Chalk, Charcoal and Clay
Entered Apprentices should serve their masters with freedom, fervency and zeal, which are represented by Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.
There is nothing freer than Chalk, the slightest touch of which leaves a trace; there is nothing more fervent than Charcoal, forto it, when properly ignited, the most obdurate metals will yield; there is nothing more zealous than Clay.
Our Mother Earth alone of all the elements has never proved unfriendly to man. Bodies of Water deluge him with rain, oppress him with hail and drown him with inundation; the Air rushes in storms and prepares the tempest; and Fire lights up the volcano; but the Earth, ever kind and indulgent, is found subservient to his wishes. Though constantly harassed, more to furnish the luxuries than the necessaries of life, she never refuses her accustomed yield, spreading his pathway with flowers and his table with plenty. Though she produces poison, still she supplies the antidote, and returns with interest every good committed to her care; and when at last we are called upon to pass through the "dark valley of the shadow of death" she once more receives us, and piously covers our remains within her bosom, thus admonishing us that as from it we came, so to it we must shortly return.
The First, or Entered Apprentice, degree of Masonry is intended, symbolically, to represent the entrance of man into the world inwhichhe is afterwards to become a living andthinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for light—not that physical light which springs from the great orb of day as its fountain, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates from the primal Source of all things—from the Grand Architect of the Universe—the Creator of the sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence the great, the primary object of the first degree is to symbolize the birth of intellectual light in the mind; and the Entered Apprentice is the type of the unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness, and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty its reward.
Brother: As you are now introduced to the first principles of Freemasonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and honorable Fraternity. Ancient, as having existed from time immemorial; and honorable, as tending in every particular so to render all men who will be comformable to its precepts. No institution was ever raised on a better principle or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maximslaid down than are contained in the several Masonic lectures. The wisest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of our Art, and have never deemed it derogatory to their dignity to level themselves with the Fraternity, to extend its privileges, and to patronize its assemblies.
There are three great duties which as a Mason you are charged to inculcate: To God, to your neighbor and to yourself. To God, in never mentioning His name save with that reverential awe which is due from the creature to his Creator, to implore His aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him as the chief good. To your neighbor, in acting upon the square and doing unto him as you would that he should do unto you. And to yourself, in avoiding all irregularities and intemperance, which may impair your faculties or debase the dignity of your profession.
A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public and private esteem.
In the State you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to your government and just to your country. You are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the countryin which you live, yielding obedience to the laws which afford you protection.
In your outward demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favor, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action.
Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that Freemasonry should interfere with your necessary vocations, for these are on no account to be neglected; neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.
At your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to converse with well-informed brethren, who will always be as ready to give as you will be to receive instruction.
Finally, my brother, keep sacred and inviolate the mysteries of the Order, as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the community and mark your consequence among Masons.
If in the circle of your acquaintance you find a person desirous of being initiated into the Fraternity, be particularly careful not torecommend him unless you are convinced that he will conform to our rules, that the honor, glory and reputation of the institution may be firmly established, and the world at large be convinced of its good effects.
Brother: Our institution breathes a spirit of general philanthropy. Its benefits, in a social point of view, are extensive. In the most endearing ties, it unites all mankind. In every nation, wherever civilization extends—and not unfrequently among wild savages of the forest—it opens an asylum to a brother in distress, and grants hospitality to the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles of universal goodness and love to all mankind, which are essential to it, cannot be lost in national distinctions, prejudices and animosities. The rage of contest and the sanguinary conflict have, by its recognized principles, been abated, and the milder emotions of humanity substituted. It has often performed the part of the Angel of Goodness, in ministering to the wants of the sick, the wounded, and the unfortunate prisoner of war. It has even taught the pride of victory to give way to the dictates of an honorable connection.
In whatever country you travel, when youmeet a true Mason, you will find a brother and a friend, who will do all in his power to serve you; and who will relieve you, should you be poor or in distress, to the utmost of his ability, and with a ready cheerfulness.
Pure patriotism will always animate you to every call of your country. And this institution demands that you shall be true to your government. But should you, while engaged in the service of your country, be made captive, you may find affectionate brethren, where others would only find enemies. And should you be the captor of one who belongs to this noble fraternity, remember that he is your brother.
Set Square
Thus he shewed me: and behold the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in His hand.
And the Lord said unto me: Amos, what seest thou? and I said, A plumb-line. Then said the Lord: Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel;
I will not again pass by them any more. Amos, vii. 7, 8.
Amos, Chap VII, Plumb, Level
Plumb, Square, Level
The Working Tools of Fellow Craft are the Plumb, the Square and the Level, and are thus explained:
The Plumb is an instrument used by Operative Masons to try perpendiculars, the Square to square their work, and the Level to prove horizontals; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use them for more noble and glorious purposes. The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the Square of Virtue, ever remembering that we are traveling upon the Level of Time to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns."
You now represent a young F. C. on his way to the M. C. of K. S. T., to have his name enrolled among the workmen, and to be taught the wages of a F. C. Masonry is divided into two classes, operative and speculative. We have wrought in speculative Masonry, but our ancient brethren wrought both in operative and speculative. They wrought at the building of K. S. T., and many other Masonic edifices. They wrought but six days in a week, and rested upon the seventh. The seventh, therefore, our ancient brethren consecrated as a day of rest, the better to enable them to contemplate the glorious works of creation and to adore their great Creator.
On our way to the M. C. the first things that attract our attention are the representatives of two brazen pillars, one upon the left, the other upon the right of the porch. The one upon the left, denominated * * * denoted strength; the one upon the right, denominated * * * denoted establishment, having reference to a passage of Scripture wherein God said to David, "And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee."
Those pillars were eighteen cubits high, twelve in circumference and four in diameter. They were prepared of molten brass, the better to withstand conflagration or inundation. They were cast in the clay grounds of the river Jordan, between Succoth and Zaradatha, where K. S. ordered all the holy vessels to be cast. They were hollow, four inches, or a hand's breadth, in thickness, and served as the archives of Masonry in which the Rolls, Records and Proceedings were kept. They were adorned with two chapiters, five cubits each. Those chapiters were ornamented with net-work, lily-work and pomegranate, denoting union, peace and plenty. The net-work, from its intimate connection, denotes union. The lily, from its whiteness, denotes peace. The pomegranate, from the exuberance of its seeds, denotes plenty. Mounted upon the chapiters were two globes, representing the terrestrial and celestial bodies, on the convex surface of which were delineated the countries, seas and other portions of the earth, the planetary revolutions and other important particulars. They represented the universality of Freemasonry—that from east to west and between north and south Freemasonry extends, and in every clime are Masons to be found, and teachthat a Mason's charity should be co-extensive.
Masonic tradition informs us that those pillars were placed at the porch of K. S.'s T. as a memento to the children of Israel of their happy deliverance from the land of bondage, and represented the pillar of cloud that over-shadowed them by day and the pillar of fire that illumined them by night.
The next thing that attracts our attention is a flight of winding stairs, composed of three, five and seven steps. The three steps allude to the three principal officers of the lodge, three principal supports in Masonry, and the three principal stages in human life. The three principal officers are the W. M., S. W. and J. W. The three principal supports are Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, because it is necessary to have wisdom to contrive, strength to support and beauty to adorn all well governed institutions. The three principal stages of human life are Youth, Manhood and Age—Youth as an E. A., Manhood as a F. C., and Age as a M. M.
The five steps allude to the five orders of architecture, and the five human senses. The five orders of architecture are the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite, threeof which, from their antiquity, have ever been held in high repute among Masons—theDoric,Ionic and Corinthian. The five human senses are hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting and smelling, the first three of which have ever been held in high repute among Masons, because by hearing we hear the * * *; by seeing we see the * * *, and by feeling we feel the * * * , whereby one Mason may know another in the dark as well as in the light.
The seven steps allude to many sevens—the sevensabbaticalyears, seven years of plenty, seven years of famine, seven years during which K. S.'s T. was in course of erection, seven golden candlesticks, but more particularly the seven liberal arts and sciences, which are Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy and Music.
(Note:—A fine effect can be had, if an organ is played, by using the following. The organist should begin to play softly when the speaker begins on "Music:")
Music is that elevated science which affects the passions by sound. There are few who have not felt its charms, and acknowledged its expressions to beintelligibleto the heart. It is a language of delightful sensations, far moreeloquent than words; it breathes to the ear the clearest intimations; it touches and gently agitates the agreeable and sublime passions; it wraps us in melancholy, elevates us in joy and melts us in tenderness. Again the pathetic dies away and martial strains are heard, reminding us of the battlefield and its attendant glory.
(As the word "glory" is pronounced the organist at once strikes the chords of some war-music like "Dixie," "Marseilles Hymn," etc. After a few bars are played with full organ, the organist lets the music die away to a soft and gentletremolo, and the Deacon resumes):
The glorious notes of the battle-hymn float over the red field of carnage. Brave men hear the inspiring music; the ranks close up; the bayonets are fixed; and, with a cheer which strikes terror to the heart of the foe, they rush forward in one glorious charge, across the plain slippery with the blood of patriots, up the opposing hillside, even to the mouth of cannon belching forth fire and death.—But stop! Look yonder! The dying soldier raises his head. His breast is already crimson with his heart's-blood. His eye even now is dimming and glazing. The old home comes back to him in memory. He puts his hand to his ear as if listening. What does he hear?
(Here the organist plays softly the strains of "Home, Sweet Home," or some well-known lullaby; during which the Deacon continues):
Ah, it is the old, old melody of youth and home! Again we are around the old hearthstone. Again do we kneel at mother's knee to lisp the evening prayer. Again she takes us in her arms, and sings to her tired child the soft, low lullaby of childhood's happy days.—Oh, Music, Music! Art Divine! Thou dost move and stir the heart as nothing else can do! Yet never canst thy sweet potency be better used than when it inspires praise and gratitude to the great Lord and Master of us all!
(At the word "all," the organist promptly strikes the chords of "Old Hundred," and, to its accompaniment, the Master calling up the Lodge, all unite in singing the long-metre doxology.)
This brings us to the outer door of the M. C., which we find partly open, but strictly tiled by the J. W. We will see if we can gain admission.
J. W.: "Who comes here?"
"A young F. C., on his way to the M. C. to have his name enrolled among the workmen and to be taught the wages of a F. C."
"How do you expect to pass the outer door?"
"By the * * * and * * * of a F. C."
"Give them."
"What does this * * * denote?"
"Plenty."
"How is it represented?"
"By a sheaf of corn suspended near a waterfall."
"How did it originate?"
"It originated in consequence of a quarrel that long existed between Jephtha, judge of Israel, and the Ephraimites. The Ephraimites were a wicked, stubborn and rebellious people, whom Jephtha strove to subdue by lenient means, but all to no avail. They became highly incensed because they were not called to share in the rich spoils of the Ammonitish war, raised an exceeding great army, crossed over the river Jordan, came down upon Jephtha and gave him battle. Jephtha, being apprised of their approach, called out the mighty men of Gilead and put the Ephraimites to flight. And to make his victory secure, he placed guards at all the passes on the river Jordan, giving them this password: Shibboleth. The Ephraimites, being of a different tribe and dialect, could not pronounce the word Shibboleth, but called it Sibboleth, which trifling defect proved themenemies, and there fell at that time forty and two thousand."
"The * * * and * * * with the explanation are correct. You have my permission to pass the outer door."
This brings us to the inner door of the M. C., which we find partly open but more strictly tiled by the S. W. We will see if we can gain admission.
"Who comes here?"
"A young F. C., on his way to the M. C., to have his name enrolled among the workmen, and to be taught the wages of a F. C."
"How do you expect to pass the inner door?"
"By the true * * * and * * * of a F. C."
"Give them."
"They are correct. You have my permission to pass the innerdoor!"
This brings us into the M. C. W. M., this young F. C. has come up to the M. C. to have his name enrolled among the workmen and be taught the wages of a F. C.
W. M.: "I congratulate you upon your arrival into the M. C. You have been admittedfor the sake of the letter G. you see suspended over the Master's station, which entitles you to the enrolling of your name among the workmen and to be taught the wages of a F. C. Brother Secretary, you will enroll the brother's name. The wages of a F. C. are C., W. and O. The C. of nourishment, W. of refreshment and O. of joy. I will also instruct you in the three P. J. They are a L. E., an I. T., and a F. B. A. L. E., that you will ever be attentive to lessons from the I. T., and a F. B. should serve as a faithful repository for all the secrets of the Fraternity that may be entrusted to yourcare."
The letter G. has a very significant meaning. It is the initial of Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, and the basis on which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected. By Geometry we may curiously trace Nature through her various windings to her most concealed recesses; by it we discover the power, wisdom and goodness of the Grand Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the proportions which compose this vast machine; by it we discover how the planets move in their respective orbits and demonstrate their various revolutions; by it we account for the return of the seasons, and the variety of scenes which each season displays to the discerningeye. Numberless worlds are around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same unerring law of Nature.
A survey of Nature, and the observation of her beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the divine plan and study symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies and birth to every useful art. The architect began to design, and the plans which he laid down, being improved by time and experience, have produced works which are the admiration of every age.
The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance and the devastations of war have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, still survives. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts.
Tools and implements of architecture and symbolic emblems most expressive have beenselected by the Fraternity to imprint on the mind wise and serious truths, and thus through a succession of ages have been transmitted unimpaired the most excellent tenets of our institution.
But the letter G. has a far greater significance still. It is the initial of Deity—a name that, at the mere mention of which, all, from the W. M. in the east to the youngest E. A. in the northeast corner, should with meekness reverently bow.
If the object of the first degree is to symbolize the struggles of a candidate groping in darkness for intellectual light, that of the second degree represents the same candidate laboring amid all the difficulties that encumber the young beginner in the attainment of learning and science. The Entered Apprentice is to emerge from darkness to light; the Fellow Craft is to come out of ignorance into knowledge. This degree, therefore, by fitting emblems, is intended to typify these struggles of the ardent mind for the attainment of truth—moral and intellectual truth—and above allthat Divine truth, the comprehension of which surpasseth human understanding, and to which, standing in the Middle Chamber, after his laborious ascent of the winding stairs, he can only approximate by the reception of an imperfect, yet glorious reward in the revelation of that "hieroglyphic light which none but craftsmen ever saw."
Brother: Being passed to the second degree of Freemasonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the external, qualifications of a man are what Masonry regards. As you increase in knowledge you will improve in social intercourse.
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which as a Fellow Craft you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have established their value. Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to support, and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate or aggravate the offenses of your brethren, but in the decision of every trespass against our rules you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.
The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your consideration, especially the science of Geometry, which is established as the basis of our art. Geometry, or Masonry, originally synonymous terms, being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality.
Your past behavior and regular deportment have merited the honor which we have conferred, and in your new character it is expected that you will conform to the principles of the Institution by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow Craft, and to these duties you are bound by the most sacred ties.
Compasses
The Compasses are peculiarly dedicated to this degree, and as a Master Mason you are taught that between their extreme points are contained the most important tenets of Freemasonry—Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love.
The following passage of Scripture is introduced:
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not,
Nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, benot darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves,
And the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets,
When the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way,
And the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail:
Because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Eccl. xii, 1-7.)
Working Tools of a Master Mason
The Working Tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry, especially the Trowel.
The Trowel is an instrument used by operative masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection—that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, save that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.
My brother, you have been
The lodge represents the Craft at refreshment at the building of K. S.'s Temple.
Character and habits of the builder.
South, West, East.
Hill west of * * *
Mason amongst trees
K. S.—"What is the cause of confusion?"
H. K. T.—"* * *"
During Second Search. 12 F. C. (Ordered Confine).
During Second Search. 12 F. C. (Ordered Confine).
Choose from the bands * * * Those traveling in a * * *
Sea Coast of JoppaSea Coast of Joppa
Fourth Search. * * * Acacia and voices. Capture—Sentence.—W. W. F. T.
Funeral Dirge.
1. Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound!Mine ears attend the cry:"Ye living men come view the groundWhere you must shortly lie.2. "Princes! this clay must be your bed,In spite of all your towers;The tall, the wise, the reverend head,Must lie as low as ours."3. Great God! is this our certain doom!And are we still secure,Still walking downward to the tomb,And yet prepared no more?4. Grant us the power of quick'ning grace,To fit our souls to fly.Then, when we drop this dying flesh,We'll rise above the sky.
1. Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound!Mine ears attend the cry:"Ye living men come view the groundWhere you must shortly lie.
2. "Princes! this clay must be your bed,In spite of all your towers;The tall, the wise, the reverend head,Must lie as low as ours."
3. Great God! is this our certain doom!And are we still secure,Still walking downward to the tomb,And yet prepared no more?
4. Grant us the power of quick'ning grace,To fit our souls to fly.Then, when we drop this dying flesh,We'll rise above the sky.
Pleyel's Hymn.
Solemn strikes the fun'ral chime,Notes of our departing time;As we journey here belowThrough a pilgrimage of woe.Mortals, now indulge a tear,For mortality is here!See how wide her trophies waveO'er the slumbers of the grave!Here another guest we bring!Seraphs of celestial wing,To our fun'ral altar come,Waft our friend and brother home.Lord of all! below—above—Fill our hearts with truth and love;When dissolves ourearthlytieTake us to Thy Lodge on high.
Solemn strikes the fun'ral chime,Notes of our departing time;As we journey here belowThrough a pilgrimage of woe.
Mortals, now indulge a tear,For mortality is here!See how wide her trophies waveO'er the slumbers of the grave!
Here another guest we bring!Seraphs of celestial wing,To our fun'ral altar come,Waft our friend and brother home.
Lord of all! below—above—Fill our hearts with truth and love;When dissolves ourearthlytieTake us to Thy Lodge on high.
The following Prayer is used at the raising of a brother to the degree of MasterMason:
Thou, O God! knowest our down-sitting and our up-rising, and understandest our thoughts afar off. Shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, and support us under the trials and afflictions we are destined to endure while traveling through this vale of tears. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with Thee; Thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass. Turn from him that he may rest till he shall accomplish his day. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not till the heavens be no more. Yet, O Lord, have compassion on the children of Thy creation; administer them comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. Amen!
Response: So mote it be!
Handshake within white star
That we should be ever ready to go on foot, and even barefoot, on a worthy M. M.'s errand, should his necessities require it, and we be no better provided.
That we should ever remember our brethren in our devotions to Deity.
That the secrets of a worthy M. M., when communicated to us as such, should be as secure and inviolate in our breasts as they were in his before communication.
That we should be ever ready to stretch forth a hand to support a falling brother, and aid him on all lawful occasions.
That we should be ever ready to whisper wise counsel in the ear of a brother, and warn him of approachingdanger.
It has been the practice of all ages to erect monuments to the memory of exalted worth.
Master Mason and Apprentice within circle
This section illustrates certain hieroglyphical emblems, and inculcates many useful and impressive moral lessons. It also details many particulars relative to the building of the Temple at Jerusalem.
This magnificent structure was founded in the fourth year of the reign of Solomon, on the second day of the month Zif, being the second month of the sacred year. It was locatedon Mt. Moriah, near the place where Abraham was about to offer up his son Isaac, and where David met and appeased the destroying angel. Josephus informs us that, though more than seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole term it did not rain in the day time, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor. From sacred history we also learn that there was not the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron heard in the house while it was building. It is said to have been supported by 1,453 columns and 2,906 pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. It was symbolically supported, also, by three pillars.
King Solomon's Temple
The three pillars here represented were explained in a preceding degree, and there representedWisdom, Strength and Beauty. Here they represent our three ancient Grand Masters: S. K. of I., H. K. of T., and H. A.; the pillar Wisdom, S. K. of I., by whose wisdom the Temple was erected, that superb model of excellence which has so honored and exalted his name; the pillar Strength, H. K. of T., who strengthened K. S. in his great and important undertaking; and the pillar Beauty, H. A., the W. S. of the tribe of Naphtali, by whose cunning workmanship the Temple was so beautified and adorned.
There were employed in its building 3 Grand Masters, 3,300 Masters or overseers of the work, 80,000 Fellow Crafts, and 70,000 Entered Apprentices or bearers of burdens. All these were classed and arranged in such manner, by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord nor confusion was suffered to interrupt or disturb the peace and good fellowship which prevailed among the workmen, except in one notable instance.
In front of the magnificent porch were placed the two celebrated pillars—one on the left hand, and one on the right hand. They are supposed to have been placed there as a memorial to the children of Israel of the happydeliverance of their forefathers from Egyptian bondage, and in commemoration of those two miraculous pillars of fire and of cloud. The pillar of fire gave light to the children of Israel and facilitated their march. The cloud proved darkness toPharaohand his host and retarded their pursuit. King Solomon, therefore, ordered these pillars placed at the entrance of the Temple, as the most conspicuous place, that the children of Israel might have that happy event continually before their eyes in going to and returning from divine worship.
The Three Steps usually delineated upon the Master's Carpet are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life: Youth, Manhood and Age. In Youth, as Entered Apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge; in Manhood, as Fellow Crafts, we should apply our knowledge to the discharge of our respective duties to God, our neighbor and ourselves, so that in Age, as Master Masons, we may enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a well-spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality.
The Pot of Incense is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an acceptable sacrifice to Deity; and as this glows with fervent heat, so should our hearts continually glow with gratitude to the great and beneficent Author of our existence for the manifold blessings and comforts we enjoy.
The Beehive is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the lowest reptile of the dust. It teaches us that as we came into the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us are in want, especially when it is in our power to relieve them without inconvenience to ourselves.
When we take a survey of Nature, we view man in his infancy, more helpless and indigent than the brute creation; he lies languishing for days, months and years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild beasts of the field, or sheltering himself from the inclemencies of the weather. It might havepleased the great Creator of heaven and earth to have made man independent of all created beings; but as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on each other for protection and security, thereby enjoying better opportunities of fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man formed for social and active life, the noblest part of the work of God; and he who will so demean himself as not to endeavor to add to the common stock of knowledge may be deemed a drone in the hive of nature, a useless member of society, and unworthy of our protection as Masons.
The Book of Constitutions guarded by the Tiler's Sword reminds us that we should be ever watchful and guarded in our thoughts, words and actions, particularly when before the enemies of Masonry, ever bearing in remembrance those truly Masonic virtues, silence and circumspection.
The Sword pointing to a Naked Heart demonstrates that justice will sooner or later overtake us; and although our thoughts, words and actions may be hidden from the eyes of men, yet that—
All Seeing Eye, Sun, Moon, Stars, Comet and Heart
All Seeing Eye whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even Comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human Heart, and will reward us according to our merits.
The Anchor and the Ark are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. They are emblematical of that Divine Ark which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that Anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.
This was an invention of our ancient friend and brother Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa and Europe, was initiatedinto several orders of priesthood, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This wise philosopher enriched his mind abundantly in a general knowledge of things and more especially in Geometry, or Masonry. On this subject he drew out many problems andtheorems; and among the most distinguished he erected this, which, in the joy of his heart, he called Eureka, in the Grecian language signifying "I have found it;" and upon the erection of which he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches Masons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences.