Masonry's Great Aim And Use.

for when first the Omnipotent Architect brought order out of chaos , turned its darkness into light , when the breath of the Infinite God called into being man , even then was begun the erection of that spiritual temple , which the wmksof our hands and the practices of our lives have but faintly copied since . For on that day , upon the broad and everlasting foundations of truth were placed the corner stones of temperance , fortitude , prudence , and

jus ; ice . The columns of wisdom , strength , and beauty were set up , and in ine firmament of earth's starry dome was emblazoned the grand and culminating teachings of Masonry , the Unity and the Fatherhood of God . Such was Masonic origin in spirit , and it matters little when man first formally enacted these principles into a ritual , for an institution having for its foundation Truth , and for its capstone God , can be rightfully said to have neither beginning or end .

Historic research into the sociology of the ancients affords us no sound basis , although many Masons so suppose , for attributing the origin of our ceremonies and ritual to either the Eleusinian Mysteries of Egypt and Greece to the sect of the Essenes in Judasa , or to the Roman Collegia . Moreover , we have no reliable historic data to establish as fact what we have long held in tradition , that an ancient order similar to our own was an organized existence even at the time of the building of King Solomon ' s Temple .

Whence came , then , the rites and customs , that we so scrupulously observe ? Out of what is the mass of literature and tradition that has gathered around these landmarks ? The answer has been already given , for Masonry has an origin far beyond all these ; its mission is , and came , from God . As well might we try to trace civil or religious liberty to their primal sources , as to endeavour to search out the inception of this Order . Freemasonry has developed through the slow and silent processes of time . Whatever it has observed commendable or advisable in ancient ritual or

mystic lore , that it has adopted , until at the present time it embadies in its tenets many of those principles which man universally has recognised as just and right . Thus it is that Masonry possesses something in common with all peoples of all nations , both past and present , who by a psychical

identity have associated themselves together for the preservation and the propagation of truth . Kingdoms may rise and fall , dynasties may pass away ; but Freemasonry can never die . She maintains her sway not by the power of the sword , but by the influence of those imperishable virtues , charity and fraternity .

livery brother of our Order is familiar with the terms " Operative " and ' Speculative " Masons . While we cannot lift the veil from the impenetrable and remote past , yet of the immediate predecessors of our Modern or Speculative Order we have abundant information . The last of the Operative Masons were no other than the honoured Steinmetzen , of

Germany , the brotherhood that adorned Europe with her marvellous and beautiful cathedrals of the Middle Ages . The association spread into other countries , and while architecture in its noblest and most glorious forms was the inspiration of their Order , yet to maintain and perpetuate the principles of their art , and to confine its privileges to their own members , they were organised into guilds and lodges , each governed by its chosen Master .

Only artisans of skill and merit were admitted to these unions , and for many generations they exclusively controlled the erection of those stately edifices which to-day remain as their monuments , the glory and the pride of a world . The cathedrals of Cologne , Strassburg , Vienna , Rheims , Notre Dame , York , and St . Paul , together with others of hardly less note , were constructed through their influence . Instruction in their ait was handed down to their chosen successors , while a religious ritual was observed in all their secret assemblies . From their customs we derive the

terms of Apprentice , Fellow , and Master , while their organisation at large was commonly known as the Craft . From them we also obtain much of the modern symbolism , familiar to Masonic ears under the guise of architectural terms and impliments . Christopher Wren , the inspired architect of St . Paul's , and the last Grand Master of Operative Masons in England , died in 1716 . Social and

political changes , the revival of' learning , and the introduction of new schools of architecture , had been gradually undermining the exclusiveness of the mediicval Order . Therefore , to perpetuate the noble principles of morality which the various unions had ever taught , the four operative lodges of England extended the privileges of their Order to others than master builders , provided they were found worthy and well qualified .

In 1717 , the year-following the death of Wren , the first Grand Lodge was instituted , and Speculative Masonry inaugurated . The date of the organisation of the first lodge in our own country is in dispute , both Boston and Philadelphia claiming the honour . It is certain , however , that as early as 1733 , over a hundred and sixty years ago , a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was in existence in the American colonics .

From that day to the present the organisation has gone on increasing , until to-day a tenth of our population is embraced within its beneficent fold . Its propagation has extended to every nation and to every quarter of the globe . From the land of the midnight sun even unto the isles of the sea , a Masonic lodge is found . The sun never sets upon its members , for in Masonry ' s triumphal march it has not only encircled but entwined the world .

Against such an Order , possessing such a history , it would seem that no hostile shaft could possibly be hurled . Yet the malignant brooders in darkness , the enemies of light , the offspring of slander , ignorance , and spite , the oppressors of liberty and of truth , have assailed its walls , questioned its motives , attacked its principles , only , however , to be hopelessl y foiled . Look well at its bulwarks ; inspect its gates . Not a stone has heen displaced , not a ( caching surrendered .

the absurd notions concerning Masonry entertained by some , hardly deserve refutation at our hands . On an occasion , however , of this character , it is appropriate to speak briefly of the principles of this Order , which although secretive in its ritual , yet challenges a world to point to anything in its doctrines that does not honour God , one's country , his nei ghbour , or himself . Do you ask me why , then , in its history kings and

potentates lir . ve issued their edicts against it , why even ecclesiastical authority has placed it under ban ? My answer is quickly given . It is because Masonry stands for individual freedom , and places among its primal instructions liberty of thought and toleration in religion . Well may despots , either civil or religious , fear its influence , since it stands for all that makes for truth the victory .

hrcemasonry is not a religion , yet iis entire organisation is permeated with religious sentiment . To its altars the father joyously welcomes his s <* " ** i ana when these bodies fill the narrow cells of death all true Masons ask no more hallowed burial than the lesson that Masonry there gives . hrcemasonry is not a political organisation , yet the liberties of every stage are rendered firm and more permanent by its presence within it . Its

Masonry's Great Aim And Use.

charity and brotherly love , expressed in silent , unseen , ways , its care for the

widowed and the fatherless , remove the bitterness of sorrow from the lives of many , and lift many a burden from the state . Banish Irom earth Masonic sympathy and Masonic love , and the weight of public taxation would be increased in every land . Recently during that magnificent exposition at Chicago , a congress of religions of the world was held . The burden of the discussion was , * ' What

constitutes essentials in religion , and what can the world agree upon for an ethical basis ? " Had some loyal , devoted member of this Order been called upon to address that congress , he could , with deepest truth , have said : " Delegates to this congress , the question which you ask was largely answered long ago . I invite your attention to the investigation of the teachings of that Order which has now a history hallowed by centuries .

True to its principles , it solicits no man ' s approval , yet it gladly welcomes to its fold all good men who are found worthy . Its highest desire is to promote the true happiness of man , to enlarge his nobility , to cultivate his manhood . Its highest mission is to recognise the universal Deity , and to do good to all . To be good and true are the first lessons we are taught in Masonry , and by means of its great and eternal lights it would direct mankind to higher and

better things . I speak for it in the name of no particular religion , creed or faith , yet I can truthfully represent it to be founded upon the broad , universal , ethical principles which pervade—or should pervade—all religions . In its temples the children of every Godly faith and creed fraternally gather ; each still possessing his differences in opinion , yet all possessing a unity in life and in love . "

My brothers , if one had on such an occasion thus spoken , would he not have uttered what we all have learned to be true ? We are told , however , that Masonry requires of its members a secret obligation , but have we not learned that it is worthy of an obligation , and from its vows have we not

derived strength and inspiration ? In its rites we have found nothing degrading or debasing , but , on the contrary , have witnessed a symbolism that has ennobled and purified . True it is that we may often fall far short of its hign ideals , but the same regretful fact is observed of human connection with all other noble institutions .

I said a moment ago that Freemasonry was a strength to the state . Of our own nation , especially , how gloriously is this true I We have but recently celebrated the birth of the" Father of His Country . " Of particular interest was that occasion to Masons , for they recall the fact that he was one of the most enthusiastic members of their Order . The very corner stone of

our national capital , we remember , was laid by George Washington , who participated as Grand Master of Masons at that august ceremony , Lafayette , the noble son of France , upon coming to our shores was initiated into a Masonic lodge before he was made , through Washington ' s request , a Major-General of our armies .

The martyred Warren , at Bunker Hill , died the Grand Master of the Massachusetts lodges . Israel Putnam , the gallant Greene , were both members of our Order , and every other Major-General of the revolutionary cause , was likewise a Freemason . The history of this country could not have been written without these names . And what shall we say of Alexander Hamilton , our brightest early statesman , and of Benjamin Franklinthe

admir-, ation of both continents , patriot , law-giver , ana diplomat , each of whom loved and honoured this organisation , of which they were devoted members . More than all this can be added , for the very corner-stone of American liberty was laid by Freemasons , since most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of the Order . Do we look for mighty

names abroad 1 Kings have founded their thrones through the help and aid of this Brotherhood . Frederick the Great of Prussia , " the oldest soldier of the world , " sent a sword to George Washington , " the bravest soldier of the world , " knowing full well that his gift would meet with peculiar appreciation , since both were brother Masons .

Search we into the fields of literature , ever acknowledging , as all true Masons do , that "the pen is mightier than the sword ? " Robert Burns , Scotland ' s peasant monarch of song , Lessing and Goethe , the one Germany ' s inspiration , the other her master mind , were all Masons , and wrote many a verse in honour of our Craft . I speak not of modern names , for time would fail me and selection would be invidious ; yet in every foremost nation of both hemispheres the name of Mason is the proud possession of many of its noblest sons .

My brothers , we have assembled here this day to lay the corner stone of another of the many Masonic temples that adorn our land . Reflecting upon our history , our motives , our present and our future , may we not rejoice , and in grateful recognition of the blessing of the Supreme Architect , dedicate the work of this day to His name ? It has ever been the privilege of Freemasonry to lay corner stones , as the capitol of Washington , the monument

of Bunker Hill , state houses , churches and memorials without number testify . As , however , we gather here at this hour , our hearts should be impressed with the real Masonic lesson , of which this ritual is only the symbol . We set this corner stone in place , trying and making true the work , only to remind us of that primal necessity of laying the corner stone of character in such a way that it shall be approved by the Great Master .

The task you have apportioned me is done . I congratulate the Craft , thc city , the state , the nation , upon the auspicious beginning of this labour of love . May the richest favours of thc universal Father attend the work thus commenced to a triumphal consummation ; may wisdom direct all its progress , and when the temple stands complete , may it symbolise to us all the embodiment of beauty and of strength . When its portals shall swing

wide to admit the Apprentice , the Fellow and the Master , may all who enter find within its walls God ' s blessings and 1 lis peace . And when in time to come its walls have crumbled , when even yonder mountains , suggesting antiquitity , solidity , exaltation , snowy purity , Freemasonry ' s grandest emblems , when even they have passed away , still , even then , may the silver cords of fraternal love and the golden bowl of life ' s best deeds be with us to bind us and to cheer us , in the everlasting lodge on high .

Prompt us to labour , as Thou hast directed , On the foundation laid sure in the past ; And may "The Stone which the builders rejected , " Crown our endeavours with glory at last . Then at the eventide , Laying the Square aside , May we look calmly on life ' s setting sun ; And - \ the Mercy Seat ,

Where ransomed spirits meet , Hear from that Master the plaudit— " Well done . " — Voice of Masonry ,