Part 8 (2/2)

This was an invention of our ancient friend and brother Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa and Europe, was initiated into 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 and theorems; 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.

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The Hour-Gla.s.s.

The Hour-gla.s.s is an emblem of human life. Behold how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close! We cannot without astonishment behold the little particles which are contained in this machine--how they pa.s.s away almost imperceptibly; and yet, to our surprise, in the short s.p.a.ce of an hour they are all exhausted. Thus wastes man! To-day he puts forth the tender leaves of hope; to-morrow blossoms, and bears his blus.h.i.+ng honors thick upon him; the next day comes a frost which nips the shoot; and when he thinks his greatness is still aspiring, he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth.

The Scythe.

The Scythe is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life and launches us into eternity. Behold what havoc the Scythe of Time makes among the human race! If by chance we should escape the numerous ills incident to childhood and youth, and with health and vigor arrive at the years of manhood, yet withal we must soon be cut down by the all-devouring Scythe of Time, and be gathered into the land where our fathers have gone before us.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are suddenly revived by the ever-green and ever-living Sprig of Faith which strengthens us, with confidence and composure, to look forward to a blessed immortality; and we doubt not that, on the glorious morn of the Resurrection, our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our souls.

Then let us imitate the good man in his virtuous and amiable conduct, in his unfeigned piety to G.o.d, in his inflexible fidelity to his trust, that we may welcome the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and celestial lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

Lecture.

Charge.

My Brother--Your zeal for the inst.i.tution of Masonry, the progress you have made in the mysteries, and your conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object of our favor and esteem. You are now bound, by duty, honor and grat.i.tude to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on every occasion; and to enforce, by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the Order.

In the character of a Master Mason you are authorized to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the fraternity unsullied must be your constant care; and for this purpose it is your province to recommend to your inferiors obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are always to inculcate, and by the regularity of your own behavior afford the best example for the conduct of others less informed. The ancient landmarks of the Order, intrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve, and never suffer them to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the established usages and customs of the fraternity.

Your virtue, honor and reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist whom you have this evening represented. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and merit the confidence that we have reposed in you.

FORMS AND CEREMONIES.

Grand Honors.

The public Grand Honors (not funeral) are given by raising the hands above and a little in front of the head, and clapping them three times together, then letting them fall to the side--repeating this action twice, making three times.

The private Grand Honors are made by 3x3, but not in the same way as the public Grand Honors.

Reception of Visitors.

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