Antiquity And Evolution Of Masonry.

ANTIQUITY AND EVOLUTION OF MASONRY .

WHILE the antiquity of our Order is a subject of pride and has been the boast of Masons generally , yet but few even of its most devoted followers have any conception of its greatness , or of the time when , by whom , or for what purpose it was organised . The time when dates so far back into the dim past that its origin is shrouded in mystery . That nearly two centuries

have passed since it assumed its present organised form and status is an uncontroverted fact admitted by all . But that it had an existence long prior , with its Lodge and its general assemblies , though with less cohesiveness and system , is equally certain . Documentary evidence of great antiquity and the more recent

researches of English historians have demonstrated to the thinking men of the world , as well as to Masons , that the institution of Freemasonry bad an existence and was recognised as such in the early centuries of the present dispensation . This in itself proves an antiquity of which all may well be proud . But when we

consider the principles it then , as now , advocates ; those principles that lie at the foundation and constitute the corner-stone of natural or true religion , we can but believe that even in those early days Masonry , having the same teachings and striving for tbe accomplishment of the same designs , was for its devotees an

ancient , a venerable institution , one dating back , it may be , into the prehistoric ages of the world . And more , we are also inclined to accept the views lately advanced by some Masonic writers that in its origin as well as in its principles , it was divine , or at least was founded by those who were actuated and inspired by

intelligences from the highest sphei-es ; those who in their earthly life had mourned over and vainly endeavoured to correct the baneful influence of the priesthood and those high in authority , who , in the name of religion , a " revealed religion , " so claimed , but which evidently came from sources as corrupt as themselves ,

were constantly leading the people farther and farther away from the only true religion , the natural , the only one which presents to the world in the fullest sense and in all which those endearing words imply , the Fatherhood of God , and that the same would promote the happiness of mankind both here and hereafter . That

good and true men who had in this life and by all known means vainly striven to check the growing depravity so prevalent among all classes , and to relieve them from the bondage in which they were held by a corrupt priesthood , should , after entering into a higher life lose all interest in those left behind , we cannot believe .

Bather , we think that with a clearer vision and higher aspirations , their sympathies would be deepened , and their efforts for the welfare of those left behind strengthened . Naturally seeking the society of and affiliating with those of like aspirations , but with an added experience and more thorough investigation , they were

by this unity of purpose enabled to devise the methods and formulate a plan for an earthly association of a similar nature and having a like concentration of effort . This influence being brought to bear upon the minds of good men and true in this life , no doubt brought them into a closer relationship aud inspired the zeal

necessary for the accomplishment of the purpose designed . The association thus formed—inchoate though it must have beenproved a strong magnet in attracting others of like minds from all classes : all striving ; for the same purpose , the cultivation and perpetuation of a religion founded upon the Fatherhood of God

and the Brotherhood of Man , a religion which was the antithesis of the so-called " revealed religion , " as relating to the character and attributes of the Deity , as well as in the influence upon the world . This new religion taught a worship inspired by love , and by fraternising together upon the same principle it sought to

bring mankind into a closer relationship , and by the cultivation of this spirit of Brotherly love bring about that harmony so essential to the advancement of mankind from the realm of darkness in which they had so long been sunk , and by elevating them morally , socially and intellectually , bring them into the light of

true manhood . Gladly were such teachings accepted by the good and true of all classes . The learned and those skilled in the arts and sciences , as well as the unlettered , came freely into its ranks , until in the course of time its influence became such as to bring upon it the opposition of those who for their own selfish purposes

had so long kept the people in darkness and depravity . So bitter became the persecution by the Priesthood and their blind followers that it became necessary to hold meetings in crypts , caves and secret places , and for self-protection and as a means of recognition to use signs and passwords . As a further safeguard a symbolic

language was adopted , one well known to themselves , and by means of which each could confer with the other and convey a meaning and give instruction in terms understood only by themselves . So cautious were they in their admission of members that none were received until after a long probation , and when by

passing throngh tests the most severe they had proved themselves faithful , trusty and worthy . But , as " the blood of the martyr has ever been the seed ofthe church , " so this bitter persecution served not only to intensify the zeal of Ihe members , but it brought the institution to the attention of many others , who ,

Antiquity And Evolution Of Masonry.

accepting its principles and teachings , were ready to unite in the grand design of promoting the welfare and happiness of mankind . Thus this institution , small at first and feeble , soon grew to strength and importance , until its off-shoots or prototypes could be found in all portions of the known world , and in time it became the conservator , as well of the arts and sciences as of

religion and morals , and the progenitor and promoter of civilisation . This is no fancy picture drawn from imagination . That an institution such as we have described had an existence in the earliest ages of the world's history is not to be denied . One generally known as " The Mysteries , " but at different periods and in different countries more particularly designated as " The Osisic , " " The Mithriac , " " The Dionysiac , " or " The

Eleusian , " all of which with others having a unity of design and a purity of doctrine which clearly proved a common origin and one outside of and distinct from the popular theology and the revealed religions of those days . Unlike them , they taught the worship of one God , that the soul was immortal , while their precepts were of such a character as to insure happiness both here and hereafter for all who conformed to them .

When we consider that the Institution of Freemasonry is identically the same in its teachings and purposes , that like them it has a universal language , its signs , passwords and symbols , may we not with propriety claim for it not merely a common but an identity of origin ? Some may not accept this opinion , and endeavour to controvert it as to its human as well as Divine origin , yet none can prove their falsity , nor can they but admit of the reasonableness of our deduction .

The rolling years , the lapse of centuries , has evolved changes in its form and makeup . Crudities natural to its incipiency have been removed . In the advancement of civilisation and the more general diffusion of intelligence , less attention was paid to the dissemination of the arts and sciences . No longer claiming exclusive control over these , its operative features were dropped or so merged as to be added to and become an important part of its symbolic language .

The evolution of the ages has brought such changes in the moral and theologic thought of the world that it may be claimed by some that Freemasonry has outlived its usefulness , that there ia no longer a necessity for its existence as an Institution , but until that time shall come when - •' the mountain " of the Lord ' s house shall be established upon the tops of the mountains , when

the establishment of the principles taught by the Prince of Peace shall become universal , will true Masonry have accomplished its mission . Its signs , passwords and symbolic language , no longer necessary as a protection against persecution , will still continue to be a universal language , uniting good men and true of all nations , sects and opinions , into one common Brotherhood . — " Masonic Tidings . "

ON Monday next the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company commences the usual autumn season . A new Chinese opera , " San Lin , " libretto by H . Blau , music by Victor Hollander , will be performed on Thursday , 3 rd August . The composer has been decorated by his Royal Highness the Duke of Coburg , to whom the opera is dedicated , with the diploma and the medal for science and art .

Bno . CHAHLES WYNDHAM entertained the members of his company and staff ( numbering close upon 100 ) to supper at the Criterion after his farewell performance of "Rosemary" on Friday of last week , and was presented by them with a very beautifully carved and inscribed solid gold pass-key for his new theatre . The article is an exquisite example of the goldsmith ' s craft , and was specially designed and manufactured by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company .

Alhambra . —On Monday evening next the management will introduce five new items into their programme . Probably the most novel and interest ing of these will be two little niggers from Kentucky . They are well known in the States as Turner ' s Piccaninnies . The other new turns will be Albertus and Bartram , club jugglers ; Powers Bros ., Cycle Comedians ; Fish and Quigg , grotesque artistes ; and Mdlle . Leodiska's Performing Cockatoos . Next week will also be the last of the popular spectacular ballet " The Red Shoes , " and the last six nights of Miss Letty Lind are also announced .

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