The Masonic Properties Op Numbers.

senting the one-mmdedness of our Order , express Harmony . 7 th . —The number one represents " tho focus or centre of all systems , " Avhether moral or physical . In such meaning it naturally

represents—First : the centre of any mathematical circle . Second : the sun , as the centre of our astronomical system , whence ( being like a point , one , single and alone , in tho centre of that system ) he is ( from the Latin solus ) called Sol ; and in French , from the same l-oot , soliel . Thirdly : as referring to the sun , the centre of the

astronomical system , the number one points to the Worshipful Master who sits in the East ; for the reason that ( so our formularies have it ) " as the sun rises in the . East to open and enliven the day , so the "W . M . is placed in the E . to open the lodge ancl to instruct tho brethren in Masonry . " And is he not , Avhen in the loclge , truly also the centre

of a system ? Do not all Masonic sentiments , all Masonic references , all Masonic decisions emanate from , and revolve round him , in his very responsible and most onerous circle of duties ? And do not such other bright planets as the Senior and Junior Wardens ( and other lodge officers ) , as Avell as our own humbler selves , gladly obey aud follow our . 'ippointed orbits round the W . M ., thus acknowledging him , since time immemorial , as the centrepoint and focus of his lodge .

Therefore , the number one , which symbolizes the centre of any system , points , not inappropriately , to the Worshipful Master of a lodge . 8 th . —But again , the number one is expressive of the " male gender . " And for this reason—that its action produces no change in itself , but only out of itself . Tho number one multiplied by itself remains unaltered , and

unity still remains as the product . But when multiplied by any other number , it reproduces that number , as 3 _ x 1 = 3 , 4 x 1 = 4 ; 5 x 1 = 5 , & c . ; and in this capacity of reproduction it is esteemed the representative of the male ( or reproductive ) gender . 9 th . —The number one —( which is called the " monad , " from the Greek word mouos)—represents "LivingMan . "

For amongst all created beings man is the only one on earth gifted ivith an upright ( perpendicularly erect ) carriage , like the cipher I . And this fact is more particularly recognised in the Greek name for man , Avhich is anthropos , a word derived from the combination of the three roots ana = upwards , trepo = I turn , and ops = the face . Thus then the Greek word for man , in itself refers to his peculiar capacity for " turning tbe face upwards , " or in other words , his " erect carriage . "

And UOAV , brethren , in this position , standing erect ; man , upright aud perpendicular as the cipher I , Avhat does he remind us of ? Does he not aptly remind us of the candidate ivb ' en initiated into our ancient mysteries , standing erect to receive those important communications ( of Avords , signs , ancl tokens ) which , however simple or trivial they may appear to be , aro ail that actually

constitute us a secret brotherhood ? Again , it reminds us of that same candidate in the N . E . corner of the loclge , Avhen , standing upright in the integrity of his professions and intentions towards our whole Order , he receives that memorable charge on charity , Avhich ever ilows so gracefully from the lips of the Worshipful Master . Ancl thus it is that , collaterally , the number one reminds us

of "charity "—so important an ingredient iu our social compact as Masons . And as I glance at this vieAV of the cipher 1 , 1 ivould observe that the word Avhich Ave render " charity , " is , in the original language of the Sacred LaAv ex-pressed by the word " agape . " Now this Greek word " agape" means "love , " though we have translated it "charity . " And though the word " charity " well expresses the Greek " agape , " yet the strict translation ought to be our word " Jove . " I advert to this ,

m passing , to show that in Masonry ( which rests firmly based upon the volume of the Sacred LaAv ) we should understand charity to mean , not only that compassionate propensity _ which naturally dicates pecuniary aud physical relief to our felloAvmen Avhen in distress , but also that affectionate disposition of the mind , which should prompt us to animate the fainting spirit with a

stronger hope , to cherish the tenderhearted by a gentle bearing , to sustain the feeble with a helping hand , to smoothe the sick pillow Avith a fostering care , to breathe into the ears of some wavering brother some Avholesome counsels , to laugh ivith them that laugh , to weep Avith them that Aveep , and to pray with them that pray !

10 th . —But the "Monad" ( or cipher 1 ) represents also " truth . " For , as the cipher 1 stands firmly for ever as the basis or pedestal of all mathematical numeration , so truth for ever stands as tho foundation of all researches in science and philosophy , and is the beacon-star which leads us through all mysteries , involutions , and heretical opinions up to one great goalthe true knowled

wor-, ge , ship , ancl service of God . This unity of result in all investigations , Avhether physical or moral , when guided by truth , fitly entitles it to be represented by the cipher 1 . llth . —Finally , the number one represents the "First principle of all existing things . " For , from the monad came the indeterminate duadas matter subjected to the

, monad cause ; from the monad and indeterminate duad came numbers ; from numbers , points ; from points , lines ; from lines , superficies ; from superficies , solids ; from these solid bodies ( whose elements are four ) fire , Avater , air , and earth ; of all Avhich , in various forms , the Avorld consists .

Having now touched upon all the lessons , which at present occur to me as being taught by the monad , or cipher I , I pass on to the consideration of the " duad " or number 2 . Ancl 1 st . —The number 2 , or tho "duad , " ( so called from a Greek root ) , is perhaps host understood when contrasted ivith the monad . Following this method of

investigation , we first observe that as the monad is the symbol of identity , equality , existence , conservation , ancl generalharmony , so the cluad is the symbol of diversity , inequality , division , separation , vicissitude , and discord . Under this point of view it may call to mind tho unhappy discord and secessions , which have taken place twice iu the history of our ancient OrderFirstlong

. , before the date of King Solomon ' s Temple , when the early descendants of Cain ( a wicked race ) established the spurious Freemasonry , or system of profane idolatry ; ancl , secondly , when in more recent times an Unmasonic , and ever-to-be-lamented spirit of rivalry crept into the original and ancient Grand Lodge of York , and caused the secession of a large portion of tbe dissenting brethren

into a separate and distinct body . And here , brethren , I may be permitted to remark that , as Masons , we should jealously and carefully guard ourselves against the spirit of rivalry ; a noble emulation ancl a laudable ambition to excel , individually , in the knowledge of our art and its ancient landmarks , is by all means to be cultivated ; but a spirit of rivalry , ancl an univarrantable

intrusion of our opinions and prejudices , for the sake of disp laj ^ , or of supplanting some envied brother , is a fatal and suicidal heresy ivhich must eventually lead to the forfeiture of our personal Masonic status ancl position , and may inflict the most incalculable injury on the failfame aud good report of our society amongst those Avho have never yet had the privilege of entering within these sacred walls . Let us then , brethren , ever be on our guard against the baneful influences of the duad , or number 2 .

2 nd . —But the duad is also the " origin of contrast . " For where unity alone exists , where there is only one purpose , one opinion , or one material object , there can be but one true conclusion . But the presence of two