Grand Marshal?
- Grand Marshal. The first allusion that I find to this office is in the second edition of the Book of Constitutions, where, under the date of 1730, a procession is described, which was closed by "Marshal Pyne, with his truncheon blew, tipt with gold." But as throughout the remainder of the book, and all the subsequent editions, the allusion is not repeated, I am led to suppose that this was simply a temporary appointment of an officer to keep order, without any reference to Masonic rank. There is no such officer in the present Grand Lodge of England, and the office is unknown in several of the American jurisdictions.
The duty of the Grand Marshal in those Grand Lodges which recognize the office is simply to arrange the processions of the Grand Lodge, and to preserve order, according to the forms prescribed. 417 - What are the powers and privileges of a Grand Master?
- Grand Master. The presiding officer of the symbolic degrees in a jurisdiction. He presides, of course, over the Grand Lodge, and has the right not only to be present, but also to preside in every Lodge, with the Master of the Lodge on his left hand, and to order his Grand War dens to attend him, and act as Wardens in that particular Lodge. He has the right of visiting the lodges and inspecting their books and mode of work as often as he pleases, or, if unable to do so, he may depute his Grand officers to act for him. He has the power of granting dispensation for the formation of new lodges; which dispensations are of force until revoked by himself or the Grand Lodge. He may also grant dispensations for several other purposes. Formerly, the Grand Master appointed his Grand officers, but this regulation has been repealed, and the Grand officers are now all elected by the Grand Lodges.
When the Grand Master visits a lodge, he must be received with the greatest respect, and the Master of the Lodge should always offer him the chair, which the Grand Master may or may not accept at his pleasure. Should the Grand Master die, or be absent from the jurisdiction during his term of office, the Deputy Grand Master assumes his powers, or, if there be no Deputy, then the Grand Wardens according to seniority. 418 - What is the origin and history of the office of Grand Master?
- Grand Master, Office of. The office of Grand Master is one of such antiquity as to be coeval with the very origin of the institution, whether we look at that origin in a traditional or in an historical point of view. There never has been a time in which the Order has not been governed by a chief presiding officer under this name.
From this fact we derive the important principle that the office of Grand Master is independent of the Grand Lodge, and that all his prerogatives and duties, so far as they are connected generally with the craft, are inherent in the office, and not derived from, nor amenable to, any modern Constitutions. The whole records of our written and traditional history show that Grand Masters have repeatedly existed without a Grand Lodge, but never a Grand Lodge without a Grand Master. And this is because the connection of the Grand Master is essentially with the craft at large, and only incidentally with the Grand Lodge. He is neither elected, in stalled, nor saluted as the "Grand Master of the Grand Lodge," but as the "Grand Master of Masons"; and if the institution, so far as relates to its present organization, was again to be resolved into the condition which it occupied previous to the year 1717, and the Grand Lodge were to be abolished, in consequence of the resumption by the subordinate Lodges of their original prerogatives, the office of Grand Master would be unaffected by such revolution, and that officer would still remain in possession of all his powers, because his office is inseparable from the existence of the fraternity, and he would be annually elected as formerly, by the craft in their "General Assembly." In accordance with these views, we find Anderson recording that in the year 926, at the city of York, Prince Edwin, as Grand Master, summoned the craft, who then "composed a Grand Lodge, of which he was the Grand Master." The Grand Lodge did not constitute him as their Grand Master, for the appointment of Grand Master, according to the record, preceded the organization of the Grand Lodge. Again: both Anderson and Preston show us a long list of Grand Masters who were not even elected by the Grand Lodge, but held their appointment from the King. In 1663, a Regulation was adopted, declaring "that, for the future, the fraternity of Freemasons shall be regulated and governed by one Grand Master, and as many Wardens as the said society shall think fit to appoint at every annual General Assembly," which Assembly, it must be recollected, was not, as now, a Grand Lodge, consisting of the representatives of Lodges, but a mass meeting of all the members of the craft. Again: an attentive perusal of the history of the present organization of Grand Lodges on St. John the Baptist's day, 1717, will show that the craft first, in General Assembly, elected their Grand Master, who then appointed his Wardens, and established a Grand Lodge, by summoning the Masters and Wardens of the Lodges to meet him in quarterly communication. In short, everything of an authentic nature in the history of Masonry shows that the Grand Master is the officer and the organ of the craft in general, and not of the Grand Lodge, and that although for purposes of convenience, the fraternity have, for the last one hundred and thirty five years, conceded to their Masters and Wardens in Grand Lodge convened the privilege of electing him for them, such concession does not impair his, rights, nor destroy the intimate and immediate connection which exists between him and the craft at large, to whom alone he can be said to have any rightful responsibility. 419 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to assem bling Masons into Lodges?
- Grand Master's Power of Congregating Masons. Analogous to the dispensing power is the prerogative which the Grand Master possesses of authorizing Masons to congregate together and form a Lodge. According to the Regulations of 1721, and the modern Constitutions of England, the Grand Master has the power to grant warrants for the permanent establishment of Lodges, by warrant of constitution. But in this country this prerogative has not, for many years, been exercised by Grand Masters, who only grant their authority for the holding of Lodges temporarily, until the next communication of the Grand Lodge. Hence, as no Lodge can be legally held, except under a warrant of constitution, granted by a Grand Lodge, when the Grand Master permits such an assemblage, he suspends for a time the operation of the law; and for this reason the document issued by him for this purpose is very appropriately called a dispensation, for it is simply a permission or license granted to certain brethren to dispense with the law requiring a warrant, and to meet and work masonically without such an instrument.
420 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to his power of convening Grand Lodge?
- Grand Master's Power of Convening Grand Lodge. The Grand Master has the right to convene the Grand Lodge on any special occasion, at such time and place as he may deem expedient. The Constitution of the Grand Lodge necessarily must designate a time and place for the annual communication, which it is not in the power of the Grand Master to change. But on the occurrence of any emergency, which may, in his opinion, render a special communication necessary, the Grand Master possesses the prerogative of convoking Grand Lodge, and may select such time and place for the convocation as he deems most convenient or appropriate. This prerogative has been so repeatedly exercised by Grand Masters, from the earliest times to the present day, that it seems to be unnecessary to furnish any specific precedents out of the multitude that the most cursory reading of the old records would supply.
421 - What is the Grand Master's prerogative with regards to the arrest of the charter of a Lodge?
- Grand Master's Prerogative of Arrest of Charter. An important prerogative of the Grand Master is that of arresting the charter of a subordinate Lodge. To arrest the charter, is a technical phrase, by which is meant to suspend the work of a Lodge - to prevent it from holding its usual communications, and to forbid it to transact any business, of to do any work. A Grand Master cannot revoke the warrant of a Lodge; for this, as I have already shown, is the peculiar prerogative of the Grand Lodge. But if, in his opinion the good of Masonry, or any other sufficient cause requires it, he may suspend the operation of the warrant until the next communication of the Grand Lodge, which body is alone competent to revise or approve of his action. But this prerogative of the Grand Master, as it deprives a Lodge of its activity and usefulness for a period of some duration, and inflicts some portion of disgrace upon the body which has subjected itself to such discipline, should be exercised with the utmost caution and reluctance.
422 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to dispensations?
- Grand Master's Prerogative of Dispensation. One of the most important prerogatives of a Grand Master is that of granting dispensations. A dispensation may be defined to be "the granting of a license, or the license itself, to do what is forbidden by laws or regulation, or to omit something which is commanded; that is, the dispensing with a law or regulation, or the exemption of a particular person from the obligation to comply with its injunctions." This power to dispense with the provisions of law in particular cases appears to be inherent in the Grand Master, because, although frequently referred to in the Old Regulations, it always is as if it were a power already in existence, and never by way of a new grant. There is no record of any Masonic statute or constitutional provision conferring this prerogative in distinct words. The instances, however, in which this prerogative may be exercised are clearly enumerated in various places of the Old Constitutions, so that there can be no difficulty in understanding to what extent the prerogative extends.
Thus, one of the Regulations of 1721 prescribes that "no Lodge shall make more than five new brethren at one time"; but the Grand Master may grant his dispensation to authorize any Lodge on a particular occasion to go beyond this number. Again, in another Regulation it is enacted that "no man can be made or admitted a member of a particular Lodge without previous notice one month before"; but here the Grand Master may interfere with his dispensing power, and permit a candidate to be made without such previous notice. Another Regulation prescribes that "no set or number of brethren shall withdraw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made brethren, or were afterwards admitted members, unless the Lodge becomes too numerous, nor even then, without a dispensation." But this Regulation has long since become obsolete, and Masons now demit from their Lodges without the necessity of asking a dispensation. In fact, as the law is no longer in force, no authority is needed to dispense with its injunctions. The Twelfth Regulation of 1721 prescribes that none but members of the Grand Lodge shall be permitted to be present at its quarterly communications, except by dispensation. The Grand Master is thus authorized to set aside the provisions of the law for the benefit of a particular individual, and this right of the Grand Master to admit strangers as visitors in the Grand Lodge is still recognized as one of his prerogatives. Besides these particular instances of the exercise of the dispensing power which are referred to in the Old Regulations, there are many others which arise from the nature of the prerogative, and which have been sanctioned by immemorial usage. Thus, when a Lodge has neglected to elect its officers at the constitutional time of election, or having elected them, has failed to proceed to installation, the Grand Master may, on application, issue his dispensation, authorizing the election or installation to take place at some time subsequent to the constitutional period. And without such dispensation, no election or installation could take place; but the old officers would have to continue in office until the next regular time of election, for no Lodge can perform any act at any other time, or in any other mode, except that which is provided by its by laws, or the Regulations of the Grand Lodge, unless in a particular case a dispensation is granted to set aside for the time the provisions of the law. Again: although no one can serve as Master of a Lodge, unless he has previously acted as a Warden, yet in particular cases, as in the organization of a new Lodge, or when, in an old Lodge, no one who has been a Warden is willing to serve as Master, the Grand Master may grant his dispensation, empowering the members to elect a Master from the floor. But as it is a principle of the law that the benignity of the Grand Master must not affect the rights of third parties, no dispensation can issue for the election from the floor, if there be a Warden or Past War den who is willing to serve; for eligibility to the chair is one of the prerogatives which arises from having served in the office of Warden, and a dispensation cannot set aside a prerogative. By the operation of the same equitable principle, the Grand Master is prohibited from issuing a dispensation to authorize the initiation of a person who has been rejected by a Lodge; for it is the inherent right of a Lodge to judge of the fitness of its own members, and the Grand Master cannot, by the exercise of his dispensing power, interfere with this inherent right. 423 - What is the prerogative of the Grand Master with respect to presiding over the Craft?
- Grand Master's Prerogative of Presiding. The Grand Master has the right to preside over every assembly of the craft, wheresoever and whensoever held. This is a Landmark of the Order, and consequently the right of the Grand Master to preside at all meetings of the Grand Lodge, which is derived from it, is an inherent right, of which no constitutional provision can deprive him. From this prerogative is also derived the principle that the Grand Master may assume the chair of any private Lodge in which he may be present, and govern the Lodge as its Master. He is also, by virtue of the same prerogative, the chair man of every committee of the Grand Lodge which he may choose to attend. He is, in brief, the head of the craft in his own jurisdiction, and cannot, at any meeting of the fraternity for Masonic purposes, be placed, without his consent, in a subordinate position.
424 - What is the Grand Master's prerogative with respect to voting in Grand Lodge?
- Grand Master's Prerogative of Voting. The Twelfth Regulation of 1721 gave the Grand Master the prerogative of casting two votes in all questions before the Grand Lodge. The words of the Regulation are, it is true, very explicit, and would seem to leave no doubt upon its face; and yet I am scarcely inclined to believe that under all circumstances that officer was permitted to vote twice, while every other member voted but once. Contemporaneous exposition, however, supplies no aid in the interpretation of the law; for I have looked in vain through the earlier editions of the Book of Constitutions for any further reference to the subject. The modern Grand Lodge of England retains the very words of the Old Regulations; but in this country, where it has principally been preserved by usage, it is so interpreted as that the Grand Master gives his second vote only in the case of a tie, and this, I suspect, was the object of the original law.
425 - What three important events in Scripture are designated as the three grand offerings of Masonry?
- Grand Offerings. According to the English system of lectures, three important events recorded in Scripture are designated as the three grand offerings of Masonry, because they are said to have occurred on Mount Moriah, which symbolically represents the ground floor of the Lodge. These three grand offerings are as follows: The first grand offering was when Abraham prepared to offer up his son Isaac; the second was when David built an altar to stay the pestilence with which his people were afflicted; and the third was when Solomon dedicated to Jehovah the Temple which he had completed.
426 - How may Grand Officers be removed from office?
- Grand Officers. None of the grand officers can be removed, unless for reasons which appear sufficient to the Grand Lodge; but, should the Grand Master be dissatisfied with the conduct of any of his grand officers he may submit the case to the Grand Lodge; and should it appear to the majority of the brethren present that the complaint be well founded, he may displace such grand officer, and nominate another.
427 - What are the office and function of Grand Pursuivant?
- Grand Pursuivant. In the science of heraldry, a Pursuivant is the lowest order of officers at arms, and is, as the title implies, an attendant on the heralds. The office is unknown to the English Constitutions of Masonry, either ancient or modern, and appears to be peculiar to this country, where it is to be found in a large number of Grand Lodges, whose Regulations are, however, generally silent as to the nature of the functions to be discharged.
The "Ahiman Rezon" of South Carolina says that his station is near the door, whence he receives all reports from the Grand Tiler, and announces the name and Masonic rank of all who desire admission, seeing that none enter without their appropriate decorations. He combines therefcre, in part, the duties of the Junior Deacon with those of a gentleman usher. I have already said that the office is modern, as no allusion to it is to be found in any of the old Regulations. The appointment is generally vested in the Grand Master. 428 - What is the nature and function of the office of Grand Secretary?
- Grand Secretary. The Regulations of 1721 had described the duties to be performed by the Grand Secretary; but from the organization of the Grand Lodge in 1717, to the year 1723, no such officer had been appointed. In the last mentioned year, however, Bro. William Cowper was chosen by the Grand Lodge. The office was therefore first an elective one, but Anderson, in his edition of 1738, says that "ever since, the new Grand Master, upon his commencement, appoints the Secretary, or continues him by returning him the books." This usage is still pursued by the modern Grand Lodge of England, but in every jurisdiction of this country, the office of Grand Secretary is an elective one.
The functions, the discharge of which is intrusted to the Grand Secretary, are of the most important nature, and require no ordinary amount of talent. It is his duty to record all the proceedings of the Grand Lodge with the utmost fidelity and exactness. He is also the official organ of the Grand Lodge, and in that capacity conducts its correspondence. He is, besides, the recipient of the returns and dues of Lodges, which amounts he pays over to the Grand Treasurer, so that each of these officers acts as a check upon the other. The Grand Secretary is also in this country the keeper of the seal of the Grand Lodge, which he affixes to all documents that require it. His signature is considered as essential to the validity of any document which emanates from the Grand Lodge. Like the Grand Treasurer, he was permitted by the old Regulations to appoint an assistant, who did not, however, by such appointment, be come a member of the Grand Lodge. The Regulation is still in force in several of the American jurisdictions. 429 - What are the history and functions of the office of Grand Steward?
- Grand Stewards. The duty of the Grand Stewards is to attend upon the tables during the hours of refreshment, and to assist the Junior Grand Warden in managing the Grand Feast, in jurisdictions where this ancient usage is observed.
430 - What is the history and function of the office of Grand Sword Bearer?
- Grand Sword Bearer. In 1731, the Duke of Norfolk, being then Grand Master, presented to the Grand Lodge of England "the old trusty sword of Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, that was worn next by his successor in war, the brave Bernard, Duke of Saxe Weimar. with both their names on the blade, which the Grand Master had ordered Brother George Moody (the King's sword cutler) to adorn richly with the arms of Norfolk in silver on the scabbard, in order to be the Grand Master's sword of state in future." At the following feast, Bro. Moody was appointed Sword Bearer, and the office has ever since existed, and is to be found in almost all the Grand Lodges of this country.
The Grand Sword Bearer should be appointed by the Grand Master, and it is his duty to carry the sword of state immediately in front of that officer in all processions of the Grand Lodge. 431 - What are the office and functions of the Grand Tiler?
- Grand Tiler. This is an office which derives its existence from the Landmarks of the Order, and must therefore have existed from the earliest times, as it is impossible that any Grand Lodge or Assembly of Masons could ever have met for purposes of Masonic business unless the room in which they were assembled had been duly tiled.
The duties of the office are so evident to every Mason as to need no explanation. The Grand Tiler cannot, during his term of office be a member of the Grand Lodge, for his official position places it out of his power to assist in its deliberations. He is generally appointed by the Grand Master and no other qualification is required for the office than that of being a worthy Master Mason. 432 - What are the functions of a Grand Treasurer?
- Grand Treasurer. The functions of the Grand Treasurer do not differ from those of the corresponding officer in a subordinate Lodge. It is his duty to act as the depositary of all the funds and property of the Grand Lodge, to keep a fair account of the same, and render a statement of the condition of all the property in his possession, when ever called upon by either the Grand Master or the Grand Lodge. He also pays all bills and orders which have been approved by the Grand Lodge. He is, in one word, under such regulations as that body shall prescribe, the banker of that body.
The old Regulations permitted him to appoint an assistant, whose only qualification was, that he must be a Master Mason. But such assistant did not, by his appointment, become a member of the Grand Lodge, although permitted to be present at its communications. The usage has been continued in many of the Grand Lodges of this country. 433 - What are the office and functions of Grand Wardens?
- Grand Wardens. Next in dignity to the Deputy Grand Master come the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens. These two officers are, however, although subordinate in rank, of much more importance than the Deputy, in the working of the Order, and are possessed of some prerogatives which do not belong to him. Their duties do not very materially differ from those of the corresponding officers in a subordinate Lodge, although, of course, from their more exalted position, their powers are more extensive.
In this country, by universal consent, the Wardens succeed to the government of the craft in order of rank, upon the death or absence from the jurisdicton of the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters. 434 - Of what is the grave emblematic?
- Grave. The grave is, in the Master's degree, the analogue of the pastos, couch or coffin, in the Ancient Mysteries, and is intended scenically to serve the same purpose. The grave is, therefore, in that degree, intended, in connection with the sprig of acacia, to teach symbolically the great Masonic doctrine of a future life.
435 - Should members be permitted to leave the Lodge during initiation ceremonies?
- Gravity. In a good lodge silence and gravity are recommendations during the hours appropriated to labor. The ordinary business is of too serious a nature to admit of any disturbances; and hence the ancient charges direct that no brother shall behave himself ludicrously or jestingly while the lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence whatever; but pay due reverence to the Masters, Wardens, and Fellows, and put them to worship. Even the noise of moving the seats or the feet is to be avoided as much as possible; nor are the brethren permitted to leave the lodge during the solemn ceremonies, lest the noise thus made should disturb the proceedings. The effect of an initiation would be entirely destroyed by any interruption of this kind, and it is easy to understand that the same kind of disturbance would be calculated to distract the attention of the brethren during the delivery of lectures.
436 - What is the symbolism of the Great Lights?
- Great Lights. The Freemasons are enlightened by great and small lights. The Bible, the square, and the compasses, belong to the first; and the sun, the moon, and the Master to the second. The great lights are immortal, and neither limited by time nor space; the small ones are limited by both. The Bible rules and governs our faith; the square our actions; and the compasses keep us in a bond of union with all man kind, especially with a brother Mason. Or with other words, the Bible directs us to elevate our spirits to a reasonable and rational faith; the square teaches so to discipline our minds as to make them correspond with a pure and prompt obedience to the laws of our native land; and the compasses teach us so to cultivate our understandings as to enable us to live in the bonds of social and fraternal union with all man kind, whatever may be their peculiar views on religious or political subjects.
437 - Why were grips and signs used by operative Masons?
- Grip and Sign. In rude times, when men, ignorant of chirography, impressed a seal on parchment in lieu of a signature, it was usual for Master Masons to give their apprentice a grip or sign, by which to make himself known; another when he had completed his apprenticeship, and passed on to the rank of a journeyman, or Fellow craft; and a third when,, by assiduity and skill, he had become himself a master of the work, took buildings to rear, hired Fellowcrafts or journeymen, and received apprentices. The word, the sign, and the grip, in those days, were the certificate of the Craft to its regularly taught members.
438 - Why is the ground floor of a Lodge known as Mount Moriah?
- Ground Floor of the Lodge. Mount Moriah, on which the Temple of Solomon was built, is symbolically called the ground floor of the lodge, and hence it is said that "the lodge rests on holy ground." This ground floor of the lodge is remarkable for three great events recorded in Scripture, and which are called "the three grand offerings of Masonry." It was here that Abraham prepared, as a token of his faith, to offer up his beloved son Isaac - this was the first grand offering; it was held that David, when his people were afflicted with a pestilence, built an altar, and offered thereon peace offerings and burnt offerings to appease the wrath of God - this was the second grand offering; and lastly, it was here, that when the Temple was completed, King Solomon dedicated that magnificent structure to the service of Jehovah, with the offering of pious prayers and many costly presents - and this was the third grand offering.
This sacred spot was once the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, and from him David purchased it for fifty shekels of silver. The Kabbalists delight to invest it with still more solemn associations, and declare that it was the spot on which Adam was born and Abel slain. 439 - On what grounds may a Mason lawfully avouch ,for a visitor?
- Grounds for Avouchment. Under ordinary circumstances, it would undoubtedly be the safest plan to require that avouchment should be founded on the fact of the voucher's having sat in a Lodge with the visitor. But it cannot be denied that there are occasions in which an intelligent and experienced Mason will be as competent, from his own private examination, to decide the Masonic qualifications of a candidate for admission, as if he had sat with him in the communication of a Lodge. This subject of vouching does not, indeed, appear to have been always understood. Many Masons suppose that the prerogative of vouching is inherent in every Brother, and that if A shall say that he vouches for B, and that he has sat in a Lodge with him, the assertion should be received with all respect, and B admitted. But in how many cases may not A, from ignorance or inexperience, be liable to be deceived? How are we to know that A himself was not in a clandestine Lodge, which had been imposed upon his ignorance, when he sat with B? How are we to be sure that his memory has not been treacherous, and that the Lodge in which he saw B was not a Fellowcrafts' or Entered Apprentices', instead of being a Masters' l Why, only by knowing that the Masonic skill and experience, and the general good sense and judgment of A are such as not render him liable to the commission of such errors. And if we are confident of his Masonic knowledge and honesty, we are ready, or ought to be, to take his vouching, without further inquiry as to its foundation; but if we are not, then it is safer to depend on an examination by a committee than on the avouchment of one in whose ability we have no confidence. A Masonic avouchment is, in fact, in the nature of a mercantile or legal security. Its whole value depends on the character and attainments of the one who offers it; and it would be better, I imagine, if a positive rule is to be laid down, to say that no visitor shall be admitted into a Lodge except with the avouchment of a well known and skillful Mason, or upon examination by a committee.
Still, it must be confessed, however humiliating the confession may be, that a very large number of Masons are too little skilled in the mysteries which have been communicated to them, to be enabled to pass a stranger through that ordeal of strict examination, which alone can prove a friend, or detect a foe, and an ingenious imposter would often find it a task of but little difficulty to deceive such an unskillful examiner. Thus imposed upon himself, the deceived brother unwittingly might extend his error, by vouching for one who has no claims upon the fraternity. The vouching of such brethren, derived from their private examination, should, of course, be considered as of no value. But, on the other hand, there are many Masons so well skilled in the principles of the craft, that no danger of imposition need be feared when we depend on the information which they have derived from an examination, conducted as they would of course do it, with all the necessary forms, and guarded by all the usual precautions. The avouchments of such brethren should be considered as perfectly satisfactory. I am inclined, therefore, to believe that the spirit of the law simply requires that a Master shall permit no visitor to be admitted without previous examination, unless he can be vouched for by a Brother who has sat with him in open Lodge, or, if the avouchment be made in con sequence of a private examination, unless the Brother so vouching be known to the presiding officer as a skillful and experienced Mason. But, if we admit this to be the true interpretation of the law of avouchment, then it becomes necessary that we should inquire more closely into what are to be the governing principles of that private examination from which the authority of the avouchment is to be de rived, and into the nature of the competency of the Brother who ventures to give it. In the first place, the avouchment thus given is, it is understood, to be founded on some previous private examination. Therefore it follows, that the Brother who undertakes to vouch for a visitor on these grounds, must have been thoroughly competent to conduct such an examination. There must be no danger of his having been imposed upon by an ignorant pretender. And consequently the Master of a Lodge would be culpable in receiving the avouchment of a young and inexperienced, or of an old and ignorant Mason. 440 - What are regarded as sufficient grounds for expulsion of a Mason?
- Grounds for Expulsion. As this penalty is of so severe a nature. rupturing all the ties which bind a Mason to the fraternity, it is evident that it should only be inflicted for the most heinous offences - offences which, in their nature, affect the character, the well being and the safety of the whole society, and hence the Grand Lodge of New York has very wisely ordered that it shall only follow "a gross violation of the moral law, or the fundamental principles of Masonry, or attempts against any part of the frame work of its government." The penalty is not inflicted so much as a punishment of the guilty person, as it is as a safe guard or security of the Order. The object is not to reform an evil, but to prevent its influence on the fraternity. A Mason who habitually transgresses the moral code, or lives in constant violation of the fundamental teachings of the Order, is to the society, what a gangrenous limb is to the body. The incurable wound, says the Roman poet, must be cut off with the knife, lest the healthy part of the body be involved in the disease. And so the unworthy Mason is to be expelled from the Order, lest his example spread, and disease be propagated through the whole constitution of Masonry. But, in accordance with this principle, expulsion should be inflicted only for offences which affect the security and honor of the whole Order. The remedy should never be applied to transgressions of a subordinate nature which neither deserve nor require its application.
441 - Under what promise do we begin our Masonic career?
- Guide. At our introduction into Masonry, we seek for an able guide to conduct us from this dark state of human life into light, and when arrived at that desired point, we are struck with the symbolic representations before us; and under promise of fidelity we begin our career in this secret society of Free and Accepted Masons. We emerge gradually from the lowest vale, and by study arrive at the highest degree of the occult science, or to the greatest mental perfection.
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See also
- En:Mackey's Encyclopedia of Freemasonry
- En:Albert Mackey
- Albert Mackey
- En: MACKEY - A
- En: MACKEY - B
- En: MACKEY - C
- En: MACKEY - E
- En: MACKEY - F
- En: MACKEY - G
- En: MACKEY - H
- En: MACKEY - I
- En: MACKEY - J
- En: MACKEY - K
- En: MACKEY - L
- En: MACKEY - M
- En: MACKEY - N
- En: MACKEY - O
- En: MACKEY - P
- En: MACKEY - Q
- En: MACKEY - R
- En: MACKEY - S
- En: MACKEY - T
- En: MACKEY - U
- En: MACKEY - V
- En: MACKEY - W
- En: MACKEY - X
- En: MACKEY - Y
- En: MACKEY - Z
Links
- Phoenixmasonry http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonry_defined.htm
