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What Is Freemasonry ?
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY ?
An Oration delivered hy Bro . 0 . A . Bassett , Grand Orator , at the Banquet given the members of the Grand Lodge of Kansas by the Masons of Atchison , on Wednesday evening , 16 th February 1887 .
MASONRY is a beautiful system of Morality veiled in Allegory ancl illustrated by Symbols . This System is claimed to be of great antiquity , but whether ancient ; or modern , whether it was coeval with creation , existed before the great flood , or had its origin in the building of the
temple , is of little moment to any one except to him who takes more pride in being able to trace his ancestry in an unbroken line for centuries , than in the achievements of his ancestors , or in the character of the present generation of his family .
It is not so important a question among Masons what Masonry has done , or what Masonry will do , as what Masonry is now doing ; the present generation of Masons are in no wise responsible for the past , they may be largely
responsible for fche future , bufc the entire responsibility of the present rests upon them ; and whatever they fail to do or to perform is a loss entailed on generations yet to come , and a loss which can never be made good ; like a day once lost it can never be regained .
In view of this present responsibility it is important that all Masons should know what Masonry is , and as this knowledge can be attained only by degrees , ancl attained only by a proper discussion of the principles upon which ,
in the words of the operative Mason , the structure rests , it is appropriate that here , and before this assemblage , some words should be spoken , which may add to the general
fund of information , though no more may be accomplished than to give the definition of a single word , or the proper explanation of a single sentence .
Masonry , which to the uninitiated is a mystery , is even to the initiated mysterious ; its grand conceptions are as incomprehensible to the mind as is the length and breadth , the heighth and depth of the universe ; at tbe threshold of
investigation perhaps but one idea as a single line stretches out before us , bat as wo advance we perceive new lines branching on either side , until we arrive at a point where
the lines diverge as radii from the centre of a circle , extending towards a circumference which is never reached , for principle , like space , is limitless .
These lines which are so numerous that they are countless , so extensive that they have no end , are the paths which Masons are exploring , and it is from the monuments set up along these ways we learn the aims , the
purposes of Masonry ; these monuments , some great , some small , some bearing the name of but a single Craftsman , others of many , some fashioned with skill , and others crudely wrought , all serve as landmarks of the progress
made in the investigation of truth , and when these are taken as aids to the Great Light which has been given to man as a rule and guide for his labours , the Mason of the present may not materially err in his constructions .
The Great Light to which reference has been made is the corner stone upon which Masonry has been erected ; it is tbe centre from which the radiating lines of principle diverge ; it is the starting point of all Masonic explorers ,
who seek the investigation of the truth ; it is the trestle board upon which the Master has drawn designs for the workmen ; it is a guide to faith , a rule for conduct and an aid to knowledge ; its conception is marvellous , its
execution faultless , and its precepts sublime ; and finally it teaches all men how to live in this life , and ensures to all who follow its teachings an inheritance in the kingdom which was before the foundations of the world .
MASONRY AS A SYSTEM OF MORALITY . The literature of Masonry is explanatory of its principles ; its teachings are exemplified in its long-continued existence , and the influence ifc is wielding in the interest of
humanity . Its cardinal virtues , temperance , prudence , fortitude aud justice , commend it to all mankind , and have enabled it to maintain its exalted position , as the first among the voluntary associations known to history .
An objection is made by some persons to Masonry , because it claims to inculcate only those principles of morality which are embraced in the cardinal virtues , and
in those tenets , Brother Love , Relief and Truth , which it inculcates . They object to it because it is not a religious society , in the sense that the church is an association of
What Is Freemasonry ?
persons for the propagation of religious worship . Suoh persons overlook the fact that the moral law is the very foundation of the law divine , and that an observance of the moral law must lead to an observance of divine law .
Have those who object to Masonry ever read the Old Charges ? of which the first is , " man is obliged by his tenure to observe the moral law , " and if he rightly understands the art he will never be a stupid atheist nor an
irreligious libertine . " Have they ever read in the Old Charges " that in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country ?"
And have they ever read in the Old Charges , " that it is now thought more expedient only to oblige Masons to that religion in which all men agree ?"
We do not claim that Masonry ia religion , yet we may well claim that it is the broadest of all religions . It embraces the first principles of those religions beliefs upon
which all religions are founded . It teaches a firm belief in the Great Being who was , is , and shall be ; it teaches the resurrection of the body and the immortality of the soul ; it teaches that truth is a divine attribute and the foundation
of every virtue ; it teaches that an observance of Divine law is essential to present and future happiness , and it strongly impresses upon all the observance of the golden rule , " Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you . " Upon the tesselated pavement of Masonry , all who
believe in these principles and observe these precepts can stand ; the Jew and Buddhist , the Christian and the Mohammedan , united in one common belief in the existence of the Great Architect of the Universe , who has
promulgated laws and commanded obedience to them , here unite in inculcating those moral principles which are the very essence of these divine commands . Around the altar
of Masonry they together stand to renew their vows and repledge their faith , and there each must be tested by those unerring instruments , the square , the level and the plumb of Masonry .
MASONRY AS VEILED IN ALLEGORY . It has ever been a favourite method of imparting instruction , and exciting the curiosity of the uninformed , and increasing the desire for learning , to illustrate the
subject by figurative sentences and discourses , in which the principal idea is described by another resembling it . Allegory is word-painting , an impriufc on the memory oi some fanciful image conveying important truth .
When we indulge in figurative discourse , the impression made is generally more vivid , and continues longer on the mind of the auditor than when the samo lesson is
taught without embellishment ; especially is this true when the mind of the individual is undisciplined , is not accustomed to dealing with abstruse subjects , and is hardly capable of distinguishing the premises , the reasoning and the conclusion of any given proposition .
May I illustrate word-painting ? Assuming your consent , I do . It is said that Masonry has its secrets . I do not stand sponsor for this proposition , and it has also been said that these secrets have never been divulged to any
but those who were entitled to receive them . Masons have renounced and denounced Masonry , but they never have divulged the secrets of Masonry , Masons have become intoxicated and while dilirious have published thoir own
infamy , but they have never revealed the secrets of Masonry ; Masons have become insane , and in their hallucinations have exhibited by their speech the greatest hatred of Masonry and terror of Masons , but they have never spoken the secrets of Masonry .
My earliest Masonic recollections are of an aged Mason of reputable standing , at whose feet the novitiates loved to sit and listen to his instructive words ; in their zeal for
advancement they plied him with questions , and he seemed ever ready to impart instruction ; but when they sought for knowledge of those things which must be denied , it waa thus he spake :
" Ye are seekers after wisdom , 0 , young inquirers , that wisdom which is the science of the Gods , ancl ye roam from land fco land and from people to people , like mortals driven
by the destinies . I , too , ouce sought wisdom , that wisdom which is and ever shall be denied to mortals . I , too , once sought to know the Gods , aud to learn from what source men , animals , and the elements of universal fire bave their
origin . " In the times when I kept my night watch by the sea caverns , I have sometimes believed I was about to surprise
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
What Is Freemasonry ?
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY ?
An Oration delivered hy Bro . 0 . A . Bassett , Grand Orator , at the Banquet given the members of the Grand Lodge of Kansas by the Masons of Atchison , on Wednesday evening , 16 th February 1887 .
MASONRY is a beautiful system of Morality veiled in Allegory ancl illustrated by Symbols . This System is claimed to be of great antiquity , but whether ancient ; or modern , whether it was coeval with creation , existed before the great flood , or had its origin in the building of the
temple , is of little moment to any one except to him who takes more pride in being able to trace his ancestry in an unbroken line for centuries , than in the achievements of his ancestors , or in the character of the present generation of his family .
It is not so important a question among Masons what Masonry has done , or what Masonry will do , as what Masonry is now doing ; the present generation of Masons are in no wise responsible for the past , they may be largely
responsible for fche future , bufc the entire responsibility of the present rests upon them ; and whatever they fail to do or to perform is a loss entailed on generations yet to come , and a loss which can never be made good ; like a day once lost it can never be regained .
In view of this present responsibility it is important that all Masons should know what Masonry is , and as this knowledge can be attained only by degrees , ancl attained only by a proper discussion of the principles upon which ,
in the words of the operative Mason , the structure rests , it is appropriate that here , and before this assemblage , some words should be spoken , which may add to the general
fund of information , though no more may be accomplished than to give the definition of a single word , or the proper explanation of a single sentence .
Masonry , which to the uninitiated is a mystery , is even to the initiated mysterious ; its grand conceptions are as incomprehensible to the mind as is the length and breadth , the heighth and depth of the universe ; at tbe threshold of
investigation perhaps but one idea as a single line stretches out before us , bat as wo advance we perceive new lines branching on either side , until we arrive at a point where
the lines diverge as radii from the centre of a circle , extending towards a circumference which is never reached , for principle , like space , is limitless .
These lines which are so numerous that they are countless , so extensive that they have no end , are the paths which Masons are exploring , and it is from the monuments set up along these ways we learn the aims , the
purposes of Masonry ; these monuments , some great , some small , some bearing the name of but a single Craftsman , others of many , some fashioned with skill , and others crudely wrought , all serve as landmarks of the progress
made in the investigation of truth , and when these are taken as aids to the Great Light which has been given to man as a rule and guide for his labours , the Mason of the present may not materially err in his constructions .
The Great Light to which reference has been made is the corner stone upon which Masonry has been erected ; it is tbe centre from which the radiating lines of principle diverge ; it is the starting point of all Masonic explorers ,
who seek the investigation of the truth ; it is the trestle board upon which the Master has drawn designs for the workmen ; it is a guide to faith , a rule for conduct and an aid to knowledge ; its conception is marvellous , its
execution faultless , and its precepts sublime ; and finally it teaches all men how to live in this life , and ensures to all who follow its teachings an inheritance in the kingdom which was before the foundations of the world .
MASONRY AS A SYSTEM OF MORALITY . The literature of Masonry is explanatory of its principles ; its teachings are exemplified in its long-continued existence , and the influence ifc is wielding in the interest of
humanity . Its cardinal virtues , temperance , prudence , fortitude aud justice , commend it to all mankind , and have enabled it to maintain its exalted position , as the first among the voluntary associations known to history .
An objection is made by some persons to Masonry , because it claims to inculcate only those principles of morality which are embraced in the cardinal virtues , and
in those tenets , Brother Love , Relief and Truth , which it inculcates . They object to it because it is not a religious society , in the sense that the church is an association of
What Is Freemasonry ?
persons for the propagation of religious worship . Suoh persons overlook the fact that the moral law is the very foundation of the law divine , and that an observance of the moral law must lead to an observance of divine law .
Have those who object to Masonry ever read the Old Charges ? of which the first is , " man is obliged by his tenure to observe the moral law , " and if he rightly understands the art he will never be a stupid atheist nor an
irreligious libertine . " Have they ever read in the Old Charges " that in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country ?"
And have they ever read in the Old Charges , " that it is now thought more expedient only to oblige Masons to that religion in which all men agree ?"
We do not claim that Masonry ia religion , yet we may well claim that it is the broadest of all religions . It embraces the first principles of those religions beliefs upon
which all religions are founded . It teaches a firm belief in the Great Being who was , is , and shall be ; it teaches the resurrection of the body and the immortality of the soul ; it teaches that truth is a divine attribute and the foundation
of every virtue ; it teaches that an observance of Divine law is essential to present and future happiness , and it strongly impresses upon all the observance of the golden rule , " Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you . " Upon the tesselated pavement of Masonry , all who
believe in these principles and observe these precepts can stand ; the Jew and Buddhist , the Christian and the Mohammedan , united in one common belief in the existence of the Great Architect of the Universe , who has
promulgated laws and commanded obedience to them , here unite in inculcating those moral principles which are the very essence of these divine commands . Around the altar
of Masonry they together stand to renew their vows and repledge their faith , and there each must be tested by those unerring instruments , the square , the level and the plumb of Masonry .
MASONRY AS VEILED IN ALLEGORY . It has ever been a favourite method of imparting instruction , and exciting the curiosity of the uninformed , and increasing the desire for learning , to illustrate the
subject by figurative sentences and discourses , in which the principal idea is described by another resembling it . Allegory is word-painting , an impriufc on the memory oi some fanciful image conveying important truth .
When we indulge in figurative discourse , the impression made is generally more vivid , and continues longer on the mind of the auditor than when the samo lesson is
taught without embellishment ; especially is this true when the mind of the individual is undisciplined , is not accustomed to dealing with abstruse subjects , and is hardly capable of distinguishing the premises , the reasoning and the conclusion of any given proposition .
May I illustrate word-painting ? Assuming your consent , I do . It is said that Masonry has its secrets . I do not stand sponsor for this proposition , and it has also been said that these secrets have never been divulged to any
but those who were entitled to receive them . Masons have renounced and denounced Masonry , but they never have divulged the secrets of Masonry , Masons have become intoxicated and while dilirious have published thoir own
infamy , but they have never revealed the secrets of Masonry ; Masons have become insane , and in their hallucinations have exhibited by their speech the greatest hatred of Masonry and terror of Masons , but they have never spoken the secrets of Masonry .
My earliest Masonic recollections are of an aged Mason of reputable standing , at whose feet the novitiates loved to sit and listen to his instructive words ; in their zeal for
advancement they plied him with questions , and he seemed ever ready to impart instruction ; but when they sought for knowledge of those things which must be denied , it waa thus he spake :
" Ye are seekers after wisdom , 0 , young inquirers , that wisdom which is the science of the Gods , ancl ye roam from land fco land and from people to people , like mortals driven
by the destinies . I , too , ouce sought wisdom , that wisdom which is and ever shall be denied to mortals . I , too , once sought to know the Gods , aud to learn from what source men , animals , and the elements of universal fire bave their
origin . " In the times when I kept my night watch by the sea caverns , I have sometimes believed I was about to surprise