Part 3 (1/2)

The Left Side.

The Right Hand, by our ancient brethren, was deemed the seat of fidelity. The ancients wors.h.i.+ped a deity named Fides, sometimes represented by two right hands joined, at others by two human figures holding each other by the right hand.

The Lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence. The lambskin is therefore to remind you of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

Northeast Corner.

It is customary at the erection of all Masonic edifices to lay the first or foundation stone in the northeast corner of the building. The first instructions which the candidate receives symbolizes the cornerstone, and on it he constructs the moral and Masonic temple of his life.

THIRD SECTION.

This section explains the manner of const.i.tuting and the proper authority for holding a Lodge. Here, also, we learn where lodges were anciently held, their Form, Support, Covering, Furniture, Ornaments, Lights and Jewels, how situated, and to whom dedicated, as well in former times as at present.

A Lodge.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

A Lodge is an a.s.semblage of Masons, duly congregated, having Holy Bible, Square and Compa.s.ses, and a dispensation or charter, authorizing them to work.

Ancient Lodges--Where Held.

Our ancient brethren held their Lodges on high hills or in low vales, the better to observe the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, ascending or descending.

Lodge meetings at the present day are usually held in upper chambers--probably for the security which such places afford. This custom may have had its origin in a practice observed by the ancient Jews of building their temples, schools and synagogues on high hills, a practice which seems to have met the approbation of the Almighty, who said unto the Prophet Ezekiel, ”Upon the top of the mountain, the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy.”

[Ill.u.s.tration]

Form and Dimension.

Its form is * * * Its dimension, from east to west, embracing every clime between north and south. Its universal chain of friends.h.i.+p encircles every portion of the human family and beams wherever civilization extends.

A Lodge is said to be thus extensive to denote the universality of Freemasonry, and teaches that a Mason's charity should be equally extensive.

[Ill.u.s.tration: W. S. B.]

The Supports of a Lodge.

A Lodge is supported by three great pillars, denominated Wisdom, Strength and Beauty; because there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings. They are represented by the three princ.i.p.al officers of the Lodge: The pillar Wisdom, by the W. M. in the East, who is presumed to have wisdom to open and govern the Lodge; the pillar Strength, by the Senior Warden in the West, whose duty it is to a.s.sist the W. M. in the discharge of his arduous labors; and the pillar Beauty, by the Junior Warden in the South, whose duty it is to call the craft from labor to refreshment, superintend them during the hours thereof, carefully to observe that the means of refreshment are not perverted to intemperance or excess, and see that they return to their labor in due season.

Its covering is no less than the clouded canopy or starry-decked heaven, where all good Masons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of that theological ladder which Jacob, in his vision, saw extending from earth to heaven; the three princ.i.p.al rounds of which are denominated Faith, Hope and Charity; which admonish us to have faith in G.o.d, hope of immortality and charity to all mankind. The greatest of these is Charity; for Faith may be lost in sight, Hope ends in fruition, but Charity extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity.