THE
MASTER'S CARPET; OR
MASONRY AND BAAL- WORSHIP IDENTICAL.
REVIEWING THE SIMILARITY BETWEEN MASONRY, ROMANISM AND "THE MYSTERIES," AND COMPARING THE WHOLE WITH THE BIBLE.
BY
EDMOND RONAYNE, (
i
Past Master of Keystone Lodge, No.
And Author
639,
Chicago,
of "The Handbook of Freemasonry^
FULLY ILLUSTRATED. 'Prove all things, hold fast that which is 'Be not unequally
good."1
yoked together with unbelievers."
T. B. 104-106
Thess.
2
u.
Cor,
ARNOLD,
FRANKLIN 1887.
ST.,
CHICAGO.
21. vi.
14.
H6
H7
Entered according to act of Congress in the year
1879,
BY EDMOND RONAYNE, In the
office of
the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
CONTENTS. CHAPTER Masonic Laws
PAGE
I.
to
parental
Man" argument. duty. The "Good charity. Pure selfishness. Chicago Fire.
Masonic Masonic
Introduction.
Board of Relief
opposed
Masonic Benevolence rewarded..
CHAPTER
Masonry a religious institution. Teaches piety. Lodge meetings strictly religious. Opened and closed with prayer. Masonry of divine origin. Teaches divine truth. Lodges consecrated to holy purposes. Not Christian
CHAPTER
9
II.
39
III.
The Masonic
religion examined. Moi'al law of natPurely antichristian. True God entirely ignored. Grand Orient of France. Masonic despotism. Obedience right or wrong. Masonry and Romanism. Pure theism. Masonic religion not founded on the Bible. Masonic traditions. Romanism and Masonry compared. Condemned by ure.
the
Word
of
God
57
CHAPTER What Masonry
claims to do.
IV.
The new
birth.
Temple
Mental illumination. Romanism and Masonry compared. Both opposed to God's Word. Freedom from sin. "Justification by works." Masonic precepts. Masons in search of divine truth. Never find it. Masonry above the true religion. Masonry a wicked counterfeit building.
83
CHAPTER V. Masonry and Romanism.
Private judgment. Their secrecy and despotism illustrated. Masonry and the Bible. Square and Compass. "Book of the law." Masonic "ovenant. The Bible not the
Masonic rule of iaitli. Only a Symbol. Three great lights. Three lesser Lights. Masonic and Romish coincidence. Both false and unscriptural. The Worshipful Master and Pope both gods. 114 "Masonry and Leo XII
CHAPTER
VI.
Masonry and Romanism. The confessional. Conflict of authority. Masonic prayers. Master opening
--84552
CONTENTS.
iV
PAGE
U
the lodge. The G. A. O. T. Master closing the lodge. Masonry idolatrous worship. Master praying for candidate. Masonic confession of faith. Prayer at Hiram's grave. Romish pra}7 ers. Inconsistency of Protestant ministers. Masonry and
Romanism condemned by God's Word
CHAPTER
144
VII.
Bible. Credibility of Masonic witnesses. Christ's name expunged from the Scriptures. Inconsistency of Masonic ministers. Mutilation of the Bible expressly forbidden. Masonic morality a carricature. trinity of thieves. Worship of the Virgin Mary. Rome mutilates the Bible. Which is most to be condemned? Catholic priest or a Masonic minister? 175
Masonry mutilates the
A
A
CHAPTER
VIII.
Masonic antiquity. King Solomon never Grand MasThe SS. John not Masons. Xor all the Prester. idents. Arnold a Mason. First meeting held in 1717. Sprung up in a grog-shop. The ''Masonic fathers." The Masonic religion and philosophy revived, Signs, grips, passwords and lodge government invented. Early seceding Masons. Two conflicting Grand Lodges. Masonry conceived in fraud and sustained by deception. Mah- jah-bone, 197 by whom invented and how l
CHAPTER
IX.
Adam the first By whom invested.
Masonry and the Ancient Mysteries.
man who -wore
an apron.
Distinction between Masonic lodges and Masonic philosophy. Origin of Sabaism or star-worship. The sun-god. Worshipped in secret. Ancient mysteries. Mysteries of Egypt and Elcusis. Masonry and the Mysteries identical. Osiris, the .snn-god of Egypt. Hiram Abiffand Osiris one and the same. Freemasonry the okl sun-worship revived. Meaning of the term ''God of nature." Must believe Masonic testimony regarding itself. 219 .
CHAPTER Preparation of candidates.
X.
Masons ignorant of Mason-
Guilt of Masonic ministers. ry. lodges meet in "upper chambers." Purging the lodge. Initiation in darkness. The cable-tow. "Neither naked
Why
\
nor clad." NeiU-r barefoot nor shod." the lodge holy ground
Floor of 241
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER
V.
XI.
PAGE.
Pitiable condition of Masonic ministers. Rite of Induction. Rite of circumamof Rite dilation. Secrecy. Masonic idols. 261 Masonic penalties. An idolatrous system
Initiator}' ceremonies. 1
CHAPTER
XII.
Rite of Illumination. Virtues of a hoodwink. Rite of Investiture. Masonry unIntrusting. Rite of 281 doubtedly the worship of Baal
CHAPTER The
XIII.
called. Masonic Carpet. Why so em hieing. Form of the lodge. Its supports. Covering. Furniture. Ornaments. Lights. Jewels. 278 Situation
Master's
CHAPTER The point within
XIV.
Lodge dedications. Refers Borrowed from the Mysteries. Re-
a Circle.
to the sun. presents the Phallus or Baal-peor of pagan worship. Condemned by Paul. Supported by Masonic Ministers. The symbol of Masonic licentiousness. 31G
CHAPTER XV. The Masonic Legend.
The Masonic
revival.
How ef-
fected and why. Osiris and Hiram one and the same characters. Legend of Hiram A biff'. Legend of Osiris. Both identical 331
CHAPTER
XVI.
The Masonic
tragedy. Murder of Hiram historically false. A substitute lor Osiris. Candidate kneeling to pray. Personates the sun-god in his conflict with night. Is slain by Jubelum. Body concealed. liuiiedat foot of a' tamarind tree. Search lor the ruffians. Accidental discovery. Search for the body. Loss of Master's word. Substitution of Man-nab- bone. Procession. Prayer at the grave. Raising of the body. Five points of Fellowship. Coincident scenes. Egyptian figure. "Lion's 351 paw." Masonic worship idolatry
CHAPTER XVII. Tammuz
Identical with Hiram. His secret worship revealed to Ezekiel. The acacia or evergreen. The beautiful virgin. The all-seeing eye. Fortyseventh problem of Euclid. Corn, wine, and oil. Romanism and Masonry compared. The beast and his image. Case submitted. Henry's resolve. 381
ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE.
Masonic Emblems
9, 39, 57,
Preparation of Candidates Holy Bible, Square and Compass
124, 175 151
Opening the Lodge Closing the Lodge Master praying for Candidate Candidate making confession of Masonic Praying at Candidate's supposed grave Emblem of Masonic Sun-worship Emblem oi "High hills and low vales,'
faith
'.
1
Rite of Induction Candidate led by Senior Deacon Journey of Candidate in Symbolic Pilgrimage Rite oi Secrecy and goddess Fides "Two human figures,*' or god of Secrecy
"Due form in F. C. and M. M. "Due guard" of a Mason
197
.84, 252, 201
7'
degrees.'
Rite of Illumination Rite of Intrusting Rite oi Investiture Form of the Lodge
Three Pillars Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Sun-god in the East, West and South Covering of the Lodge, or "Clouded Canopy" "
Furniture and Lights Ornaments and "Blazing Star" The Phallus or "Point wit bin a Circle" Candidate praying forhimself Conflict in the South, West and at nightfall Hero or Sun-god slain, concealed and buried Search and interrogating way-faring man Search for the Master's word' Solemn procession Prayer at Hiram's grave Master raising Candidate by "Lion's Paw," Five Points of Fellowship Osiris and Beautiful Virgin All-seeing Eye and Priest at Mass
159 104 160 169 225 245 265 269 270 274 276 280 283 283 288 293 300 302 305 309 311 313 318 356 358 364 308 370 373 374 375 375 377, 387 388, 394
In all the most popular Manuals of Freemasonry and in its standard works of the highest authorare four well authenticated ity and merit, there claims set up on behalf of that institution, as follows:
That it is a religious philosophy, or a sysreligious science. 2nd. That it was REVIVED in its "present outi
st.
tem of
ward form" in 1717. That all its ceremonies, symbols, and the 3rd. celebrated legend of Hiram in the Master Mason's degree, were directly borrowed from the "Ancient Mysteries," or the secret worship of Baal, Osiris or
Tammuz, and That
a strict obedience to its precepts and that is' necessary to free man from obligations sin, and to secure for him a happy immortality. The design of this work, then, is to discuss these claims in a clear, simple and intelligible manner, and to demonstrate beyond the possibility of dispute or doubt, on the part of any Freemason, that the Masonic 4th.
is all
system, as it exists to-day, is precisely the same religious philosophy, and the same form of secret worship, that used to be taught and practiced in honor of the "god of nature" in the old temples of paganism. All the proofs adduced to establish these facts are designedly drawn from the testimony of Masonry itself, and are so arranged as to be recognized at a glance, and must be found of great value for immediate reference in all possible discussions on this important The work is also profusely illustrated the subject. interior of the lodge, the position of its various officers, the ceremonies through which the candidate is made to pass, and the emblems and symbols of its different degrees, being accurately represented by wood-engravings, specially prepared for this exposition, and passed upon by some of the former members ot the Order, while the legend of Osiris in the Egyptian Mysteries, and the celebrated legend of Hiram in the Masonic Mysteries, are compared with such minute-
ness of detail that none can
fail to
note their absolute
identity.
This constitutes the
r(al secrets
of
a
Master
Mason, and was never before alluded to by any seceder nor in any exposition of its pretended mysteries.
The unmistakable coincidence between Masonry and Romanism is also set forth, and it is demonstrated with positive certainty that both systems have sprung from the same pagan source the one being the old pagan BEAST of Revelation and the other the Image of the Beast. Although I have been a member of the fraternity for a number of years, though I have been exalted to the highest office among my brethren in the lodge, and have received the unanimous plaudits of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, in 1872, yet accepting God's Word as the rule of my faith and practice, I insist upon it that I have just as much right to secede from the institution of Freemasonry,
and to cast off all allegiance to its extra-judicial and iron-clad oaths, its inhuman death penalties, and its anti-Christian and idolatrous worship as I had to secede from the idolatrous Rome just worship of thirty years ago. Acting upon this principle then, I claim that a father, although a Freemason, is in duty bound to warn his son against affiliation with the Masonic institution, and in doing so, to give him a full
And exposition of its principles and philosophy. hence the conversation between Mr. Barton and Henry. That
in this manner I may be the humble means of liberating some of my former brothers from the despotism of the lodge, as well as saving others from its wicked entanglements, that through the instrumenthe pure, spiritual, heartfelt wortality of this book ship of God through Christ may be better appreciated,
and the Redeemer's name be glorified and exalted, the sincere and earnest prayer of the author.
is
EDMOND RONAYNE,
Past Master Keystone., No. 639, Chicago.
Chicago, March, 1879.
THE MASTER'S CARPET EXPLAINED AND EXPOSED.
CHAPTER INTRODUCTION. duty. ic
I.
Masonic Laws opposed
to parental
The "Good Man" argument.
Charity.
Pure
Masonic Board
Selfishness. "
of
.aief.
Mason-
Chicago Fire. Masonic Benevol-
ence rewarded.
"And
Henry, you tell me that some of your Masonic friends have so,
been trying to persuade you
,become a Mason?
Well,
I
to
can
hardly say that this astonishes me, as I
am
well aware that considerable recruiting
is
almost everywhere practised, though indirectly, to induce men to join that order. But it is rather singular,
however,
that,
knowing my sentiments
regard to the Masonic institution, as
many
of
in
our
Masonic friends do, any effort should be made on their part toward inveigling you into an organization
which they have every reason
to
believe
184552
is
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
to
highly distasteful to me, and to which they ought know very well I should never give mv con-
to
But what
sent to your connecting yourself.
own
is
your
Have you had any about joining the lodge? Or
opinion on
this subject?
very serious notions have you given the matter any more than a mere passing thought ?"
"Well, the truth is, that I have been thinking somewhat on the subject of Masonry, and I confess that I have been very strongly tempted to send in
my
my
Before doing so, however, it was submit the whole case to your
petition.
full intention to
judgment and ask your advice, and it is partly with this object in view that I have broached the But you rather astonish me
subject this morning.
when you
my
that
say the
joining
should never consent to
you I
lodge.
understand
general thing, Freemasons do not
as
that,
men
solicit
a
to be-
come members, and hence I was fully prepared to believe that you would not depart from the usual practice; but
questing
would so,
me
when you to join
tell
me
that so far
Masonic
the
institution,
actually withhold your consent to
then,
indeed,
much, but
I
you not only
confess
that
from
my
surprise
you greatly
re-
you
doing
me
excite
very
my
curiosity as well."
"At
first
sight
this
astonish you,
may
true, but upon calm reflection
I
it
is
think you will ap-
n
INTRODUCTION. prove of
my
action
masonry were course you
the premises.
in
good honorable
a
know
I
very well,
Free-
If
of
institution,
would be only too
you should become a member of it, and not only that, but I would of course be the first man to take in your application myself; but knowglad that
ing, as I do, that the
Masonic
institution
but a hollow sham, a consummate tic
falsehood, the most corrupt
rupting system on and will not consent that
is
nothing
swindle, a gigan-
and the most cor-
the face of the globe, I cannot
connection whatever with is
my
son should have any
it.
far too serious a matter for
"Freemasonry any to assume its villainous obligations without due reflection for, once you have crossed the threshold
man
;
of the lodge room, divested of
your own clothing,
and wearing the habiliments of the order, and when once you become, as it were, bound by the cable
tow of Satan
to the
altar of
Baal, 'there
is
no place for after repentance,' though, like Esau of Livold, you may 'seek it carefully with tears.' ing or dead, Freemasonry will never give you up.
The law
of
Romanism
a priest,' and so
it
is
in
is,
'once a
priest,
always
'once a Mason,
Masonry were back again where I was before joining the Masonic institution, I would much irather have my right arm cut off than to ;
always a Mason.'
If I
have taken such a
terrible leap in the
dark.
No,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
ij
my
never consent to your be-
son, I shall certainly
a Freemason, and
I strongly advise coming you to banish the subject entirely from your mind and to
have nothing whatever to do with it." "Why, father, I never before heard you say so much as that about Masonry. I always had a
vague impression that it was a tolerably good institution, and in fact that its members to a certain extent were a sort of privileged characters; sort of a
but will you not please explain your reasons for thus advising if it,
insist
you
me
to avoid
upon
when you
but
demolishing, as
it,
me
tell it
Freemasonry? Of course, think no more about
I shall
were,
it
al
is
bad and wicked, thus
Imy preconceived good
opinions of the institution, you surely cannot refuse
your meaning and to show me in what wickedness consists, so that I may judge for
to explain its
myself, and,
am
I
if
convinced
at all, that I
may be
convinced upon reasonable grounds, and upon the evidence of testimony which cannot be either denied or controverted ?"
"My
dear son, you don't
Why,
asking.
to
know what you
comply even
in the
are
very smallest
degree with your reasonable request, is considered an unpardonable crime in Freemasonry. Every
Mason ways
is
sworn
in
every degree that 'he will aland never reveal^ and 'Sil-
hail, ever conceal
ence and Secrecy' are two of the 'most precious
INTRODUCTION.
jewels'
you
of the order,
13
if
and, consequently,
the explanation you desire, and
doubtedly ought to have,
give
be violating
shall
I
I
which you un-
my
obligation and committing the one unpardonable crime, as I have just said, which a Mason can
commit."
"But against child? teach,
Freemasonry does not bind a man performing a secret duty toward his surely,
does not
It
advise or
to
the subject of
"Yes
it
to
cannot forbid a father to
admonish
Freemasonry
his
on
son, even
itself?"
does.
Freemasonry forbids everydenies and everything that comes in contact thing father cannot explain with its despotic sway. it
A
anything concerning Freemasonry to his son any more than he can to the greatest stranger in the land; and so
when
I
warn you
against the
snare of the Masonic system, and to
'have
when
I
terrible
admonish
no fellowship with the unfruitful
you works of darkness,' as they are exemplified in the lodge room, and at the same time explain to you
my
derived
reasons,
study
for
from
so doing, then
I
long experience and
am
cutting right
into
the very foundation of the institution, and aiming a
deadly blow
at its
most
masonry forbids what
it
vital part,
and hence Free-
would term such a
4
$ac-
riligious act."'
"Why, my
dear father, this
is
a very singular
of
state
You
things!
you warn me
caution
to
avoid Freemasonry as I would the bite of the most
venemous
when I ask you for an exme that the laws of Masonanswer planation, you ry and its obligatoins and penalties forbid you to serpent, and
Is this
explain!
Or even
Is
honorable?
this
honest for any institution, no matter
is it
by what name at
reasonable?
it
may be
called, to thus lay the
ax
once even to the root of free inquiry, and to
interpose ental
its
man-made
duty?
Why,
edicts in the
"Masonry
being,
heart,
my
it
would,
if
it
would
understand by
fain bind
my
whole
my conscience, my my faith, my parental duty,
affections,
religious convictions,
and
shall clearly
you
Its obligations
my
have ever heard of."
I
nothing but absurdity and wicked-
ness throughout, as
and by.
of par-
caps the climax of any
this
absurdity and wickedness that is
way
could, prevent
me from
offering
you any explanation whatever why I advise you But my duty not to join the Masonic fraternity. .
to
God,
my
to
duty
my
family and
myself have a higher claim to consequently a prior right to all
my
my
duty to
allegiance and
demand and
receive
obedience; and hence, holding Freemasonry
own part tween us when
I
was nothing
the obligations, and
to
my
its
in
of
the
contract entered into
was made
a
Mason
be-
that there
consequently
nothing in Masonry, that could conflict with any
INTRODUCTION. of those exalted duties
my
country,
consider
my
that
and
my pride my
MYSELF,
pleasure, as
my
to
GOD,
to
or
^
you
satisfy
I
in
advice regarding
Masonry mere capricious prompted by any
every respect has not been
whim, but
MY FAMILY
bounden duty,
my
it
which I may owe
neighbor,
be both
shall
it
1
that
based upon the
it is
Word
of
God,
upon common
sense, upon history, upon reason, and upon the very best books and other standard works of the institution itself. However, as 1 per-
ceive that I I
shall
am now
defer
my
busy pretty soon,
promised explanation of ihe en-
Masonic system
tire
likely to be
to
some other time
future; but before you leave me,
may
I
my
near
in the
dear Henry,
no further steps tosuch time as we have
request that you'll take
ward being initiated until fully examined the system and have learned reality what Freemasonry is."
"You need have no
fears,
my
in
dear father, on
do nothing toward taking part in your monster procession on the 24th, without fully advising you of my intent; and now, of course,
that score.
as
I
shall
me somewhat
you have already given
insight into the arbitrary character of
scarcely bring myself to join so
much
and keep you
I
Masonry, even were
an
could
I
ever
without having a fuller know-
inclined
ledge of what
it
of I
was going
to
to do.
your promise
at
So
I
shall
try
an early day;
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
16
and now,
as
I
possibly interfere with
may
important business,
shall
I
other
once say good-bye,
at
and leave for down-town."
"Good-bye, my son, and don't forget out for all Masonic friends." This conversation took
to look
place in the city
of
Chicago on a beautiful morning in the early part of June, 1874, between Mr. George Barton, a prominent Freemason, belonging to
No. 639, and
Keystone Lodge,
The
his son
latter, as the Henry. already learned, had been frequently
reader has
importuned, in various indirect ways, to allow his name to be taken into one of the Masonic lodges in that city. his
duty
Before doing
to consult
his
seek his advice in step,
and cheerfully accedes
Now
Is
it
to
felt
it
such an important
we have
as
to his
son's
seen,
promptly
earnest desire.
was Mr. Barton wrong
the question arises,
doing this?
however, he
father in the matter and to
regard
and Mr. Barton,
so,
in
or wicked in a father to
wrong
advise his son as to whether oirnot he ought to join
the Masonic or any other institution of
have knowledge? a
father to say
And simply
in
a
giving
which he may
this advice,
yes" or "no,"
ought
without
offering any further explanation on the subject? it
not a parent's duty
warn and
Is
advise his child
every wrong doing, and hence, he not warn him against becoming a
against any and
why may
to
INTRODUCTION.
Freemason, ry
know that FreemasonAnd in offering this
he has cause to
had and wicked?
is
is
warning, hot
if
fully
lastly,
is
Ij
there any valid reason
why
he should
explain his reasons for so doing?
And,
there anything in the institution of Free-
itself that will operate against a father such counsel and advice and offering such giving explanation to his son? That such a bar actually
masonry
exists will scarcely
the
Masonic
be admitted by any
fraternity, as
the
"there
is
in
of
of every de-
ritual
gree most emphatically affirms that
member
Freemasonry
nothing which can conflict with any of
which a man may owe to his And what duty more "exalted" than that
those exalted duties
family."
which requires "in
the
nurture and
Every man right,
bring up his children admonition of the Lord?"
a parent to
is
first
and every
of
]aw,
matter where any such
venes between a father
all
rule,
may
morally bound to do edict
or
decree,
no
be found, that inter-
the performance of his bounden duty, is radically and intrinsically wrong and wicked, and ought at once to be set aside. Every one, therefore, must honestly concede that
Mr.
Barton
is
arid
performing his duty, when he explains the full
simply
and nothing more,
nature of the Masonic institution to his son Henry.
The law tates
it,
of
God
requires this, conscience dic-
and parental love, breaking through
all arti-
1
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
8
bounds, impels him to
ficial
Freemasonry come of
it;
and
in direct conflict
if
the laws of
with the laws
God, the honest requirements of conscience and
the natural promptings of a father's love, then,
deed, all
in-
must be confessed that Freemasonry, with sinful, selfish brood of other smaller secret
it
its
associations,
one of the most
is
wicked and the greatest enemy
vicious,
the most
to the well-being
of the family, that has ever existed in any age or in
any nation. But we had better
hear what
Mr.
himself has to say on this subject, as
we
Barton find
him
conversing with Henry a few evenings subsequent to the day already mentioned. A//'.
Barton:
more news
Henry, is there any from our Masonic friends? evening
this
Well,
Have they made any
further advances in
their ef-
induce you to become a Mason ? Or have you yourself given the matter any further thought since our last brief conversation on the subject? fort? to
Henry: less
Yes, Freemasonry
is
now more
or
the subject of conversation every day, especi-
grand turnout which all seem so anxiouslook forward to, on the occasion of laying
ally that
ly
to
that corner-stone
of
the
Custom House.
This
theme, just now, seems to absorb all others, and if the brethren are to be believed, Freemasonry is one of
the noblest,
if
not the noblest, (institution in the
INTRODUCTION. world.
"Its
members," they
say, "assist each other in
purely benevolent.
It is
distress.
19
petted and
It is
patronized by the government, encouraged and upheld by ministers of the gospel. It can count within
some
membership
its
men
greatest
in the
the
of
and
very best
community," and they argue, and,
must confess, not without some show of reason, that "if Freemasonry were as bad as its enemies I
would make
men would
it
out to be,
The
Barton :
]\Ir.
Masonic
by the
ought
to
among
condemn
masonry rogatives
arrogate
it."
on the 24th
the
many
of
inst.,
to
What
itself
which cannot be
has Free-
right
and pre-
privileges
by
fully enjoyed
to
upon
lay the corner-stone of
erection and subsequent
public
should
the
of
at
in
those things
community? Why masons more than any other class of men be rest
is,
this institution in the estima-
tion of every honest mind. to
members of
laying of that corner-stone
fraternity,
opinion, one
my that
those great and good
all
not continue to be
all
the
the Freecalled
a building for the
maintenance of which the
large pay heavy taxes?
But
if
Masonry
then Masonry must submit to be publicly examined and discussed. So long as Masonry steps
does
in
this,
and claims the exclusive right of
certain acts of public service in matters entire
where the
is interested, then every man, and child in that community has a perfect
community
woman
performing
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
2o
right to
by what authority Freemasonry
inquire
does this; and, furthermore, they have a to
examine what Freemasonry
to learn all
And
about
is,
and,
full right
if
possible,
it.
and good organization, I do not
as for ministers of the gospel
men being members of this how that can be any better
proof that Mason-
see
ry is good, any more than it is that hundreds and thousands of bad men within our lodges prove that the system is wicked and vicious.
Take Freemasonry,
me how many
tell
connected with
really
in
Thos.
in
Warren? land,
J.
Chicago lodges? Blaney, in Blair, in Covenant,
How many
really
Turner, Dearborn or
How many
Chicago
could
National
or
find
How
or in Kil winning lodges?
men
good men can we
our
all
many good men
for instance, in this city and
we
good
Wm.
count in
B.
Cleve-
How many
lodges?
good men compose even the Grand Officers of Grand Lodge of Illinois? Strickly speaking,
the
You
can fairly challenge the entire Mafraternity of the city of Chicago, to-day, to
not one. sonic
produce half a dozen truly good the
whole
lic
officers, for
torious
fraternity.
McArthur, and
Take every one
instance, in this
ex-sheriff
Fischer tell
would you apply the
men from among
me
to
epithet
of our pub-
town, from the no-
down
to
ex-postmaster
which one of them "good?"
all
INTRODUCTION. There to
where, but standing
few honest and respectable men
are a
be sure,
21
?
our lodges, here as well as else-
in all
man
one honest and respectable
to the
inside the
lodge room door, there
are a
hundred men, better acquainted with its principles, just as honest at least, and quite as respectable, who oppose Freemasonry and stand upon the outside. Will the very few respectable men within the lodge prove the extreme goodness of the Masonic institution,
men
able
any more than the hundreds of respectextreme badoutside of it prove its
ness ?
Ask any
those
of
men" whom
"good
the
base ones of the craft and the Jack Masons are so constantly boasting about, the subject of ful
the simplest question on
Masonry, and will he return a
and straightforward answer?
these
supposed 'good men"
boleth, Tubal-cain and
if
truth-
Ask any one
of
Boaz, Jachin, Shib-
Mah-hah-bone
are
Masonic
passwords, and he will immediately answer, they arc not. Ask any one of them if "Ronayne's
Hand Book" velations of
or "Duncan's Ritual" are correct re-
Masonic so-called
unhesitatingly deny
it.
secrets,
and he will
Let even the wife or child
any of those wonderfully "good men" put these questions, and a negative answer will in every case of
be
returned,
and
those supremely
in
every one of
"good men"
say
these
denials
what they know
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
22
to
be absolutely and positively
false.
cannot see
how
very
life
of
I
me,
Now, this
is
for the
a token
of any extraordinary degree ot goodness in these men. It
me
seems to
a
that
truly
good man
will
al-
ways speak the truth, while prevarication, quibbling and falsehood are the sure characteristics of an opposite quality.
And,
again,
if
it
be any proof of the goodness
of the Masonic system
belonging
that
some
the Methodist,
to
the ministers
of
Congregational and
Baptist Churches fraternize with the Universal!*!, the
Unitarian, and the infidel on the floor of the
Masonic lodge room, and assume the very same obligations administered to the rum-seller, the pro-
fane swearer
and the
libertine
I
say
if
this
be
any proof that the system of Masonry is good ought not the "fact that hundreds of the very best men and ministers of the most exemplary piety
who who
secede
from the
positively
every year, and
institution
not consist-
affirm that they could
ently lead a Christian
and a Masonic
same time, be proof equally strong, equally convincing that the system
is
life
at
at least, false,
the
and
wicked
and Antichristian. But, are there any better
any more of them, than are
men to
in
Masonry, or
be found
in
the
Romish Church?
Can Freemasonry reckon any
more good
among
ministers
its
membership than the
INTRODUCTION.
Church
Rome
of
2
bishops and cardinals
and
ministers
can count good
membership? And good institution on the simple
among
its
Freemasonry be a ground that a few good men, ministers and others if
may be claimed as its members, then, upon the same ground and for precisely the same reason, we can prove Romanism, Buddhism, or even
Mormonism,
Mohammedanism,
Molly Maguireism,
be
to
all
good institutions, and equally worthy of our esteem and respect.
And good
if
again,
we
account Freemasonry to be a
institution because a
comparaMethodist, Baptist and
among
speaking,
tively
few
ministers,
Congregational Churches are wicked enough to be enrolled
among
reasoning the better
traffic in
human
because
institution,
Church south
Protestant
slaves
not
was
only
much
a
the
whole
Mason and Dixon's
of
but also a large proportion of their brethren
line,
in.
membership, so by a parity of
its
the
North, upheld that
slavery, not very I
knovv
many a
is
it
peculiar institution
very
common
thing for
sons to point to
ministers
of the
members
Order
a proof that
of the
of
years ago, in this country.
as
gospel
who the
Maare
instit-
must be a good one; "otherwise," they say, "these good men would not remain connected with ution
it;"
and
it
is
characters in
notorious that
the
lodge
it is
who
the most worthless
generally use this
But
argument.
is
it
a
gospel,
liable, pious,
re-
the rulers of
with
even,
whom
ministers seek association and fel-
these misguided
lowship?
really good,
men by
God-fearing-
Masonry and by those men, If a
ministers of the
that
fact
as such, are regarded as
minister
is
a really good, reliable,
God-fearing man, why do Masons insist that he shall take an oath just the same
pious,
upon
it
as a rum-seller, a
profane swearer or a libertine does,
when being made sidered such a
a
Mason ?
If the minister
good man, why not take
is
con-
his simple
But no; he must "solemnly swear" by the Holy Bible, Square and promise or even
Compass, as
all
affirmation?
others do.
If
minister a good, reliable,
him
to
swear "not
Masonry
considers the
honest man,
to cheat,
wrong
why
cause
or defraud a
lodge of Master Masons, or a brother of that deIf
gree?"
man, the
why or
man,
why
is
a pure-minded, pious, God-fearing
require
chastity
sister
his
he
him
to
swear "not
to violate
of a Master Mason's wife,
daughter?"
If
he
be
not accept his simple promise?
word cannot be taken; he
mother,
such a
good But no,
must "solemnly
This proves conclusively that, as far as moral worth is concerned, the minister of the
swear." his
gospel
is
considered by Masonic law as no better
and no worse than the
vilest
and the most miserable
INTRODUCTION.
rum -seller his
word
25
or rum-drinker in the lodge-room, and that
or promise
And how
a
of no
is
man whom
more value than
theirs.
the Masonic institution
thus degrades and mistrusts can be pointed to as
itself
is
one
of those unfathomable mysteries so frequently
met
a proof of the extreme goodness of Masonry,
with
in discussing the merits of a
not the least
from
tory,
shadow
in
from
is
from reason, or from common diametrically opposed to them all.
common rough, and then afterwards Mason,
a minister to the level of a
order to
make him
a
point to that same minister as a proof that
must be a good thing!
If this
ministerial character, then
stand
his-
scripture,
sense, but, in fact,
Degrade
system which has
of support, either
how
I
is
am
Masonry
not an insult to the at a loss
to under-
a minister could be insulted.
is good," exclaim the Masonand rabble their cousins, the "Jacks;" "because
"Freemasonry
ic
some good men and bers of
ministers of religion are
mem-
it.'"'
"Jesus Christ is a bad and a wicked man," exclaimed ihe Jewish priests and Pharisees; "because none of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him." "And some of them would have taken him, but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said unto him 'why have ye not brought him?' The officers answered: 'Neyer man spake like this man.' "Then answered them the Pharisees: 'Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Phar-
THE -MASTER'S CARPET.
26
isccs believed on him? But this people who not the law are cursed.' " John vii. 44-49.
This
know
argument used to-day in support of Freemasonry, and it is as valid in the one case as
precisely the
is
was
it
in the other.
But you have another other that
when
in difficulty," and, like a
must be a good point
in its favor.
be an argument to show
that
institution, that
to
it
ought
men ought
good many
foolishly conclude that
young men, you very
and that
"Freemasons help one
stated that
Now
Freemasonry
is
if
a
this
good
be respected and upheld,
to blindly
swear
to support all
its
laws and requirements, whether "right or wrong," then, on the same ground, and for similar reasons, burglary
is
is good, gambling or and ought, therefore, to be good,
good, horse-stealing
Molly Maguireism
is
supported, because in
all
bers help one another as difficulty,
these institutions their
much
mem-
Masons do when
as
according to the tenor
in
and letter of their
several obligations.
This sons any
is
no proof that
more than
it is
a
man
that
should join the
Ma-
he should become a
gypsy, and indeed there is but very little difference between the oath taken by a man in being adopted into a tribe of gypsies and that taken by a man. in
being made a Master Mason. And if Masons help one another when in difficulty, they do nothing more than their sworn duty, or even what the gypsies do.
INTRODUCTION.
What
thanks ought a
man
2j
receive
to
thing which he positively swears to do
doing a
for If a
?
Mason
swears to help a brother Mason in difficulty, does it argue a single whit in favor of the goodness of Free-
masonry because he simply does what he absolutely swears he would do ? I think not. It merely proves he very reverse. If Masonry required its members to help all men and women in distress, then it would
have some show of reason for proclaiming ness and parading
but as
it is, all
its
its
good-
noble character befqre the world,
that can be said of
it is,
that
it is
every single act and
pure-
move-
ly and positively
selfish in
ment
See Appendix. ) ( Note A. ) you are laboring under the erron-
of
its
And,
whole being.
lastly,
(
eous opinion that Freemasonry olent even to
Henry,
is
its
is
charitable or benev-
own members.
But
this,"
my
as great a delusion as any of those to
dear
which
have already alluded. Freemasonry a charitable or benevolent institution! In the name of goodness and common honesty, where are the tokens of its 1
charitableness or benevolence?
We
know
that
Ma-
honry has existed in one form or another from the year 1717 to the present time, and here in the United States
its
we
also
know
lodges have been
eration since the year 1733, but during
period of nearly a century and
a half,
that
in op-
all this
long
what has
it
done to exemplify its benevolent character? II as it even one really charitable institution or per-
built
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
28
formed one single act of public charity in all that Not one. There is not to-day, in America, a
time?
single hospital, a single house of refuge, or a single
any kind whatever, where the old and decrepit Mason can be received, and where he may end his days in peace, and not one for the Mason's institution of
miserable excuse in Louisville,
widow, except
that
Ky.
has never done anything to
Masonry
mark
it
out as a benevolent institution, but on the contrary, it
has
left
numerous
hundred and
which
fifty
foot-prints on the sands of one
years,
distinctly point to
like the it
gigantic swindle, and a selfish,
The
hood.
Wandering Jew,
hollow mockery, a vicious, wicked false-
as a
purely selfish character of the Masonic
very strikingly presented (though of course unwittingly) by Past Grand Master Morris, in his
system
is
edition of
"Webb's Monitor
of
296, under the word "TRAVEL."
"A
Master Mason on
Freemasonry,"
He
p.
says:
his travels has a right to
every regular lodge in his way. Every wellregulated lodge will have a seat and a welcome for him, every intelligent brother a hand and word of visit
greeting."
This
is
doubtless very pleasant and very
forting to the traveling brother; but let us
the conditions
upon which these
are to be extended to him.
explain
little social
com-
now
see
amenities
Dr. Morris goes on to
:
"To
secure this greeting and this welcome, the
INTRODUCTION.
29
traveling brother must have 'the pass of
King
Sol-
He
must be at least in outward semblance mentally, morally and physically perfect." omon.'
What
a good, noble, charitable institution truly
Masonry must be, when those gent" members are to extend
"word
of greeting"
must
all
to
whom
a
"welcome" and
be
its "intelli-
a
stout, hale, healthy
fellows, "mentally, morally and physically perfect." Now it could lay some claim to benevolence if it
extended even greeting,"
if
its
"welcome" and
its
"word
of
nothing more, to the poor and the needy,
or to the halt, the maimed, the lame, and the blind
but no!
its
seat
and
its
welcome,
as well as its
of greeting, are only to be extended to
own
order, and then
tally,
only to those
members
who
are
;
word of
its
"men-
morally, and physically perfect, at least in out-
ward semblance." But again Dr. Morris informs
us:
"If his limbs are mutilated or his senses deficient so that he cannot give and receive all the Masonic means of recognition in the ancient
JWasonic manner, he is physically imperfect and cannot visit the lodge." "If he is unable from original ignorance or forgetfulness to explain to the satisfaction of his all the ceremonials of Blue Lodge Masonry, together with the rational intention of the same, and do it all in the peculiar phraseology of Tork
examiners
Masonry^ he
is
mentally imperfect and cannot
visit
the lodge."
In both pass of
these
cases
he has
not
got
"the
King Solomon," and although he may have
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
30
been a Mason for eight, ten or of course, paid regularly
dozen years and, dues and demands
a
all just
against him, yei under the peculiar circumstances
mentioned he
is
not only excluded from any possible
chance of being financially relieved, but he debarred from temporarily occupying a seat
And
lodge. table
yet this thing will call
institution!
burned
down
When
itself
the great
the fairest and best
fire
is
even
in the
a chari-
came and
portion of
our
city, destroying nineteen lodges, and reducing hun-
Masonic families
dreds of
one thought that then its
exemplify that
it
to absolute
want, every
Freemasonry would benevolence and show to the world at
least
makes no empty boast when
it
claims -"to
soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to re-
But how was
store peace to their troubled minds." it
at
that terrible time in
gent Mason among us is known by the name of lief,"
organized by
th'e
Chicago?
Every
intelli-
well aware that the farce a
"Masonic Board of Re-
Grand Master
to disburse
the fruits of Masonic selfishness miscalled "Blessed
Charity," was one of the biggest
humbugs and
the
grandest and most gigantic swindle that was ever witnessed by the Masonic fraternity within the
memory
of the present generation.
solicitations
that
time,
Grand
by
After numerous
Master Cregier,
virtue of his
office,
who was
at
President of that
INTRODUCTION.
3!
"Board of Relief," was enabled to gather together the handsome sum of $90,634.50, as we learn from page 42 of his "Final Report." so-called
On
page
1 1
of
the same "Final that
Cregier acknowledges
"in
Report" Mr. all
nearly
letters
accompanying the donations, the instructions as to the disposition thereof were explicit, and it may be
worthy of note," he says, "that these letters, coming as they did from so many different parts of the continent, should viz: that
lief
of worthy
orphans
contain language almost identical,
the donations
^vho
were intended for the <-
faster Masons, their widows and were sufferers by the Jire of the
j\
eighth and ninth of October.'
1
Cregier's at
own showing,
that time
re-
was
r
then, the
for the relief of
According
to Bro.
money he received suffering
Masons
and the widows and orphans of deceased brethren, and not for lodges or to be given away as presents His instructions he
or donated to personal friends. says,
"were
explicit as to the
those funds," but of
those
how
proper distribution of
did he act in
"explicit instruction? ?"
the very
Assisted
by
face his
factotum, Harry Duval, he simply misappropriated $60,000 out of the $90,634 which he re-
little
ceived.
He gave $20,267 to "Burned-out Lodges" he gave $5,301 to "Lodges not btirned out" he gave $200 of a donation to his little henchman,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
32
*
Harry, besides allowing him $100 a month salary as Secretary of the Board. He gave $100 donation to
a a
James Morrison, besides allowing him also $100 month salary as Superintendent. He gave $52 month to old John P. Ferns, the Grand Tyler Grand Lodge.
He
gave $6,000 to form a sham arrangement, yclept "Board of Relief," to care for the needs of those only who come from of
the
abroad; he returned $20,000 to the Grand Lodges
from whose
donations had been
jurisdictions
re-
ceived; he spent $1,304.57 in printing and publish-
ing his ,'Blessed Charity," and in the largeness of his heart,
olence,
and
he
in the
felt
extreme greatness of
himself at liberty,
going generous donations to
distribute
"among
the
to his
numerous
sum
munificent
his
benev-
after the
of
fore-
cronies,
$30,631.37
three thousand one hundred and forty-five
needy brethren, widows and children," or an aver-
Of the $30,631.37 age of about $9.47 a-piece. which Cregier and Duval could find it in their generous hearts to distribute among their poor suffenng brother Masons, there was $1,387 paid to R.
H. Mason
for stoves, not one of
$2 except
to
break for old
it
up
and
iron, as
which was worth sell
it
to
some
you remember I did This man Mason
rag-merchant with the one they gave me. ex-Mayor Mason's son hunted up less old refuse of stoyes spoiled in
all
the worth-
the manufacture
.
INTRODUCTION. that he could possibly
on North Dearborn sent
distressed for
even
believe that
course
to
this
brother Masons for
the smallest
nineteen dollars a-piece.
Masons
Of
opened a bogus store and to him Harry Duval
find
street,
poor,
and charged
stoves, 7,)
his
all
33
of them (No.
And some
day are
very good wicked enough to'
Duval and Mason divided the
when
profits.
these worthless old stoves were
all
concern very suddenly collap3ed of, the and our worthy brother betook himself elsewhere to practice charity and benevolence according to the
disposed
requirements
peculiar
quickened by
of
his
tender
conscience
the noble teachings of the " Ancient
Craft."
This,
my
son,
is
a general
exemplification
manner
Masonic benevolence and the peculiar which Masons assisted one another during that
of in ter-
winter subsequent to our Great Fire in Octo-
rible
ber, 1871.
Cregier and Duvd could afford to spend for the relief of their suffering brothers and the widows and orphans of de-
Even
ceased
the paltry
Masons was
sum
that
wilfully and grossly
mismanaged
and misapplied. Instead of giving each needy applicant a few dollars with which to help himself, a shiftless
what
English greenhorn, who knew as much of ought to have as he did of the
a family
Conic Sections, was appointed to purchase supplies
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
34 of
all
and
kinds,
when
then
a
poor,
burned-out Master Mason wanted some
destitute,
little
assist-
ance for his suffering family, either himself or his wife had
and
to
trudge wearily along through snow corner of Halsted and Randolph
to the
ice
and present himself, basket
streets,
in
hand, before
the large-hearted Duval, to beg for any little miserable pittance which that capricious individual may see
to dole out to him.
fit
sary relief
to
winter.
charitable
Freemasonry sham Freemasons
really believe in
have sire
to reflect
"
say
during that cold
it
is
Why
!
fearful
the notori-
do
even
themselves
any such hollow mockery.
by-word among them
a
Masons were
suffering
most largely treated ous
and not neces-
Insults
was .what poor
;
and
very severely upon
when
not
They
they de-
anything, they
Masonic charity." But supMason or even a suffering widow
as cold as
pose a destitute should receive a few paltry dollars from a Masonic lodge, what is that but giving back a very small part of their own ? Does Masonry ever assist any
one from lent its
it
has received no previous equiva-
Does
Never.
?
own
sufferi'
there
ever
Masonry
g deserving poor
here in Chicago can
many is
whom
?
testify.
It
assist
What
difference
bet\veen the benevolence of Freemasonry
and that of a well-conducted Life Insurance
pany
?
even
does not, as
The
latter
is
a
Com-
thousand per cent, better
INTRODUCTION. and without the of
penalties
benevolent
terrible
institution
towards
from like
we it
Humbug
!
expect
either
priest."
the
lisher
dium
Ma-
common
benevolence
?
" like people,
But
of the
Chicago
of Springfield,
fire,
Illinois,
Grand Master, and
Past
during the
souls, if
goodness or
time
Harmon G. Reynolds late the immediate
Why,
!
a
suffering members, how
on ordinary occasions
At
Freemasonry
not even manifest
own
its
men's
tried
could
inbtitution
respect
could
and blood-curdling
Masonic lodge.
the
that fearful time that
sonic
oaths
35
also
was
pub-
Masonic magazine. Through the meof that periodical he solicited aid for the of a
Masonic
sufferers,
and received
money he kept and
in all $641.41.
This
own
never
applied to his
use,
once pretending that ho had ever received a single And the Worshipful Master, penny of it. of
Keystone
No. 639 he who the Masonic degrees
Lodge,
is
now
at the working Grand Lodge meeting held in October,, 1873, pre" ferred " charges of gross, immoral and unmasonic conduct against this same man Reynolds for com-
publicly
mitting
larceny
for wilfully
tions
bailey
for
theft
and wickedly violating
and for a great mention.
as
many
for
perjury,
his obligations,
other crimes too numerous to
After a long debate and repeated
solicita-
on the part of old Harrison Dills and others,
the charges
were withdrawn on the expressed con-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
36 9
dition that he (Reynolds) should receive
from the Grand Lodge, but notwithstand-
assistance
member
ing the fact that every
knew well member of and what
$500
that he
was
of the Grand
guilty, yet
he
the Masonic fraternity in is
at that
The
no further
more, they
made him
is
Lodge
to-day
a
good standing, a
present of
very meeting.
following
the
is
report of the Finance
expression of the special
Committee
in relation to the
peculiar method adopted by Most Worshipful Past Grand .Master Reynolds, in relieving a brother in distress.
"Grand Lodge Report page 85
of Illinois" for 1873,
:
to whom was referred the of the Grand Secretary in regard to special report certain moneys paid him by P. G. M. Reynolds, have had the same under careful consideration and
"Your committee
would
respectfully report that this case presents so that is praiseworthy and noble on the part of the lodges contributing the money and so muck an apparently opposite character in the brother
much
of
received it from them, but who withheld it those for whom the generous doners designed our it, that we find it difficult to properly express admiration for the acts of the one, and our pain at having to refer to the conduct of the other?
who
from
A T
certain "lone ,
who
widow" by
the name*of Mrs.
claimed to have tidings from the West,
was pounced upon by
little
Harry and the great
a Chicago Police Cregier, and brought Court for obtaining a few worthless straw matresses
up before
INTRODUCTION. Under
false pretences,
nolds,
who
ing
it,
but Past Grand Master Rey-
absolutely stole $641.41 from his suffer-
Master
brother
needed
37
Masons when
was not only not punished
they
sorely
for his
crime
but was actually rewarded for his charitable intent by a handsome donation from the Grand Lodge of
But then you must remember Mrs. T was a woman, and never had the cable-tow round$500.
her neck while Reynolds was Past Grand Master, and whatever happens, the fame of Masonry must
and
be preseryed .Chaplain
a
the
minister
Right Worshipful
of the gospel
Grand
at that
very
meeting which voted Reynolds the money had the temerity to thank God for the Masonic institution, and
for the existence of the Illinois
Every thing abortion
the
connected
" Executive
with
Board
"
Grand Lodge. that
miserable
of the Masonic
Relief Committee was so disgracefully mismanaged and so glaringly insulting to the moral sense of
every
member
of the
unfortunate period that
Masonic
fraternity
at
that
even the German Masons
here in Chicago called several indignation meetings
condemning
in
no unmeasured terms the notorious
conduct. of both the President and Secretary of the
Board, and frequently manifested other very serious symptoms of a general revolt. In 1872, the Grand
Lodge of
Illinois,
expended
in salaries, lodge parapharnalia, music, printing, &c.,
38
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
the enormous
sum of
in
$25,015.59, and but only $100
chanty, according to the "Grand Lodge Report" pages 45 and 46.
for that year,
In 1873, there were expended for similar purposes the still larger sum of $28,822.19, and not a
penny in charity, while in saw fit to expend upon '
members
favored
few of
a
not
nickle
a
Grand Lodge
own most
its
unprecedented amount
alone, the
of $11,363.60, but according to the
1874, the
in
charity,
"Grand Lodge Report"
of these
piece
years, pp. 62 and 25 respectively.
my experience in and out of the Masonic has lodges, gone to establish the fact in my mind All
that
Freemasonry and
corrupt
in all
its
and
wicked,
is
the most
the
greatest
departments contains
amount of falsehood of any other
institution
on the
face of the globe. It
single
positively and
is
element of
truthfully lay
absolutely selfish
no more claim
of
any
the
Christian civilization
every
pagan composition, and can
its
or goodness of any other
could
in
to charity,
name
heathen
benevolence
or description than
organizations
which
has long since banished from
the world. (Note B.) It
old
excludes from even
men,
women,
all
all
cripples, all
its
pretended benefits
young men under
blind men,
all
men with
the
deaf and left
all
twenty-one,
all
dumb men,
all
or right knee
stiff-
MASONRY A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION. jointed, all
right all
one-armed men,
thumh
or
first
finger
all
39
men even with
the
hand
off,
of the right
negroes or colored men, and ALT. POOR MEN. In
word human a
it
rejects seventy-five
per cent, of the entire
family from any participation whatever in any of its boastful privileges and wonderful benevolence, and how an organization doing all this can lay claim to charity or goodness
than
I
have ever been able
CHAPTER MASONRY A RELIGIOUS
is
something more
to understand.
II.
INSTITUTION.
Teaches
Lodge meetings strictly religious.Opened and closed with prayer. Masonry of
piety.
divine origin.
Teaches divine
consecrated to holy purposes.
truth.
Lodges
Not
Christian.
Henry:
my I
We\\,
dear father,
cannot say that
you have m i
pressed
me
gard to ry, so
far
as
its
mutual aid and
its
very
in
favorably
-
re-
Mason-
claims
to
a
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
4-0
wonderful benevolence are concerned, but now suppose you tell me something of its internal workings. Outside of any particular virtue which it may pretend to possess, what on the whole does Free-
masonry claim objects
be
to
And what
?
are
its
general
?
Mr. Barton :
Freemasonry claims
be a re-
to
ligious institution or a system of religious philoso-
phy
;
more and nothing
nothing
The very
less.
construction of the organization itself" clearly estab-
and
lishes this fact,
of
in the case
than
benevolence)
mere pretense.
Masonry
All
system.
religious its
its
in this respect
its
numerous ceremonials,
altars,
its
claim (not as
something more
is
-is
prayers,
undoubtedly a its
hymns
its
mystic
burial and baptismal services,
its
rite?,
of praise,
its
consecra-
its
and dedication ceremonies, its priests and highpriests, and all its other various religious formulas
tion
demonstrate the
that
Freemasonry is nothing moret But
every
one
lexicons
of
doubted,
institution
members
its
is
of
and
above
manuals, in
so
the
the
all
and this,
text-books,
Masonic
litera-
language that cannot
religious
thoroughly fraternity
all
in
necessary,
beyond
monitors,
fact
assert this in
and
if
a religious institution, that
and law-books,
ture, positively
be
beyond any question even
fact
of documentary evidence,
the absence
character
of the
understood by
the
that
we
generally,
MASONRY A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION.
4!
hear the sentiment daily echoed from every lodgea in the is that "
room
enough
for
religion
me."
This
" If
among Masons.
sal belief
good
Masonry
land,
univer-
the
is
don't save
Masonry
a man," they say, " then he cannot be saveol."
But
have a perfect understanding of this feature of the Masonic system, and to
in order to
peculiar
place
it
beyond the
possibility of a doubt, that this
is
indeed the true character and design of Freemasonry, I must at once refer you to the different text-books or
manuals
those
to
also
in
general use
standard
various
which are intended
to
among
teach
Masonry
teaching, and hence, in
must
to
we
and
works Masons.
can obtain
and authentic knowledge of Masonic
any accurate
we
craft,
Masonic
only from Masonic literature that
It is
the
confine
all
our future investigations
ourselves
exclusively
to
the
authorized and standard monitors, manuals, lexicons
and law-books of the lodge and chapter, and
way,
my
son,
you
in this
will be able to obtain that true,
proper, legitimate and correct information concerning the entire Masonic system and its symbolic teaching, to shall
be
my
which
it
is
my
earnest
greatest pleasure to
direct
desire, as
your
it
atten-
tion.
Webb's Monitor of Freemasonry " by Dr Robt. Morris, Past Grand Master of Kentucky, In "
we
read on p 7:
%
"Masonry is a system, teacKfng symbolically piKTY, morality, science, charity and self-discipline."
Now piety,
will
you
if
claims
it
if
observe,
make
to
undoubtedly be a religious
man
a
institution, tor
nothing but
A
a
benevolent society will not
make
religion can
sonrv, according
be
cessity
ligion are
a
cannot do
institution
scientific
a
to
do
pious,
definition,
synonymous
even
Nothing but and therefore Ma-
man
Sec-
of"
ne-
PIKTY and
re-
must,
institution.
terms.
purely
it,
it.
this
religious
must
it
pious,
religion of some sort can possibly do that.
secular or
teaches
Ma-oiiry
Webster's
Dict-
ionary.
But whoever saw or
whom
heard
of
Freemasonry had made pious r
If
ally a fact, as stated by
even
Dr. Morris,
teaches piety, then, without doubt,
man,
a it
be
re-
that
Masonry some one of its
Grand Master, Grand Chaplain, Grand High Priest, some Sublime Prince or \Vorshipful Master, or some one of its members, high or low, grand or otherwise, must have been made members
pious
ought anil
some
through
his
assuredly
conversation
But piety,
if
why
it
in
walk
his
life.
be the object of Freemasonry not extend its privileges to
Masonry teaches PIETY why deny the its
and
connection with the Iodide,
to manifest this piety in
pious teachings to the Mason's wife,
to teach all?
benefits
any
If
of
more
MASONRV A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION. Mason himself? MORALITY why is
And
than to the teaches
a
man must
be
already
moral before ap-
ought
ciples,
it
have no dread of public discussion,
to
is
having for its and moral prin-
institution
sole object the inculcation of piety
but yet
Freemasonry
a standing rule tTiat
strictly
An
plying for admission?
it
if
43
a notorious fact that every
Mason
is
absolutely forbidden to enter into any controversy whatever on the subject of Masonry. Freemasonry professes to make men pious, and yet as we have it
seen,
already
seventy-five per
utterly
closes
cent, of the
positively refuses to discuss to
ism, also, professes
them
to heaven, but
absolutely
ment of to
refuses
certain
to
difference
these
its
like the
do
principles.
will
against race,
and
Roman-
pious and send
Masonic
so except
sums of money, and
minister
doors
whole human
make men
be publicly discussed.
Protestant
its
institution
upon it
it
the pay-
too declines
Perhaps some Masonic be
able
to
discern
the
between Freemasonry and Romanism
in
respects.
But again
in
"Webb's Monitor"
p. 13, I read:
"
No lodge can be regularly opened or closed without religious services of some sort." "
" must be enReligious services of some sort
in before a lodge of Masons can proceed with work or business of any kind, and also before
gaged
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
44 closing
its
labors,
and
this alone
lish the religious character
is
enough
to estab-
of the institution.
Again in "Webb's Monitor," word "CHAPLAIN," we read:
p. 231
under the
" The Master of the Lodge is its priest, and the director of its religious ceremonies. His duty is to select the scriptures, prayers, &c., and he should be present at the burial of the dead. meeting of a Masonic Lodge is a religious cere" in features is a as
A
mony" well
many
Masonry
moral
as
religious
institution."
This, I think, places the question of the religious character of Freemasonry beyond
The Worshipful Master
dispute.
lodge, and
the possibility of is
the priest of the
his duties there are precisely the
those of a Methodist,
same
as
Baptist, Congregationalist or
any other minister of religion in the Christian Church. But lest any doubt should remain on the subject, it is distinctly
stated
in
plain easy
" the language, that
meeting of a Masonic lodge is a religious ceremony, and that "Freemasonry is a religious institution." This
is
the testimony of the " father of
Masonry," and surely a father real character of his
own
ought
to
American
know
the
off-spring.
But we have stronger testimony still on this point, or rather the same principle expressed in more forcible language. In " Webb's Monitor," p. 284, under the word
"RELIGION," we
read again:
MASONRY A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION. "
45
The meeting
of a Masonic lodge is strictly a * * * The religious tenets of ceremony" religions * * * and are few simple, but fundamental." Masonry u No lodge or Masonic assembly can be regularly * * * So broad is opened or closed without prayer." &c. the religion of Masonry," Here it is positively affirmed that in the strict-
word
of the
sense
est
meeting of a Masonic
the
ceremony, that its religious tenets are few but fundamental, and lastly, that the a
is
lodge
religious
of
religion
Masonry
a
of religious
system
Now we may fact,
we
"
"
the
Mackey,
Freemasonry
philosophy or religious
turn to another text-book where,
even stronger testimony,
find
shall
any stronger than In
All
So much from Webb.
institution.
in
that
beyond controversy
establishing is
broad religion.
a
is
this
can
exist.
Manual of the Lodge it
p. 40,
is
stated that
As Masons we
if
"
by A. G.
:
taught never to commence any great or important undertaking without first
and
are
invoking the blessing and protection of deity, is because Masonry is a religious institu-
this
tion."
Here you the
reason
why
sonic lodges, tion,"
that
will observe
prayer
that
and you
Dr.
is
"Masonry
and
I
Mackey
assigns
always offered is
a
in
as
Ma-
religious institu-
must be very well aware Mackey would
Past Grand Master Albert G.
far from publishing anything in his "Lodge Manual," or making use of any remark which he
be very
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
46
thought
would
craft, or
be denied
be endorsed by
not as
the
the
general
teaching of the
correct
Order.
But that Freemasonry
is
a
religious philoso-
phy, Dr. Mackey further proves of the Lodge," p. 57. He says
in
his
"
Manual
:
"Speculative
Masonry,
now known
as
Free-
application and the religious consecration of the rules and principles, the technical language, and the implements and materials of operative. Masonry to the worship of God as the Grand Architect of the Universe, and to the purification of the heart, and the inculcation of the dogmas of a religious philosophy."
masonry
is,
therefore, the
this
Reducing language,
we
learn
dogmas of a
plain,
that
to purify
worship God, the
to
scientific
common, every-day
Freemasonry pretends the heart, and to
to
inculcate
religious 'philosophy through
its
religious consecration of the rules, principles, technical language, tive
Masonry
Freemasonry
;
is
implements, and materials of operaall of which manifestly proves that a religious system.
And now we shall turn to another text-book. " In the " Lexicon of Freemasonry by Mac5key, we read: p. 371, under the word "PRAYER," "All the ceremonies of our Order are prefaced and terminated with prayer, because Masonry is a religious institution."
336
And =-
again, under the
word
"
ORDER,"
on
p.
MASONRY A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION.
47
"An order is defined by Johnson to be among a regular government, a society of other things dignified persons, distinguished by marks of honor, and a religious fraternity? In all of these senses '
Masonry may be styled an 5Order." That is to say, Freemasonry may be reasons:
three
Order, for
First,
styled an
because
it
is
a
regular government. Second, because it is a society and Third, because it is a of dignified persons ;
religious fraternity.
Again in the "Traditions of Freemasonry" by A. T. C. Picrson, p. 13: "
The Order known
have
been
as
Freemasonry appears
a vehicle to preserve and transmit an account of the miraculous dealings of the Most High with his people in the infancy of the world, for at that early period Freemasonry to
instituted
as
may be identified with religion." The writer of this, Mr. A. T.
C. Pierson, the
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of " Minnesota, is a Sovereign Grand Inspector Gen-
present
eral
" of the
is
it
"Holy Empire"
rather curious
organTzation, that
to
notice
was "
it
of Freemasonry, and his claim for that
instituted as a vehicle to
preserve and transmit an account of the dealings of the
Most High with
his
people in the infancy of
the world."
Now, by If
whom its
sole
I think,
we may
lawfully
inquire here,
was the Masonic philosophy object, as Pierson claims, was
instituted
?
to " trans-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
48
Most High o
mit an account of the dealings of the f^
with
infancy of the world," then
his people, in the
of course the inference
is
undeniable that this thing
now called Freemasonry must have been instituted by God himself. But we learn from the Word of God all that is necessary for us to know of the dealings of the
Most High with
infancy of the world;
them
a
Redeemer:
we
that
his people in
learn that all
their
the
he promised
daily
sacrifices
and religious worship typified his coming, his sufferings and his"" death, and that all his dealings with his people at that early period were specially intended to
keep
sublime truth,
before
restoration to their effected
lost
through the
And
Messiah.
the
minds of men the
that, reconciliation
if
with
condition
atonement of
God and
could
a
only be
the promised
Mr. Pierson claims that Free-
masonry must have been instituted by the Most High, then he simply affirms that the Most High one system of religion
instituted
as revealed in the
Old Testament, embodying all the type* and shadows of a future Saviour, and another system of religion as
revealed in
lutely denies,
Saviour.
rejects,
That
is
Freemasonry, which absodisowns, and dishonors that
to say,
God
is
the author of
two
distinct and different systems of religion, the one pagan, the other Christian; the one false as the
serpent,
the
other
true
as
God
himself.
In
the
MASONRY A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION.
49
very next sentence to the one already quoted, distinctly affirmed, that "the identity of the sonic institution with the Ancient Mysteries"
with pagan secret worship to say
it
instituted
is
"is obvious,"
by
That
Most High.
is
i.
e.
and strange
boldly asserted of Masonry, that the
it is
Ma-
it
to say,
was
Ma-
sonry and the secret worship of paganism are one and the same, and as "it is claimed for Masonry that
it
has been instituted as a vehicle to preserve
and transmit the dealings of the Most High with his it
people in the infancy of the world," therefore,
follows that the debasing, licentious worship of
Samaria and Egypt, was the true religion of God, and consequently that the This is the Bible is worse than an old wife's fable. Baal and
Osiris
natural deduction, in this
way
the
in
if
word
accept Pierson's theory, and
I
of
God
by "Masonic tradition." But again we read on
is
made
of
none
effect
p. 14:
"But the Order of Freemasonry goes further than did the Ancient Mysteries, it becomes a conservator as well as a depository of religion, science
and
art."
And
again on p. 15:
"Thus, without any reference to forms and modes of faith, it furnishes a series of indirect evidences, which silently operate to establish the great and general principles of religion" And In the "General p. 57,
we
read:
Ahiman Rezon" by
Sickles,
5
"That our rites embrace all the possible circumstances of man moral, social and spiritual and have a meaning high as the heavens, broad as the universe, and profoun^ as eternity." If
does not
this
mean
religious philosophy, then
that
Freemasonry is a must confess myself
I
unable to comprehend the plain import of words.
No
stronger language than
can be used in
this
reference to Christianity.
Again, in the "Symbolism of Freemasonry," ii, Dr. Mackey says:
p.
"Now, masonry
I
contend that the philosophy of Freein the contemplation of the
engaged
is
human
divine and
character."
What more religion than
be
can
this
that
said
it
templation of the divine and if
we
do not believe from
masonry
we
a system of
is
believe
is
engaged
human
this
the
of
is
"The
of
religion,
this
sets
Masonic
then
why
should
whit stronger
whole matter at
of the
rest in
Jurisprudence,"
p.
his
95,
says: truth
is,
that
religious institution, universal kind in which
And
and
testimony that Free-
religious character of Freemasonry
where he
the con-
a system of religion?
But Dr. Mackey
"Text-book
Christian
character?
from testimony not a
that Christianity
in
Masonry its
all
in his celebrated
is
religion
men
tmdoubtedly a being of that
agree."
"Masonic Lexicon" he not
only asserts in the plainest possible terms the religious
MASONRY A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION.
51
character of the Masonic institution, but he also affirms in language
which cannot be mistaken or mis-
understood, the sort of a religion versal
law which
all
it is,
must observe
and the uni-
in relation to
it.
In the "Lexicon of Freemasonry," p. 404, he says
:
"The
religion then of Masonry is pure theism, different members engraft their own peculiar opinions; but they are not permitted to introduce them into the lodge, or to connect their truth or falsehood with the truth of Masonry."
on which
its
From
all this
then, furnished as
Masonic testimony,
vast array of
accredited text-books
its
it is
by and by the very highest and most honored rulers of the order, you will at once understand that Free-
masonry
claimed to be a religious institution and
is
nothing more; not a mere
benevolent
or social
organization, but simply a religious
system estabhave already seen, for the "purification of the heart and the worship of God," through the spiritual consecration of the implements and malished, as
we
terials of a
handicraft Mason.
But we have
still
further evidence,
equally convincing, that Freemasonry institution,
namely: The
stitutes all its
teachings,"
and one
is
a religious
"chief design
which con-
and which
is
asserted to
be the "elucidation and enforcement of divine truth." I
shall
now
give but a very few extracts from the
text-books upon this point, as it
more
at
I
length at another time.
intend
to refer to
In the "Manual of
the
Lodge,"
the
great object
p.
26,
Dr.
says that:
Mackey
"Search of truth Masonic labor."
And
is
of
all
again, on p. 29:---
"Spiritual light, which is but another name for Divine truth the truth of God and the soul the nature and essence of both, which constitute the chief design of
And
Masonic teaching."
all
again, on p. 93:
"Now, what are the wages of a Not corn, nor wine, nor oil.
Mason ?
His wages are truth"
arc but symbols.
And
speculative All these
again, from
masonry," by Mackey,
the
"Symbolism
of
Free-
p. 149:
"He
(the candidate) craves an intellectual illumination, which will bring to his view as an eyewitness the sublime truths of religious philosopJiy and science, which it is the great design of Free-
masonry
to teach." last of
And,
all,
institution,
religious
Freemasonry from the fact
temples are said to be sacred
and
proved to be a that its halls and is
consecrated or set apart for
holy purposes, as distinguished from
edifices.
profane In the "Text-book of Masonic Jurisprudence,"
by Mackey, p. 288, we read as follows: "CONSECRATION. The ceremony
of
conse-
sacred purposes for which they are intended by mystic rites, has been transmitted to us from the remotest antiquity. 'His-
crating religious edifices to the
tory,' says
Dudley, 'both ancient and modern,
tells
us
MASONRY A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION.
53
that extraordinary rites, called rites of consecration or dedication, have been performed by people of all ages and nations on the occasion of the first application of altars, or temples, or places to religious " uses,'
examples of Moses, Solomon, and the "returned exiles" from the Babylonish captivity, he goes on to say
And,
after citing the
:
"Among the pagans, ceremonies of the most magnificent nature were often used in setting apart their gorgeous temples to the purposes of worship. Masonic lodge is, in imitation of these ancient examples, consecrated with mystic ceremonies to the sacred purposes for which it had been con-
A
apart for a holy a great tenets of Mason's profession, and becomes, or should become, in the mind of the conscientious Mason, invested with a peculiar reverence as a place where, as he passes over its threshold, he should feel the application of the command given to Moses: 'Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.' structed.
object,
this act it cultivation of
By
the
set
is
the
''
Such language reference to
as
this
can
only be used in
a religious institution, and
the exam-
ples
adduced by the Masonic law-giver, namely:
that
of anciently consecrating
places" to the
first
religious
uses,
temples or
such as the Tabernacle,
and second Temples, and likewise the gor-
geous temples of the pagans,
which Masonic lodges, apart for holy fact that
"altars,
purposes,
Freemasonry
in imitation of
all
of
and temples are set clearly demonstrate the
halls
is
a religious institution, and
54 even that
of so sacred a character that in
it is
the very floor of
its
lodges
is
fact
"holy ground.'"
And
again, on p. 293: "The consecration and dedication may be considered as the religious formularies, which give a sacred character to the lodge, and by which it is
be distinguished from a profane association, intended only for the cultivation of good fellowto
ship."
Comment on is
this
is
entirely unnecessary, for
it
scarcely possible to utter language in any plainer
The
words.
lodge must be "distinguished from a
even from a society of men "where only good fellowship is cultivated." It must ever be regarded in its true sacred character, and association,'" or
profane
the
mystic
are
the "religious
rites
sacred character to
Thus
it
(what
more)
that claim
the
shadow
institution.
cates. tions.
work.
and dedication"
formularies," which "give the Masonic lodge."
this
has been clearly established, that Free-
masonry claims is
"consecration
of
to
that
beyond
be a religious institution, and attempts to prove and sustain the possibility of a dispute, or
it
of a doubt.
It
claims to be a religious
First, because of the principles
it
incul-
its prayers and benedicof the because character of its lodge Third,
Second, because of
Fourth, because of
Fifth, because of
its
its
professed
object.
consecration ceremonies, which
alone are sufficient to distinguish association, and, lastly,
it
because of
from a profane its
divine origin.
MASONRY A
Yes, I'm thoroughly
ITcnry:
am
I
point.
UKLJCJIOUS INSTITUTION.
fully convinced that
satisfied
Masonry
55
on that with-
is,
out any doubt, a religious institution, else of course, all
its
various text-books,
would
lexicons,
strong and after
institution,
am
justified in
from the
acter,
of these
a
so; but,
Christian
Con-
as the Methodist, Baptist, or
And
gregational Churches are? I
is
it
Freemasonry be
not
just
and
monitors,
that
language
positive
may
all,
manuals,
never dare to assert in such very
indeed,
thus judging of
fact that very
different
its
many
churches
are
I
suppose,
religious char-
of the ministers
members
of
the
order.
Mr. Barton: a Christian
But
it
is,
my
son,
degree to
Freemasonry
not
it
a religious
nevertheless,
is
even pretend in be any such thing.
nor does
institution,
remotest
the very
No,
system, just as
Mahommedanism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Romanism, are
religious systems.
On
this point
ignorant
Masons generally make a very great mistake. They confound the word "religion" with Christiand
anity,
hence
they deny that
religious institution at
only to anity
is
deny
that
it is
all,
Masonry
is
a
while they simply mean
the Christian religion.
Christi-
the true religion established by the Father,
through the Lord Jesus Christ, for man's redemption and for his restoration to holiness and fellowship with Himself, while Masonry
is
but a base counterfeit, and
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
56
was only part
But
century, in a
last
more
this I shall
For the
time. as
established, or rather revived, in the early
of the
London grog-shop.
fully explain to
present, however,
let
you
another
at
remember
us
that
regards the religious character of Freemasonry,
there can be no controversy.
is
In "Webster's Unabridged," the word "religion" defined as being:
"The
ist.
recognition of
God
an object of
as
worship, love and obedience." 2d.
"Any
system of faith and worship."
3d.
"The
rites
Now, Masonry
or services of religion."
claims to recognize
God
as
"an
object of worship and obedience," and hence, on this
ground, is
it is
a religious institution.
Again, Masonry
a "system of faith and worship," and therefore in
this sense, also,
it is
a religion, while
its
various "rites
and services" most unquestionably establish ligious character.
more than it
But, as already stated,
it is
a base counterfeit, and yet (with
stated,) every
minister
its
re-
nothing
shame be
and professing Christian
who initiated its pretended mysteries must bind himself under oaths, which are enforced by the most terrible death penalties, that he will "conform to into
is
and abide by, and ever maintain and support, every edict, rule, law, decree and regulation" of this false religious philosophy,
quirements
may
be.
no matter what
its
nature or
re-
CHAPTER
in.
THE MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED. of
nature.
Purely
Grand Orient
entirely ignored.
Moral law
True God
antichrist! an.
of France.
Masqnic despotism. Obedience right or wrong. Masonry and Romanism. Pure theism. Manot
sonic religion
Masonic
on
founded
the
Bible.
Romanism and Masonry Condemned by the word of God.
traditions.
compared.
Henry : a
feel
study of
Masonic than I
begin to
deeper interest
the
in
I
the
philosophy ever thought
I
shonld. I always had
an idea
that
it
was
simply an association established merely for benevolent purposes only, bility
thrown
little
render
its
conviviality or socia-
meetings more
and
to
a system of religion. I
am now, however, thoroughly
convinced on that point.
Indeed,
the face of the evidence adduced,
deny
inter-
encourage its members to attend lodge regularly, but I never thought of it as being
esting,
more
with a
in to
it.
But what
masonry inculcate?
sort of
a
I
cannot see, in
how any
one can
religion does Free-
And what "-rights
and benefits,"
THE MASTERS CARPET.
5
any, does
if
pretend to confer on
it
its
adhering
members?
Mr. Barton :
The
subject to
dear Henry,
which your ques-
my exceedingly important and ought to be thoroughly investigated, and fully and clearly understood. tions allude,
is
.
The
silly so-called secrets
tem have been exposed and again during the
last
sys-
explained time and at
years
fifty
Masonic
of the
least.
Its
passwords, signs, grips, and the clownish buffoonery of its initiatory ceremonies, have all been published to the
world over half
and hence,
a century ago,
direct attention in an especial
manner
to the
to
Masonic
you merely how Masons be are made, would only to demonstrate how very foolish and stupid men are sometimes capable of ritual,
acting.
or to explain
All this
is
fully set forth in the
Freemasonry," and
of
fore refer
to
to that
work
I
"Hand-book
would
there-
for the genuine secrets of the craft.
you But that we may
fully understand
and thoroughly
appreciate the absolute wickedness and the infidelity
whole Masonic philosophy we must carefully examine and expose its true religious character, and To begin with, the source from which it is derived. of the
then:
claimed for the religion of Freemasonry, authorized exponents and teachers, that it is
It is
by
a
its
UNIVERSAL RELIGION.
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED. In reference to this point, attention
now
of
first
all
in existence,
in
Anderson,
"Manual
The "Charges
namely:
of the
and
1723,
written law of Masonry. the
shall direct your Masonic document
originally published in
Freemason,"
James
I
to the oldest
59
of
a
London by one the basis of the
This document
Lodge," by Mackey,
we
find in
p. 215:
"CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION."
CHARGE I.
"Though in ancient times Masons were charged every country to be of the religion of that country or nation, whatever it was, it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion
in
in iv hie h all
the
Here then we have
it
positively asserted
religion of
is
"that religion in
men
all
men agree"
such,
is,
men
and further, that Freemasons,
agree,"
are
now everywhere
that religion. it
Masonry
that
which
Now
"obliged"
this "religion,"
to
as
profess
whatever
else
cannot possibly be Christian, for in that all do not agree never have, and during the
present dispensation
never
will.
Neither
is
it
Ro-
manism, Judaism, Mohammedanism, or Mormonism, in none of these systems do "all men agree."
for
The
religion
Masonry, therefore, must be a peculiar to itself, from the very
of
religion entirely
nature of which
it
borrows
and by means of which associate
upon one
its
it
common
vaunted universality,
boastingly pretends religious
to
platform men
THE MASTER'S CARPKI.
60
of
every country, and
universality is
that
which, classes
of
and tongue, and is
this
be established?
sought to
feature
peculiar it
kindred,
But how
people, and nation.
claims, renders
it
Masonic system
the
of
thus acceptable
but in reality to
religionists,
pretended
And what
men
to
all
of
no
religion at all?
The answer found, of
God
to this
in the fact
as revealed
is
that
it
found, and can only be virtually ignores the
in the Bible,
and that
it
law
posi-
tively repudiates and rejects the divinity and the
mediatorship of the Lord Jesus
On
Christ.
this
we
have the most ample testimony that can subject possibly be furnished by Masonic works of the highest standard.
In the "Text-book of Masonic Jurisprudence,"
by Mackey, on
p. 502,
"Every Mason
it is
is
obey the moral law." "Now this moral law
.
stated that:
obliged by
his
tenure to
Charges of
1722.) not to be considered as confined to the decalogue of Moses, within which narrow limits the ecclesiastical writers technically retain it, but rather as alluding to what is called the lex naturce, or the law of nature"
(Old
is
Or, in other words, when the Almighty delivered law for man's government he gave it so very imperfect, so incomplete, and so utterly inadequate
his
purpose for which he intended it, that it is found to be entirely "too narrow," and too "limto the
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED.
6l
be accepted as the standard of right in Masonic lodges, and hence Freemasonry very
ited" to
judiciously manufactures a
much
own
calls the "lex naturce, or
especial use,
which
it
superior law for
law of nature," which it proclaims as religious standard, and which every one of bers "by
his tenure
is
not turning the truth of
bound
God
to
obey."
into a
lie,
its
its
only
its
mem-
If this
will
is
some
Masonic divine have the goodness to say how otherit could be done, and to better effect?
wise
But Dr. Mackey continues: "This is the 'moral law' to which the old charge already cited refers, and which it declares to be the law of Masonry. And this was wisely done, for it is evident that no law less universal could have been appropriately selected for the government of on institution whose prominent characteristic
Of
is its
course^
it
universality."
was "wisely done!"
Why
such a noble institution as Freemasonry in its
philosophy and so extensive
so universal in in
its
should
so broad
its
membership, wonderful benevolence, be
governed by so "narrow," and so "limited" a code as the law of God? Freemasonry, which is so and exceedingly generous expansive in the immensity of its charity as
least
to exclude,
seventy-five per cent,
of
family from the very least of
by stern decree, the
its
at
whole human
boasted benefits,
must have something better! Why should such a noble institution as this be governed by so "limited"
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
62
a set of precepts as are to
be found
in
the
moral
law of Jehovah? No, no, that would never do. must have a code of laws far superior Freemasonry and entirely more suitable to morality, and so it has set up for
own
to that,
its
liar
itself
pecu-
a some-
thing called the "lex nature?" or "law of nature."
But
He
let
us hear the great Masonic Dr.
Mackey
out.
says, in continuation:
"The precepts made obligatory on
of Jesus could not have been a Jew; a Christian would have denied the sanctions of the Koran a Mohammedan must have rejected the law of Moses, and a disciple of Zoroaster would have turned from all to the The universal law teachings of his Zend Avesta. of nature, which the authors of the old charges have properly called the moral law, is, therefore, the only law suited in every respect to be adopted as the Masonic code." ;
Here
lies
the secret of the whole matter.
"The
must be rigidly .excluded, the precepts law of nature must be substituted for the law of of Jesus"
God, and a religious philosophy, founded upon this law, must be substituted for the religion of the Bible; and upon that
men
this
broad
no religion
at
ciate together.
all,
platform it is boasted and every religion, or of and do harmoniously asso-
infidel
of every clime
may how
But
can a professing Christian,
and more especially a Christian minister, solemnly to "maintain and support" such a wicked
swear
combination as this?
Or
if
he
is
unwittingly led
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED. into such an infidel
conspiracy
member
how
63
can he consist-
thus by the very it, and example he sets encourage others to do the same? Taking the very best possible view of Freeently remain a
of
masonry, is there any one single doctrine, or any one duty inculcated and enforced by the Masonic philosophy, which
by God's law
not found to
be inculcated
and within the pale of
the Christian
is
"The church
church?
of
the living
God
is
the
pillar and the ground of the truth," (i Tim. iii. 15) which the Lord Jesus Christ has "sanctified and
cleansed with the that he
washing of water by the word,
might present
to
it
himself
a
glorious
church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that ish."
it
should be holy and without blem26 27.) Can this be said of the
(Eph. v. Masonic institution?
Is
that miserable
system of
and folly "without spot or wrinkle?" And are and precepts of Freemasonry, its obligations, death penalties, and its foul philosophy of sin
the laws
selfishness, deceit,
blemish?" to
Why,
and cunning, "holy and without to compare the church of Christ
Masonry would be about
the brightness of the
the same as comparing
sun to the darkness of mid-
night, or the glory of the
Mount
to the blackness of despair in the
woe.
of Transfiguration
regions of eternal
Upon what hypothesis then can a professing Christian, and more especially a Christian minister,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
64
justify his conduct
Masonic
and
institution,
laws, rules
and
connecting himself with the
in
in
swearing
to support
edicts, whether "right or
Secondly, the
religion of
wrong ?"
Masonry places God of
gods of paganism on a level 'with the Bible,
and
antagonistic
Of
its
and
laws
are
edicts
its
tJie
the
especially
to Christianity.
when
course,
law of nature,"
it
accepts the "lex naturce, or
as of equal authority
calogue of Exodus,
it
necessarily
with the De-
follows that
honors the "god of nature" as much as
As
the true God.
regards this point,
"Webb's Monitor
of
we
it
it
does
read in
Freemasonry," by Rob.
Morris, p. 280, as follows:
"So BROAD is the religion of Masonry, and so CAREFULLY ARE ALL SECTARIAN TENETS EXCLUDED FROM THE SYSTEM, that the Christian, the Jew, and the Mohammedan, in all their numberless sects
and divisions, may, and do harmoniously com-
bine in its moral and intellectual work with the Buddhist, the Parsee, the Confucian, and the worshiper of Deity under every form." Here, in plain, simple language, we have the
Masonic religion very accurately one great leading characteristic of
true nature of the defined, and
its
the positive rejection of every feature of Christianity authoritatively declared and set forth: First,
so
it is
broad that
excluded
from
a "broad" religion. "all
sectarian
the system"
tenets
Secondly, it is are carefully
Thirdly, this religion
MASONIC KKi.KJlON KX A MINK 1) of Masonry Jc\\
the
,
is
"
so
broad"
Parsce, the
that the
Mahomedan,
.
65
Christian, the,
the
Confucian,
worshipper of Deity under every form including the wild Aral) and the American savage,
and
the
"mav, and do harmoniously combine
living,
And member of working
dating
institution, the
and intellectual work."
in
in
this
moral
its
become a
order to
accommo-
truly
minister and the professing
must hind himself by the most solemn " conform to, and abide by all its obligations to Christian
laws and teachings." in "
Again it
Webb's Monitor," by Morris,
p. 284,
asserted that:
is
"
The religious tenets of Freemasonry are few, The candidate must prosimple, but fundamental. fess a belief in Deity before initiation." .
This
the
Mason's creed, and the one sole of the Masonic religion, as practised
the
of faith
article
in
is
United
States.
"belief" in a God.
masonry require
The
claim
the
Confucian,"
is
its
made
But
It
professes
demand
to
what God does Free-
in
candidates to profess a belief?
that "the Budhist, the Parsee, to
according
Masonic
law
and and
"
may, and do harmoniously combine with the Mahomedan, the Jew, and the Christian in the
usage
moral and
intellectual
tution, but surely
same
God.
all
work " of these
the Masonic
do not believe
The Confucian
believes
in
in
the
insti-
the
God
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
66
Josh
Mahomeclan
the
;
Koran
while
;
the
believes
in the
and
Htidhist
God
of the
Parsee
the
are
idolatrous pagans of the most pronounced and positive
And
type.
of course,
hence,
the
Masonry must be anything and everything capricious fancy of
choose "
make him.
to
Lord,"
is
it
Masonic
any or of
may and
but these
have no more reference his
the
God
worship than
of the Bible
He
book
that
used in the ex-
names, Masonically
God and
Worshipful Master has
that the
The words "God"
pressed, .can to
of
these people
all
true, are very frequently
ritual,
God
to
the
true
square of the
the
to the cross of Calvary. is
the
true
God, and
If
if in
has given us a revelation of Himself,
most assuredly the Masonic philosophy is a libelous falsehood, and the God of Masonry a sensethen
less
myth. But the
Christian believes and worships the one only living and true God, everlasting Father, Son and Holy Ghost, " who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers
by the prophets," and who, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, " appeared once in the end of the world to put self."
How
rulers of
can
away
it
Masonry,
sin
by the
sacrifice
of him-
be truthfully asserted then by the that a professing Christian, or a
Christian minister can harmoniously
Chinese, Turks, and pagan
combine with
Budhists, in the various
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED.
67
when
religious exercises of the lodge, especially
law
is
down
expressly laid the
construction of
the
that, from the peculiar
Masonic philosophy, the name
of Christ must be "carefully excluded." (?)
No man
can serve two masters; and no Christian
can worship God, through Christ,
in the
church,
while he pretends to worship the pagan's God, with-
No, the Masonic claim in mere shallow pretense, and hence,
out Christ, in the lodge. this respect
is
a
while American Freemasonry dates
to profess
nor can
inculcates,
and
a "belief it
God of
trust in the
The Grand the
foster
America, to
its
religious
principles
of
out
the
faith
and
Freemasonry
and more true
in
of
inTegard
to the real
philosophy, than
the
of the United States; for while
the
God, while they orclered
the
in its expression
Masonic
latter hypocritically
cree passed at
inculcate
in that country,
of
parent
the
Grand Lodges
nowhere
France, however, the
Orient of
tenets,
it
heaven.
more honest
is
deity,"
candi-
all
requires
consistently
highest Masonic authority fact
in
its
pretend
to
inculcate
faith
in
reject Christ, the latter, last
name
of
by a deGrand Annual Conclave, has
God
from every part of
its
to
be entirely stricken
work and
ritual.
To
in God, while the Lord Jesus disowned and rejected, is a piece of the most consummate hypocrisy, and hence the French
a belief
require
Christ
is
68
Freemasons recognizing this fact, and believing no God at all is quite as good, if not better and
more
preferable,
come
out
in
God without
than
their
true
Masonic
Christ,
have
and
have
colors,
God
altogether, and when their brethren rejected in this and other countries will follow their example,
p.
only a mere question of time. But again in " Webb's Monitor," is
285 we read: " The Ten Commandments
ent embrace the gist of the
In this simple giver
we
or
by Morris,
their
equival-
Masonic religion"
assertion
Masonic law-
of the
have three things very distinctly affirmed. a Masonic religion. Second: is
First: that there
that the gist of the
Masonic relgion
is
embraced
Ten Commandments, and Third: that the Masonic authorities allow that the Ten Commandin
the
may have The first of
ments
fully established
the
these propositions has been already
by numerous
and from
ritual
institution
an equivalent.
;
antichristian
the second
the is
character of
quotations, both from
standard
works of the
an additional proof of the its
religious
philosophy,
while the third savors very strongly of the rankest blasphemy. If Freemasonry admits that God's law an " equivalent," and that that " equivalent" can be found in the writings of Mahomed^
may have
Confucius, or Joe Smith, then
it
simply affirms that
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED. the a
God
of heaven
69
no better and no wiser than
is
mere sensual adventurer,
a
tyranical
religion of
Masonry
usurper, or
an ambitious pretender. .Thirdly,
The
is
a system
despotism, and like that of Rome, demands a blind unquestioning obedience to all its laivs, rules, and edicts, "v/ictker "right or wrong" While Freemasonry is a religious philosophy,
of absolute
pretending to teach piety and morality though its laws and landmarks are so framed and interpreted as to exclude
from
system every particle of the and while it admits that any pagan
Christian faith,
philosopher
its
may frame
the moral
respect to
or
a code of laws equal in every
law of God, yet clerical, should
members, lay wicked folly in entering such its
tion of fraud, deception,
from
its
most
terrible
ranks,
covenant with
it
and
it,
and
to
to
any of
repent of his
a notorious
infidelity,
combina-
and so secede
every candidate by
requires
obligation
lest
enter
bind
into
a
a
life-long
himself forever
to
obey, without questioning, every law, rule and decree
of the system under any and
ail
circumstances.
This purely despotic principal is very clearly asserted in the following extracts from the Masonic obligations
:
In the Fellow Craft's Obligation, section 2 " I furthermore solemnly promise and swear that I will stand to and abide by all the laws, rules :
THE and regulations of the Fellow Craft degree, so far as the
same
And
shall
come
to
my
knowledge."
again, in the Master Mason's Oblig ation,
section 2:
solemnly promise and swear and abide by all the laws, rules and regulations of the Master Mason's degree and of the lodge of which I may herefater become a member, and that I will ever maintain and support the constitution, laws and edicts of the Grand Lodge under which the same shall he holden, so "I furthermore
that I will
far as the
to
conform
same
come
to my knowledge." most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steadfast resolution to keep and perform the same without any equivocation, mental reservation, or secret evasion of mind whatever, binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my hody seyered in twain, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, and the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven, so that no more trace or remembrance might be had of so vile and perjured a wretch as I, should I ever, knowingly or willingly, violate or transgress this, my solemn obligation as a Master Mason so help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same." See "Hand Book," pp. 66 and 99. If such an oath as this were published in any
"To
all
shall
of this
I
;
of the daily papers, with
a statement
administered in the dead of night, and
meeting, guarded by an
armed
that
it
was
at a secret
sentinel,
by the
Molly Maguire or Ku-Klux societies to a joining member, the whole country would be horrified, and these
wicked
institutions justly
ranked
as
very worst of their kind in the world.
among
the
And
yet,
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED.
every minister
must take
being
made
this
with the
a
Mason
Master
this oath.
Now the oath
in
7!
compare
administered
following
from
by the Romish church
to
every one of her converts and mark the difference. In the Creed of Pope Pius IV. Art. xii we read
:
"
N. N. do
I,
truly hold this
no one
at this present freely profess
true
and
Catholic faith 'without 'which
CAN BE SAVED, and
I
most conentire and the end of my
promise
stantly to retain and confess the inviolate with God's assistence to
same
life"
And
then every priest, bishop and must further swear: "
And
I will
take care as
far
as
ecclesiastic
in
me
lies,
taught and preached by my subjects, or by those, the care of whom shall appertain to me in my office; this I promise, vow and swear so help me God and the holy gospels of
that
it
shall
be held,
God." Is the
or
Romish system then any more exacting
any more despotic then the system of Masonry ?
Again
in the
Masonic
ritual the
following questions
and answers occur, and while they serve to indicate the true source of all Masonic piety and morality, they also point out the only bond which could otherwise cement this wicked conspiracy together:
"What makes you gation."
a
Mason?"
"My
obli-
"What makes you
a Fellow
Craft?"
"My
obligation."
"What makes you
a
Master Mason?"
(See "Hand Book,"
obligation."
Thus we
see that
"My
pp. 36, 182, 259.)
the Masonic obligations are
the very foundation of the whole system, and with-
out which this miserable, wicked
sham would
pieces in a year; and the only condition
fall to
upon which
obedience to the requirements of these obligations
demanded and enforced
is
is
explained by Dr. Rob.
Mrfrris, Past Grand Master of Kentucky, in lan-
guage so plain and easy that no Mason can
fail to
understand his duty. In "Webb's Monitor,"
is
p. 196,
he says:
"The first duty of the reader of this synopsis to obey the edicts of his Grand Lodge. Right or
wrong, his very existence as a Mason hangs upon obedience to the powers immediately set above him. The one tmpardonable crime in a Mason is contumacy or disobedience"
From
this, I
think
we
can have a pretty clear
conception of the deep-rooted conspiracy and the crafty design of the
candidate
is
made
to
Masonic laws and slightest
Masonic
institution.
First, the
swear eternal obedience edicts,
to all
and without having the
knowledge of anyone of them; then the
law peremptorily excluding the name of Christ submitted
is
for his acceptance, and, lastly, in perfect
harmony with the
requirements of
his
Masonic
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED.
73
unwavering obedience demanded of him whether " right or
obligation, a blind, implicit, to this
law
is
wrong" In direct opposition to this
terrible
mental and moral enslavement and as
condemnation of institution, the
this
in
utter
very principle of the Masonic
word of God
Lev.
system of if
distinctly
affirms
in
v., 4 5., that " If a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips to do evil or to do good whatsoever it be that a man shall pronounce with an oath and it be hid from :
him when he knoweth of
it then he shall be guilty -one of these, and it shall be when he shall be guilty in one of these things that he shall confess that he had sinned in that thing."
in
Freemasonry says to every candidate "swear, although what you are called upon to swear to is hidden from you." The word of God on the other hand says "if you do this you sin against God and you shall be guilty." ;
Fourthly,
The
religion
of Freemasonry
PURE THEISM, acknowledging A GOD
but
is
denying
revelation"
This
is
very
clearly asserted
under the word
in the
"Religion" " " Lexicon of Freemasonry, by A. G. Mackey> p. 404:
"
THE RELIGION THEN
THEISM
on
which
its
OF
MASONRY
different
members
is
PURE
engraft their own peculiar opinions, but they are not permitted to introduce them into the lodge or to connect their truth or falsehood with the truth of
Masonry."
In the extract before
have
us,
dear Henry,
my
we
and emphatic a statement as can possibly be found anywhere, of the real character of the Masonic religious philosophy. It is PURE as
THEISM.
clear
Nothing more and nothing
less;
and upon
the broad platform of this
pure theism it pretends classes and conditions of men. Now
to unite all
the
min
Jew, the Turk, the Confucian and the Brahin joining the Masonic fraternity, binds him-
self to support
when
and maintain
the professing
Why when
edan and the Unitarian are visit a
pure theism. But
or
minister
of the
what does he swear
gospel becomes a Mason,
support and maintain? of ptire theism. And
this
Christian
this
to
very same system
Mahomwhen they
the Jew, the initiated, or
lodge, what does Masonic law require them
"exclude" from the system? Nothing; absolutely nothing. Their religion, if they have any, is pure
to
theism already, and consequently they compromise nothing whatever religiously by being made Masons.
But when a Christian minister
Mason and
lives
called
to exclude
upon
and support? tarian tenets."
up
to his obligations,
is
made a
what
and what does he
is
he
maintain
He
must "carefully exclude all secThat is he cannot use the name of
Jesus Christ in the lodge room in connection with He any Masonic prayer or religious ceremony.
cannot introduce any
of,
what Masonry
calls, his
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED.
75
peculiar Christian opinions into the lodge, nor "connect their
or
truth
with
falsehood
the
truth
of
Masonry," and hence he willfully compromises his Christian character. And should a professing Christian or minister so
good Mason called
upon
to
far
duty as a
when
Christ
any Masonic Assembly he as a Master Mason
in
pray
his
forget
name of
use the
as to
simply violates his obligation
and thus
in reality
becomes
he had proclaimed
as if
its
much
silly,
a "perjured villain"
senseless secrets
Having solemnly sworn
the housetops.
conform to and
will
as
abide
upon " he
that
ALL THE LAWS,
by
and regulations of the Master Mason's degree," and it being one of the most fundamental laws, rules
rules
and regulations of that degree that "
tarian
tenets
bound
to
willfully
must
submit to violate
But what
know in
no
is
is
God
at all,
carefully
inexorable mandate or else
excluded,"
obligation, and if
'''pure
a belief in
he
be this
his
penalty of expulsion
all sec-
not death
thus incur the
itself.
theism?"
Polytheism
many gods, Atheism
and theism
is
is
is
we
a belief
the belief in a God,
and hence Dr. Mackey uses the term pure theism in this place, evidently
to assert
that
the religious
philosophy of Freemasonry merely recognizes the existence
which
is
of a something which not to be understood as
it
calls
god, but
embodying a
plu-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
76 rality of is
persons in that god
;
or, in
other words,
if
a positive denial of the Trinity. as
Freemasonry,
we
find hereafter,
shall
"secret worship"
of
doctrine
of pure
theism enunciated
Masonic
lexicon
which
in
all
from
secret
is
paganism
simply
pagan
revived,
and
the this
here by the
same
the
is
principle
countries distinguished
their
This same idea
their public worship.
Masonic religion is elsewhere referred to by Mackey and others, as "the unity of God," and, together with the doctrine of immortality, is claimed of the
to constitute the sole religious belief of the
Masonic
philosophy.
Referring to these doctrines, and the manner in
which they were communicated and preserved
in
early times, the
by Dr. Mackey,
"Symbolism
of
Freemasonry,"
p. 15, states as follows:
"But those among the masses and there were some who were made acquainted with the truth, received their knowledge by means of an initiation into certain sacred mysteries in the bosom of which it was concealed from the public gaze." Hence, then, the pure theism which constitutes the sum and substance of the Masonic philosophy is
precisely the
which
is
mysteries,
claimed to haye after
the
of Shinar;
existed
dispersion of
and to
in
faith
the pagan
mankind
in the
pagan philosophy of he minister or laybe lodge every candidate,
plains
the
same doctrine and mode of
this
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED. man,
"
reverence, most
must, with
77
humbly bow,"
according to the tenor of his obligation. In direct opposition to this pagan idea of lodge theism, the
word of God very
"
i.
And God
Again " In
in
26,
we
read:
said, let us
John
i.
I
affirms a
God-head.
in the plurality of persons
In Genesis
distinctly
make man."
14:
beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was 'with God, and the WORD was God." " And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt the
among us" See, also, in Matt, xxviii. 19: " Teach all nations, baptising them in the of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
name Holy
Ghost."
And again in John v. 7: " There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one." And The
Masonry is both unscriptural and antiscriptural, and like Romanism, Lastly,
religion
of'
wholly based on corrupt traditions. In the " Digest
Wingate Chase, pp. "
The Jews,
of
Masonic
207, 208,
I
Law " by
Geo.
read:
the Chinese, the Turks, each reTestament or the Old, or ject, either the both, and yet we see no good reason why they should not be made Masons. In fact Blue Lodge Alasonry has nothing whatever to do with the If it ible; it is not founded upon the Bible,
New
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
78
was, it would not be " thing else.
This solute
is
and
the unchangeable law in the
beyond
to
on the Bible it
;
if
was
it
it
has
Masonry
do with the Bible.
would be something
You
"
that
is
principle
although they
for the existence of this
and the reason given
whatever
Turks
whole of God's word,
or the
reject either a part
ab-
case,
Chinese,
controversy.
may become Freemasons,
and jews
versal
would be some-
it
Masonry,
It is
uni-
nothing
not founded
would not be Masonry
else."
will observe that here four things are ex-
plicitly affirmed.
ond, that
that
First,
the Bible altogether
a
man who
may become
Freemasonry
a
rejects
Mason.
Sec-
not founded on the Bible.
is
if Masonry were founded on the Bible would not be Masonry, and Fourth, that the
Third, that it
system of Masonry than what the Bible teaches.
Now who is
with regard
that
Bible in
all
the
and
reject!
candidate
it
with
his
How on
obligated
lips,
after
is
the
he re-
taking
his
which he may despise Take an obligation on a Bible, one
Kiss
a
Bible
word of which he may not soiemn
is
men
that
point
American lodges? And why
quired to salute obligation?
first
may become Masons.
reject the Bible
it
to the
"something else"
is
religious
mockery
an
insult
believe? to
Why, this common sense,
is
to
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED. to the
reason,7
And
relief O ion
the Bible and to God.
of
Masons we ask God
yet as
steadfast in and carry out this
the end of
to help us to
keep wicked hypocrisy to
(See "Hand Book,"
life.
79
185, last
p.
clause of obligation.)
who
But again, suppose one of these men
them
believe the Bible, (and there are thousands of in
Masonry)
when is
should be the Master of
the
dis-
lodge,
a minister or a deacon of a Christian church
being
how
initiated,
can such a
man
truthfully
and consistently assure the candidate, then standing before him, that there
which he
nothing in the obligation
about to take that can "conflict with
is
duties he
any of those exalted
Or how can
is
a Christian minister,
consistency or truthfulness,
ment
to the
may owe
judgment
demn Romanists, and
of
God?"
to
with any show of
submit his
such a man?
own
judg-
We
con-
pityingly refer to their ignor-
ance and blind superstition in yielding their private
judgment to the will and judgment of a priest; but in the Masonic lodge we find that the minister of a
purely Protestant and evangelical church
initiation
yield
may
be,
his private
ment of
and very often
judgment
to
is,
at
his
called upon, to
the will and judg-
a rum-seller, a profane swearer, a gambler,
or even an infidel.
Master's address obligation.)
to
(See "Hand Book"
p.
candidate before taking
181.
the
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
So
With regard ry
to the second point
not founded on the Bible
is
Of
founded?
course,
"pure theism"
not be founded on God's
Word.
rthat
Mason-
then on what
is it
not and can-
is
What
then
is
the
foundation of speculative Freemasonry?
In the " Lexicon of Freemasonry " by
we read: The legends
Dr. A.
G. Mackey, pp. 491, 492, " TRADITIONS
".
"
or
traditions
of Freemasonry constitute a very considerable and In many instances important part of its ritual. these traditions have been corrupted by anachronisms and other errors which have crept into them." "All that can be claimed for them is that in some there is a great deal of truthful narrative more or less overlaid with fiction."
The Masonic philosophy what
it
then recognizing only "the moral law of nature," has nothing
calls
to sustain
but a system
it
of lying
traditions
and
legends, borrowed from the old pagan religions, and which its best and most intelligent authors candidly confess,
have been
falsified
and
corrupted almost
beyond recognition.
Now
it
Romanism
is is
very singular that the religion of be based on the same
also claimed to
fabulous and unreliable foundation.
In the
creed
of Pope
Pius IV, article
i,
we
read as follows: "
most steadfastly admit and embrace Aposand ecclesiastical traditions, and all other observances arid constitutions of the same church." I
tolical
MASONIC RELIGION EXAMINED.
And
Abridgement of Christian
the
again, in
8l
Doctrine, p. 10:
"Is In the
not enough to believe
it
all
that
written
fe
Bible?"
"No
it
is
we must
for
not,
believe all
also
Apostolical traditions"
Now, what tween the
difference,
senseless
and
may
I
is
ask,
there be-
and
traditions
corrupt
legends of Freemasonry and the numerous "eccle-
and so-called "apostolical traditions" and
siastical"
authority as
just as
Not
Romanism ?
lying legends of
the
good worthy the same degree of same time, both are false and is
what
particular
demanded
Mason
superstitious belief of the
ignorant, Irish Catholic,
perhaps, never had better,
all
of
the stupid
superstitious
his
just as
credit, while, at
unscriptural.
blind
the
And
in
credulity
from the ignorant,
differ
Roman Catholic? who never knew,
A
poor,
and
who
an opportunity of learning any
bows submissively and
to the will
One
particle.
other, and
does the
respect
of the
a
priest,
legends
yields his
accepting as
judgment
literal
truth
and traditionary fables of
monks and hermits; but
a
Protestant
diploma of D. D. from some famous university, and claiming to be, truth and a guide to the himself, a teacher of minister,
ignorant, will of
holding, perhaps, his
bows with equal
his
submissiveness to the
Masonic superior, and accepts, with the
n
S.1
same degree
i
M \s
!
r
H IM:
which the
the disgustingly
all
Hiram, Solomon, Zerubha-
of "jRomisA
manuals of Masonry
and
ritual
Protestant
minister
/>/v;/V.v/.v
how
tradition"
more
if,
indeed,
it
how
singular,
bv and support"
as
is
can
he consistently
more
not a bit
is
what
Hut
good?
abound.
against the error
accept "Masonic tradition" which reliable
.
i
Saints John, and other Bible worthies, with
hcl, the
a
(,'.\
of blind credulity,
Stupid fables concerning
If
KR'S
is
still
can he solemnly swear to "abide
all
fables and
those
teach
them
to others as truth?
How
man must
exceedingly consistent a
when once he becomes
a
Fabulous tradition
the only foundation of
is
both Masonry and Romanism, and, as further on,
same
in
the
superstructure
principle,
se\ crity in
and
"Why
in
we
shall tind
either case
is
the
condemned with equal
is
God's Word.
In Matt. xv. 3, 6 and
of
act
Mason!
o,,
we
read:
do ye also transgress the
God by your
commandment
tradition?"
ye made the commandment of of no effect by y our tradition." "l>ut in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
"Thus have
Hod
^
See
also Col.
"Heware
lest
philosophy and
men,
after the
after Christ."
ii.
S:
any
vain
man
deceit
rudiments
spoil after the
of
the
you through tradition
world
of
and not
CHAPTER
IV.
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS
The
TO Do.
new
Temple building. Mental illumination. Romanism and Masonry compared. Both opFreedom from sin. posed to God's Word.
birth.
"Justification
Masons
by works"
Masonic precepts.
Never
search of divine truth.
in
Masonry above the true religion. ry a wicked counterfeit.
Mr. Barton:
Having thus examined the char-
nctcr of the Masonic
which desire
it
to
expresses
religion
call
it, its
Every
your attention it
is
are
the
What
pretended .
into
,
its
nature
Masonic
affiliation?
privileges
antichristian
candidate the ^nciv birtJi"
to
is
are the great
confer upon those
and
it
to contain within itself
pagan ceremonials?' Fir,t: 77ic Masonic religion niaiTs
I
the extraordinary
no matter by what name
religion,
Masonry pp.. come initiated
which
"rights, lights and benefits."
then to be derived from
And what
to
claims to possess, or, as the ritual
known, professes, of course, some wonderful advantages. results
and the basis upon
rests, the next point of interest
goodness which
find
Mason-
it.
which
who
be-
mysteries and
claims
accomplisJi
in
to
re-
every
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
S4
Minister prepared in F. C. Degree.
Minister prepared in E. A. Degree.
The above as
figures
He
shirt
excepted
the left leg, his
degree; second
arm and right
in the
round his neck,
arm
in the
wink
is
third
in
breast
leg,
legs,
all
his
clothing
an old pair of drawers;
arm
are bare,
and
in
breast,
the
first
in
the
both arms and both breasts
third degree. in the first;
in the second,
the lodge prepared
of
divested of
dressed
and both
;
are bare
is
candidate
the
represent
he stands outside the door
for initiation.
Minister prepared in M. M. Degree.
A
rope
is
put once
twice round his right
and three times round
his
body
degree; and in each degree a hood-
carefully fastened over his eyes.
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS TO him
Speaking of
thus,
the
DO.
85
"Manual
of the
Lodge," by Mackey, p. 20, says "There he stands, without our portals, on the thereshold of his new Masonic life, in darkness, helplessness and ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors, and covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world, he comes inquiringly to our doors, SEEKING THE NEW BIRTH, and asking a withdrawal of the vail which conceals divine truth from his uninitiated sight." (See "Hand Book," pp. 30, 31.) And again, on page 21 :
"Masonry
before the neophyte in form and beauty, to be fully
stands
the glory of its vealed to him, however, only WHEN THE BIRTH Jias been completely accomplished"
Here you
will
sonic teaching, the in
observe that, .according to
new
birth
is
to
all
re-
NEW Ma-
be accomplished
every candidate, without any exception whatever
by the influence of the Masonic religion and through means of the initiatory ceremonies of the Masonic
And
degrees. didate
it is
also represented that' every can-
rum-seller, infidel or doctor of divinity
up
been "covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world," that he
to that time, has
has been "in darkness, helplessness and
and
that
during
all
his life previous
ignorance,"
he had been
"wandering in error," and that now, at last, he comes to the only place where "divine truth" can alone be found;
changed
into
where
his
"darkness"
marvelous brightness, where
be
is
to
his
"help
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
86
lessness
the
and ignorance" are to be removed, where
clouds of
"error" by which he had been
tofore enveloped are to be dispelled, is
here-
and where he
be accepted into the joyful companionship of "Sons of Light" and receive the glorious
to
the
privilege of "the position
this
tains of
his
for
new
What
birth."
an honorable
Christian minister
a
to occupy, and what an exalted opinion Freemasonry enter-
Bible, his
Christianity and
him
to
the
God, when
level of the rough,
master; and
the dancing
takes
his
church, his knowledge, his
fifty-four solemn
it
anybody anything, whatever about of
the
same minister
yet this
never to
obligations
ever strictly obedient to regulations"
thus degrades
the rumseller and
all
the
this,
"laws,
whether
system,
and
to
tell
be
and
rules
"right
or
wrong."
The Apostle John
tells
us,
"Behold
what
manner
of fove the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." ( i John iii. 1,2.)
Does
a child of
God
lodge for divine truth dispelled,
and
to pass
initiation in
The word
require to
have
his helplessness
Or does he need Masonic
to
of
God
his
go
to a
Masonic
mental darkness
and ignorance removed ?
through the sham jugglery of
order to receive the
"new birth?"
the
Lord Jesus
declares
that
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS Christ
87
"the true light, which lighteth every
is
cometh
that
TO DO.
into the world,"
(John
i,
man
9,); that he
is
"the root and the offspring of David, and the bright
and morning says;"! cth
me
am
star,"
(Rev.
shall
16,);
and he himself
viii.
12.)
But Freemasonry
Holy
his
Spirit,
and
religion
and
sets
places the G.
A. O. T. U.
his
for
up
empire, a religions theocracy, it
mediatorship,
atonement, denies and disowns his gospel,
frowns upon the
have
excludes" the Lord Jesus Christ from
the lodge and chapter, repudiates his rejects his
follow-
not walk in darkness, but shall
the light of life." (John "carefully
xxii.
the light of the world; he that
church, ignores spiritual
head of which
the
at
a
itself
the god of nature
and
from which the one ouly living and true God is expelled by resolution; and by virtue of the silly ceremonies of this religious system,
renew man's nature and secure after
a
happy immortality
for
"the
in
it
him
professes to in
the here-
Grand Lodge
above,"
Freemasonry, then, according to its o\vn showing, be not the ANTICHRIST, it is impossible If
to understand
what
antichrist
means, and every man,
minister, or
layman, deacon, or drunkard, classleader, or gambler, initiated into Masonry swears to maintain and support this terrible antichrist for ever.
Freemasonry represents being accomplished
the
in the lodge,
"new
birth"
as
and through pagan
THE MASTERS CARPET.
88
The Holy
initiations.
"new of
birth"
is
to
Scriptures
teach that the
be accomplished through the word
God, and by the operations of the Holy Ghost.
Which ought to be believed, Freemasonry or God? Which is to be obeyed, the law of Masonry or the law of Christ?
The Lord Jesus Christ says: "Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the
kingdom of God." "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
John
iii.
3, 5.
And
again,
i
Peter
i.
23:
"Being born again, not
of
corruptible
seed,
but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."
How
different this
foolish buffoonery of
Secondly:
Freemasonry!
Operative Masonry being the art
of building temporal
Masonry
from the vain jugglery and
professes
to
edifices,
free or
erect a
spiritual temple
speculative in
the heart.
In the read
"Manual
of
the
Lodge,"
we
p. 35,
:
"The speculative Mason is engaged in the construction of a spiritual temple in his heart, pure and spotless, fit for the dwelling place of Him who is
the author of purity; where God is to be w orshiped in spirit and in truth, and whence every evil thought and unruly passion are to be banished, r
\VHAT MASONRY CLAIMS TO DO. as the sinner and the Gentile were the sanctuary of the Jewish temple."
And
again, in the
by Mackey,
"Symbolism
89
excluded from
of Freemasonry,"
p. 162:
"The
speculative Mason, then, if he rightly comprehends the scope and design of his profession, his very first admission into the is occupied from order until the close of his labors and his life in the construction, the adornment, and the completion of this spiritual
And
temple of
again, in
his
body."
"The General Ahiman Rezon,
or
Freemason's Guide," by D. Sickles, 33 Secretary General of the Supreme Council Northern Jurisdic,
tion, p.
71
:
"Masons
In their are called moral builders. they declare emphatically that a more noble and glorious purpose than squaring stones and hewing timbers is theirs fitting immortal nature for that spiritual building not made with hands eternal in the heavens. The pyramids were mausoleums, in which the bones of the mighty dead might repose rituals
imperial magnificence. Masons are erecting a structure in which the God of Israel shall dwell in
forever."
This, then,
Freemasonry.
engaged his heart
temple
is
is
the one grand pretended object of
"The Mason
is
supposed
to
be
in the construction of a spiritual
temple in And this and spotless." pure spiritual to be constructed, adorned and completed
by himself alone, without any reference whatever to the
full
and free salvation of
influence of the
Holy
Christ, the
divine
Spirit, or without the remot-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
90 est allusion to in
God's plan of salvation,
revealed
as
the Scriptures. St.
Paul, writing to the Corinthian Christians,
speaks of them as follows:
Cor.
i
"Ye
are God's
and
ing,"
3, 10:
in
explained
husbandry, ye are God's buildthey were
reason
the
Chapter
i,
so
where
2,
them "the Church of God, which them in
that are
Chapter
iii.
sanctified
n,he
in
he at
is
Christ
further
is
calls
Corinth,
Jesus;"
and
that "other
distinctly asserts
>
foundation can no is
man
Jesus Christ," and
Christ are living Spirit
not by
all
lay than that
believers in the built
stones,
Masonry
is
laid,
which
Lord Jesus
up by God's Holv
into a "spiritual house, a
holy priesthood," and they worship God in spirit and in truth by offering "spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to
God by Jesus
Christ." See
This, and this only,
but plan.
Freemasonry,
The Jew,
as
the
we
i
Peter
ii.
5.
God's appointed means; have seen, has a different
is
Mohammedan, the
Chinese, the
Buddhist, the Parsee, the wild Arab, the American savage, and
the worshiper of deity under any and
every form,
may and do harmoniously combine
the Masonic work, according to Past
in
Grand Master
Morris, of Kentucky, and each one of these pagans and unbelievers is "engaged in the construction of a spiritual temple in his heart, pure and spotless,
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS TO
DO.
9!
where God
is to be worshiped in spirit and in of one each and them, before the close of truth;"
supposed to have succeeded in constructing adorning and completing this temple. This is sure1
life, is
ly in
,
more blasphemous and wicked, because couched language more calculated to deceive, than the
very worst and most abusive tirades against Christianity of either Voltaire, Volney,
Tom
Rousseau or
Paine.
Third:
Freemasonry claims
to
understanding of every candidate, evil nature,
and
to
rescue
enlighten the to
him from the
Concerning the extraordinary Masonic religion in these respects,
purify ivorld.
efficacy
we
his
read
of the in the
"Manual of the Lodge," by Dr. Mackey, p. 39, alluding to the darkness produced by the hoodwink
worn
at initiation
:
Masonic symbolism, it (the dark"Applied ness) is intended to remind the candidate of his ignorance, which Masonry is to enlighten; of his evil nature, which Masonry is to purify; of the world in whose obscurity he has been wandering, and from which Masonry is to rescue him." to
And
in the
"Book
of
the
Ancient and Ac-
Rite of Freemasonry," by Charles T. McClenachan, 33 , and "Past Grand Master
cepted Scottish
of
Ceremonies, of the Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States," is contained
a very extensive ritual
or rubric for the
THE MASTER^ CARPET.
92
administration of "Masonic Baptism."
ordains that this extraordinary
performed only degree; that
it
This rubiic
ceremony
shall
be
Entered Apprentice intended chiefly for infants; and it
in the first or
is
prescribes, further, that the
elements to be used in
administering this rite are water,
lighted
oil, salt,
candles, and god-fathers and god-mothers, precisely as
we
of the
find all these things in the baptismal service
From
Romish Church.
this
Masonic
ritual I
quote, on p. 576, as follows:
"Worshipful Master: In the name, and under the auspices of the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the thirty-third and last degree, I proclaim these children to be purified by Masonic baptism, and anointed with the oil of consecration to Masonic duty. Proclaim it along your columns, brethren, Senior and Junior Wardens, and charge all Free and Accepted Masons over the surface of the two hemispheres to know and acknowledge them as such."
The
Senior and Junior
Wardens make
the neces-
ordered, and the ceremony of sary proclamation baptising infants according to the formula prescribed as
by the Masonic lodge
is
oyer.
And now
in
view
thus strongly promulgated ask some like Masonic I to would law, by of Protestant the Masonic minister Evangelical of
the strange doctrine
Christian church,
what does he understand by Ma-
sonry purifying a man's evil nature and
by children
being purified by Masonic
Purified in
what way?
Purified from
baptism?
what?
Will some Bap-
WHAT MASONRY tist
Masonic
he believes
he does not believe
"conform
to,
93
have the goodness
minister
whether, or no,
CLAIMS TO DO.
then
it,
to
why
and abide by
it,"
say
And
this doctrine?
swear
did he
if
to
and "ever maintain
and support it?" and, what is worse, why does he still adhere to it? Or, if he does believe it, then inform us
will he kindly
baptism be infant as to
like
why
Masonic baptism
know how
should not Christian
in purifying a little sinless
as efficacious
is?
And,
lastly, I
a bishop or minister of
would Re-
the
formed Episcopal Church can consistently reject the doctrine of "infant regeneration" as held and taught of England, while at the same time he believes and swears to uphold and maintain the
by the Church doctrine of
"justification
by works"
as held
by Ma-
onry, and of infant regeneration by Masonic baptism? What reply can Bishop Fallows and his co-laborers in
church reform make to
this inquiry?
a strange inconsistency that in their protestations
men who
And what
are very loud
against the errors of
Roman-
ism, as practiced in the chapel, should swear solemnly
and support" the very selfsame errors when practiced in a Masonic lodge; for on this
to "maintain
subject of the
purification of man's
masonry and Romanism again are In
the
Roman
"Abridgement read
:
of
Catholic
Christian
nature,
Free-
similar.
catechism, entitled
Doctrine," p.
112,
we
94
we
jg ;
What
is
A
It is a
privation of original justice,
:
Original Sin?
from our
inherit
which
parent Adam, being all by course of nature conceived and born in that privation, or in original sin. first
Jg.
What
A.
Concupiscence, ignorance,
proneness
are the effects of original sin?
to sin, sickness
evil inclination,
and death.
And
again, in the "General Catechism," p. 25:
Jg.
What
the sin of our
other particular effects followed from
first
parents?
Our whole
A.
nature
was corrupted by
darkened our understanding, weakened our left in us
precisely the natural condition of
is
and
the of
infallible
remedy
man,
And now
by the Masonic philosophy.
as set forth
Church
will,
a strong inclination for evil.
This
mark
it; it
prescribed
by
the
Rome. of Christian Doctrine," p. 112:
"Abridgment Jg.
How is
A.
By
Again,
original sin
removed?
holy baptism. in
the
"Catechism of the Council of
Trent," p. 257:
"Baptism
is
a
sacrament,
because
it
'washes
particularly original sin; penance also away washes away all sins of thought and deed committed after baptism on the same principle, therefore, penance is a sacrament." all,
;
And Can.
viii,
again, in the "Council of Trent," Sess.
we
read:
7,
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS TO
DO.
95
"Whoever shall affirm that grace is not connew law, by ferred by these sacraments of the virtue of the act performed, but that faith in the divine promise is all that is necessary to obtain grace,
LET HIM ACCURSED."
From things: sin,
this
all
ist,
that,
testimony, then,
the
purified,
Romish
according to
both original and actual,
is
we
learn
teaching,
forgiven, the nature
man
the
illuminated,
understanding
rescued from the captivity of the world, the
and the
devil,
by means
sacramental ceremonials:
and,
flesh
baptism and
other
2nd, that this
puri-
enlightenment and liberty are secured simp-
fication,
ly
of
two
by the mere performance
of
those ceremonies.
According to the Romish system, a man is purified and made holy by the ceremonies of the chapel; according to
Masonic
the
made pure and holy and the
he
is
spiritually intelligent
by
system,
lodge and by the pagan
ceremonials of the
And
jugglery of the Hiram Abiff tragedy.
and
ministers
claim to be
form
other
the end of
to
professing
Protestants
absolutely
life to
trines of the idolatries of
Christians
swear
yet
who
to con-
one of the foulest doc-
Rome.
In direct opposition to this wicked
demon
or
Masonic
man
system of worship, both of the Romish and
religions,
the
Holy Scriptures everywhere
declare that faith
alone
God through
Lord Jesus Christ
the
in
the divine promises of is all
that
is
96 necessary to obtain
all
needed grace
and secure
man's salvation.
Grace
First:
"Being
in the
pardon of
justified
the redemption that
is
sin, as in
Rom. iii.
24:
his
by
grace, through in Christ Jesus."
freely
The grace of adoption, John i, 12: "But as many as received him (Christ) to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Second:
The
Third:
grace of the
"Whosoever is
new
believeth
birth,
i
that Jesus
John is
v.
i
:
the Christ,
born of God."
Fourth :---The grace of the Holy Spirit, Gal. iii. 13,14: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of law, being made a curse for us: for it is writcursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith." the
ten,
The grace of righteousness, Gen. "Abraham believed God, and it was
Fifth:
him
xv. 6:
counted to
for righteousness."
Grace
Sixth:-
to lead a holy life, Titus
"The grace
of
God
ii.
n,
12:
that
bringeth salvation teaching us that, denying
hath appeared to all men, ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world."
And the
the inspired Apostle distinctly affirms that
Holy Scriptures
God
are able to
make
the
"man
of
thoroughly furnished unto all good and "wise unto salvation through faith works," perfect,
which
is
in Christ Jesus."
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS TO
DO.
97
being true, then, is it not positively and wicked for Freemasonry to expel the impious Lord Jesus Christ from every part of its religious All
this
like the
worship and,
faith in Christ nies,
of
its
and obedience
the order?
Romish Church,
substitute for
degrading and profane ceremoto the obligations and precepts
And
not equally impious and
is it
wicked for a professing Christian, and more especially for a Christian minister,* to swear to ever "maintain and support" scriptural doctrine
Fourth:
men from
"General
the
and
anti-
?
Freemasonry claims,
conditions, to free
In
this unscriptural
under certain
sin.
Ahiman Rezon,
or
Free-
mason's Guide," by Daniel Sickles, Masonic Publishing
Company,
p. 86,
we
New
York,
p. 70,
and
"Hand Book,"
read:---
"The Common Gavel
is
an instrument
made
use of by Operative Masons to break off the rough corners of stones, the better to fit them for the builders' use, but we as Free are taught to make use of
and Accepted Masons
for the more noble glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting us as living stones of that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." it
and
Here plainly
it
will be
affirmed.
corrupt, his
observed four things are very First,
that
man by
nature
is
heart and conscience being full of "all
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
98
the vices and superfluities of these
and
vices
Second, that all must be removed.
life."
superfluities
Third, that by
removing or striking off all these vices and superfluities one is fitted as a " living stone for that spiritual building, that
house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens," and Fourth, that
Masons, are taught to
as Speculative
common
the
make
use
we of
gavel for the more noble and glorious
purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of these vices and superfluities, or
all
man
is
in
other words?
and corrupt by nature and by practice,
sinful
he must be cleansed alone, symbolized
and
by the
and Masonry
purified,
common
gavel,
is
to effect
his regeneration.
But the
religion of
vicariousness and the
from ship
p.
1
affiliation is
more
with
Freemasonry,
great benefits its
infidel
its
to
pretended be derived
system of lodge wor-
distinctly asserted in the
" Lexicon of Freemasonry," by A. G. 6, under the word "ACACIAN:" " Acacian
a
term signifying a Mason
living in strict obedience to
Mackey,
who
the obligations
by
and
precepts of the fraternity is free from sin." It could not be possible to frame words so as to express
a simple proposition in any clearer or than this. " Strict obedience to the
plainer language obligations
and
guaranteed by
precepts
Masonry
of
the
fraternity,"
will thoroughly
it
" free
is
a
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS TO man from
Now
sin."
examine
us
let
DO.
Masonic boast and see what comes of
me
99
this it.
grand But let
premise that no man is born into Masonry, Let us suppose then, the case of two men who are Masons, one a rum-seller and the all
first
are initiated.
other
a
or
minister
The
Methodist class-leader.
been concocting and manufacturing drunk-
rum-seller, w^e will assume has
disposing of poisonous liquors, ards,
and preparing
kingdom Mason.
twenty years before he
for
He
men and women
is
initiated,
we
will
say
for
satan's
becomes a
when he
is
forty years old, and for lives in strict
twenty years thereafter, he obedience to the obligations and pre-
Masonic system, while at the same time a great deal more gin and rum during this
cepts of the
he
sells
period, than he ever did before.
Masonic teaching
this rum-seller
But here a very important
Does Masonry
Masonic in strict
life
it
only.
became
sins
a
of
Ma-
If while he
is
a
Mason he
lives
obedience to the obligations and precepts is
mitted during that
he
from the
simply free him from sin during his
of Masonry, and
does
itself.
question presents
before he
life
according to
" free from sin."
is
free this rum-seller
the forty years of his son, or does
Now,
get free
"
made
period
from
free
the
sins
com-
alone,"
how
from the
of his sins
life
he
committed
during the forty years before he became a Mason?
100
Let Freemasonry answer, or perhaps some Christian Mason can do so ?
And now how is we will suppose,
too,
age of
and
forty,
obeying
strictly
made
is
lives all
with the minister
it
twenty
its
Mason
a
He the
a
Mason,
and
living
years
precepts,
?
at
course, like his
and requirements, and of brother, the rum-seller, he also is
made
sin
up
to all
its
obligations
from
free
all
during
that
time.
During
the twenty years previous to his initiation, however,
he has been dispensing the
Word
of Life, preaching
the gospel to the best of his ability, and preparing
men
for the
He was
brought
God through
faith in
kingdom of heaven. with
into covenant relation
Christ, and therefore had his
the
blood
made
a
relation
of the
sins forgiven
atonement.
through But when he was
Mason he was brought into covenant with Masonry, through the most horrible
and villianous obligations imaginable. ters' case
then, have the precepts
of Freemasonry taken Christ?
And
is
strict
steadfast
had
Christ
years of his
come
a
and
obligations
place of the blood
obedience
to
these
of
precepts
him during accomplish Masonic life, what a twenty years of his in the Lord faith Jesus living
and obligations able the last
the
In the minis-
for
to
during the previous twenty ministerial life and before he had beaffected
Mason?
Obedience
to
Masonic obligations
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS TO and precepts,
as
IO1
DO.
we have
already seen, necessarily of Christ, or any exclusion" requires the "careful allusion
whatever
name, or any reference to gospel from the whole Ma-
to his
the principles of his
sonic system, and consequently the inference
avoidable that in
Minister
or
all
the future Masonic
life
is
un-
of the
Class-leader obedience to Masonic ob-
ligations must take the place of faith in Christ, and consequently justification by works must supercede
and become a substitute for justification This the
is
precisely
by faith.
the doctrine promulgated
by
Church of Rome.
The Romish Church
declares
Canon
in
9,
Sess. 6, Council of Trent, as follows:
"
Whosoever
affirm that the ungodly is justified by faith only, so that it is to be understood that nothing else is required to co-operate therewith, in order to obtain justification, and that shall
it is on no account necessary tluxt he should prepare and dispose himself by the effort of his own Also in Canon n 7iv'//; LET HIM BE ACCURSED." :
" fied
Whosoever
solely
shall
affirm
that
men
are
justi-
by the imputation of the righteousness
of Christ or "by the remission of sin to the exclusion of grace and charity which is shed abroad in their hearts and inheres in them; or that the grace by which we are justified is only the favor Of God,
And
LET HIM BE ACCURSED." again, Sess. 7,
Canon
8,
Council of Trent :-
"
Whosoever shall affirm that grace is not conferred by the (seven) sacraments of the Law, by virtue of the act performed (ex opere operata)
New
THE MASTER'S CARPET,
IO2
but that faith in the divine promise is all that is necessary to obtain grace, LET HIM BE ACCURSED."
In opposition to
this false pernicious doctrine
Romanism Rom. iii. 24:
of Freemasonry and affirms.
distinctly
"
Being
justified
the redemption that
Again
in
Gals.
the
Word
both
God
of
freely by his grace, through is
in Christ Jesus." 16.
ii.
man
that a
not justified by the faith of Jesus Christ even, we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law
"Knowing
is
works of the law, but by the
no
shall
flesh
And "
be
justified."
again in Titus
iii.
Not by works of
5.
righteousness
which we
have done but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which is shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour."
And "
again in Eph. ii. S, 9. For by grace are ye saved through
faith
the gift of God. of works, lest any one should boast."
that not of yourselves;
obligations
are saved.
grace
we
is
and
Not
that
asserts
by strictly obeying and precepts of the fraternity we
Freemasonry the
it
The Word are saved
of
God
through
declares
faith,"
in
that
the
"by Lord
Jesus Christ.
Freemasonry and Romanism both declare that " what they term " good works will save a man. The
Word
of
God
declares,
"not of works,
lest
any
WHAT MASONRY one
"
should boast," for
hut filthy rags."
And " If
we
Eph.
again in
we walk
I.
CLAIMS TO DO.
our righteousness are
all
ii.
Isa 64, 6.
8, 9.
John
i.
103
7.
he
in the light as
in the light
is
and
fellowship one with another blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleaneth
have
ALL
the
from
us
sin."
The from
all
future
precious, blood of the sin
is
Son of God
cleanses
original and actual
present past, and
assertion
of Divine Revel-
the
positive
" Obedience to the obligations and precepts " " of the fraternity is the will free from sin equally ation.
positive declaration of
Now
Masonry.
both these cannot possibly be true and
which therefore am
bound
I
good works of
boastful
the equally pretended
system will free a acceptance gospel of
with
God
Masonic system and
good works of the Romish
man from a
fable
and
sin
most
then
God, is
the
If the
believe?
to
and
faith
insure
his
assuredly
the
Christ
in
is
vain.
But cepts called
us here enumerate a
let
and
obligations
upon
to
living in strict
obey
few of those pre-
which
as
"
or wrong,"
obedience
right to
Masons,
which we
we
are
and by
are
confi-
dently assured .shall free us from sin. " All sectarian tenets must be carefully excluded from the system." Webb's Monitor, p. 285. " Prayer in Masonic lodges should be of a
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
104
general character containing nothing offensive to class of concientious brethren. Ibid.
any
The Jew,
the
bare
offended at the
the
Mahomedan,
Budhist, the Confucian, and
Parsee, the
savage, would be
the
mention of Christ's name
in
any Masonic prayer, or religious ceremony, and in all these, and to render the religion
order to please
of Masonry universal his name must be carefully excluded, and lodge prayers must be of a general character.
The word " there
is
one
and men, the
of God emphatically declares that God and one mediator between God man Christ Jesus," (Tim. ii. 5.) and affirms that that media-
Freemasonry as emphatically must be rejected. But again
tor
:
"
The
of
religion
Masonry
is
con of Freemasonry,"
"A
Christian his
Mason
own
Christ's
is
peculiar
p.
404:
not permitted opinions
mediatorial
" Lexi-
pure theism."
office
"Lexicon," p. 404: "Right or wrong, your very
to
with into
introduce
regard to
the
lodge."
existence as a
Ma-
son hangs upon obedience to the powers im" Webb's Monitor," mediately set above you." p.
a If
196:-
we would
be
judgment" p. 30.
Masons, we must yield private " Traditions of Freemasonry,"
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS "Masons must be agree."
"Always
hail,
little
of that religion in
"Manual
of
which
IC>5
all
the Lodge," p.
men 215.
ever conceal, and never reveal our
"Hand Book," p.
senseless secrets."
"If your
TO DO.
w ife, r
child, or
or
friend,
74.
should ask
you anything about your initiation as, for insyour clothes were taken off, if you were blindfolded, if you had a rope round your neck, etc., you must always emphatically deny everything? you must conceal---hence, of course, you It is part of must deliberately lie about it. But nevertheless. your obligation, you know 'if you live in strict obedience to your oblir gation, you'll be free from sin.' tance, if
'
"Furthermore that I will obey all due signs and summons." "Hand Book," p. 183.
"Whenever you
see any of our signs made by a brother Mason, and especially the grand hailing sign of distress, you must always be sure to obey them, even at the risk of your life. If you're on a jury, and the defendant is a
Mason, and makes the Grand Hailing sign, you must obey it; you must disagree with your brother jurors, if necessary, but you must be very sure not to bring the Mason guilty, for that would bring disgrace upon our order. It may be perjury, to be sure, to do this, but then you're fulfilling your obligation, and you know if you 'live up to your obligations you'll be free
from
sin.'
"
"Furthermore, that
will
I
own."
"You must
keep
Mason "Hand Book,"
brother Master
conceal
Mason, except
as
the secrets of a inviolable
as
mv
p. 183.
the crimes of your brother murder and treason, and these all
io6
only
at
be always tell
own
your
summoned
option,
and should you be
as a witness against a brother Mason sure to shield him. Prevaricate, don't
the ivholc truth in this case, keep his secrets,
It may be forget the most important points. perjury to do this, it is true, but you're keeping
your obligations, and remember to votir obligation strictly, sin.'
"
"Furthermore, that
will
I
if
not cheat,
fraud a lodge of Master
up
or de-
wrong
Masons
"Hand Book,"
of this degree."
'live
you
be free from
you'll
or a brother p. 184.
you cheat, wrong or defraud any other society or individual, it is entirely your own If -you cheat the government even, business. Masonry cannot and will not touch you, but be very careful not to cheat, wrong or defraud a brother Mason or a lodge, whoever else you
"If
may
defraud; live up to your obligation, and
you'll be free
from
"Furthermore, that
Mason."
I
sin."
will not strike a brother
"Hand Book,"
Master
p. 184.
quarrel with or strike other men our business, but your obligations is none of enjoin you not to strike a brother Master
"Whether you
may be wicked and sinful, to be sure,' any man, or to quarrel with anybody, but our rules make no provision except for the protection of Masons only, and if you live in strict obedience to your obligation, you'll be free from sin." Mason.
It
to strike
"Furthermore, that
I
will not violate
the
chastity
of a Master's wife, mother, sister or daughter,
knowing them p. 184.
to
be such."
"Hand Book,"
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS
TO DO.
10^
"This gives you full permission, my dear sir, to do as you please outside of the Masonic order, but you must always respect the female relatives of Masons. Adultery is a great crime under any circumstances, it is true; but so long as you live in strict obedience to your Masonic obligation, you'll be free from sin."
"Furthermore
that
I
will
not
the
give
Grand
Masonic word, except upon the five points of fellowship, and then only in low breath."
"Hand Book" p. 184. "Whether you swear vain
name
or take God's name in Of course the don't matter so much. of the Lord Jesus Christ, as you know,
don't amount to anything, but Mah-hah-bone O, horror! You must never, on any account, speak that awful name aloud. That would be a most heinous crime unmasonic unpardonYou are recommended, it is true, not to able. take the name of God in vain, but to speak of him with reverence but then, you know, you have solemnly sworn not to take Mah-hah-bone, the name of the great Masonic god, in vain, and you must be very sure to keep your obligation, for he who lives in strict obedience to ;
his
Masonic obligation
And lastly
"Binding myself under no of having
torn ont
"When
is
free
from
sin."
:
my
by
less a
penalty than that
throat cut across and
its
roots."
my tongue
"Hand Book,"
p. 74.
reveals any of our great secrets ; whenever, for instance, he" tells anything about Boaz, or Tubalcain, or Jachin, or that awful Mah-hah-bone, or even, whenever a minister prays in the name of Christ in any a
brother
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
io8
of our assemblies, you must always hold yourself in readiness, if called upon, to cut his throat from ear to ear, pull out his tongue by the roots, and bury his body at the bottom of
some lake
or
Of
pond.
must be done
all
course,
this
was in the case notorious man Morgan, for both law
of that
in
secret, as
it
and civilization are opposed to such barbarous crimes, but then, you know you must live up to your obligation, and so long as you have
sworn
do
to
obedient
in
it,
the
being very strict and be free from
by
matter, you'll
sin."
These
my
son are a few of the precepts
and
we
find
obligations of the
them
scattered
monitors and
Masonic
institution, as
up and down through our various in the ritual of the order, and all
that's necessary to say,
concerning them,
the majority of Freemasons do
not
is
that
strictly live
if
up
them, it is because as men they are nobler and better than the villainous system which they have sworn to conform to and abide by, would make to
them.
The Masonic philosophy every member 'within the precincts of Fifth:
affirms that its
constantly in search of divine truth. This preposterous claim on the part
masonry and
this
of
its
phase perhaps more than any thing
lodges
is
of Free-
antichristian religion else serves to
brand
wicked system as the most brazen hypocrisy and the most consumate blasphemy that ever this
cursed the earth.
WHAT MASONRY Remembering the " exclusion of tion of the
we
shall
the
all
name of
109
unchangeable landmark on and the rejec-
sectarian tenets,"
Christ from
all
lodge prayers,
be better able to understand, and more
fully to appreciate the true
devised fable set forth
lowing
CLAIMS TO DO.
purport of the cunningly
by Freemasonry
in the fol-
extracts.
In " Mackey's
Manual of the Lodge,"
p. 20,
I read:
" Search of Truth, the great object of
all
Ma-
sonic labor."
Again on
p. 29: truth of God and the soul the nature essence of both which constitute the chief
"
and
The
Masonic teachings." Again on p. 48: " The Mason living and working in the world as his lodge, must seek to raise himself out of it to that eminence which surmounts it, where alone he can find DIVINE TRUTH." design of
all
Again on p. 88 The whole design of Freemasonry :
"
as a Specuthe investigation of Divine Truth. To this great object everything else is subsidiary. The Mason is, from the moment of his initiation as an Entered Apprentice, to the time at which he receives the full fruition of Masonic light, an investigator a laborer in the quarry and the temple whose reward is to be truth, and all the ceremonies and traditions of the order tend to this ultimate In Speculative Freemasonry there is an addesign. vancement from a lower to a higher state from darkness to light from death to life from error to
lative science
truth?
is
I
IO
Again on p. 93: "Now what are the wages of a Speculative Mason ? Not money, nor wine, nor oil. All these are but symbols. His wages are truth"
Again on "
p. 94:
The Fellow
in the pursuit of
Craft represents a
man
laboring
truth"
In the " Masonic Ritualist," by A. G. Mackey,
M.
D., I read:
" The keystone of a Mark Master is therefore the symbol of a fraternal covenant among those who are engaged in the common search after Divine
Truth."
And
again in the "Symbolism of Freemasonry,"
by Mackey, "
166:
p.
Every Speculative Mason
is familiar with the source of material light, is a symbol of his own order which professes to contain within its bosom the pure light of truth" And now to cap, as it were, the very climax
fact that the East, as the
of the unparalleled hypocrisy of
we
this
whole system,
are furnished the following explanation of these
wicked pretensions. In the p. 93,
and
"Manual in
the
Sickles, p. 169,
we
of the Lodge," by Mackey,
" General
Ahiman Rezon," by
read:
" It is one of the most beautiful, but at the same time one of the most abstruse doctrines of the science of Masonic symbolism that the Mason is ever to be in search of truth, BUT is NEVER TO IT."
5
What
a strange picture this presents
!
Ministers,
WHAT MASONRY CLAIMS dv, icons
and
the
in
sonic falsehood, but
How
all
labyrinthine forests of Mau never to find it"
doomed
accurately St. Paul discribes this stupend-
ous folly
when
Tim.
i
iii.
Ill
DO.
class-leaders, all represented as "search-
truth
after
ing
TO
in
writing to Timothy
he says.
2
7:
" This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, clespisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, from sztch turn ;
away"
And now mark u
the coincidence in verse 7:
Ever learning and never
able to
come
to
a
knowledge of the truth"
And Lastly Freemasonry claims to be the only true religion noiv in the world, that Divine Truth which guides man in his pilgrimage of life, and :
that which confers such inestimable benejits on
its
"
notJiing can be suggested more which the soul of man can require"
votaries that
In the " Symbolism of Freemasonry," by Past
Grand Master Mackey,
p.
148,
we
read:
"
Freemasonry itself, anciently, received among other appellations, that of Lux or Light to signify that it is to be regarded as that SUBLIME DOCTRINE OF DIVINE TRUTH, by which the path of him who
H2
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
has attained
of
to be illuminated in his pilpfrimapfe
is
it
life."
What more than
Christ,
that
Divine Truth
made
for
can it
be is
it
the
Gospel of "the sublime doctrine of
And what
?"
than that "
it
of
said
higher claim
illuminates our
can
be
pathway
in life's
pilgrimage." And in the " General History Cyclopedia and Dictionary of Freemasonry," by Macoy and Oliver, p. 428,
we
read:
" There
makes
it
NEEDED
that
is
latent in
exactly the in this age."
And
Freemasonry, which
THAT
institution
" General again in the
Ahiman Rezon
Freemason's Guide," by Daniel Sickles, is
MOST
is
p.
196,
or it
stated that:
We
" now find man complete in morality and intelligence, with the stay of religion added to
ensure him of the protection of the Deity and guard him against ever going astray. These three degrees thus form a perfect and harmonious whole, nor can be conceived that anything can be suggested more, which the soul of man requires." it
And
in
the "
Book of
cepted Scottish Rite,"
read
the
Ancient and Ac-
by McClenachan,
p. 575,
we
:
" Onward and all earth shall aid Ere our peaceful flag be furled, !
Masonry
And
its
at last shall
altar
conquer,
be the world."
Hence, according
Masonry cannot
us,
to
possibly
all
this,
the religion
be excelled.
It
is
of the
WHAT MASONRY "Divine Truth" most needed ble blessings
it
itself,
in this
CLAIMS TO DO. that
is
age,"
which
113
is
"exactly
confers such inestima-
it
and benefits that
not possible to
is
it
how the soul of man can require anything And it is boastfully asserted that it shall go
conceive
more.
on conquering, and to conquer until be the only religion in the world. all
all
at
last
And
yet with
and goodness, and with advantages accruing from a
this superlative greatness
these
pretended knowledge of its divine principles one of its members, ministers and
it
requires every
take
to
all,
most solemn and binding obligation," never a single syllable concerning child, or friend, in its sacred
cent, of the
it
family, and
who
one
the
of initiation
right
money
to father,
to lisp
mother, wife,
seventy-five or
lodges to
human
it,
is
it
absolutely requires
fortunate shall
before entering one
of
eighty per
pay its
enough a
to secure
large
lodges.
sum of Talk of
the arrogance, and the lying pretensions of if
Romanism
impudence of doctrines, and
its
"a
positively refuses admis*sion with-
that every
but
shall
it
can
outdo Freemasonry
Rome, in
the
assumptions, in the falsehood of its
in the
fested in executing
chicanery and cunning,
its
vicious designs, then
be very wicked indeed.
maniit
must
CHAPTER
V.
MASONRY AND ROMANISM.
Private judgment.
Their secrecy and despotism illustrated. Masonry and the Bible. Square and Compass." Book of the Law." Masonic covenant.
The
not
Bible
Masonic
the
of
rule
faith
Three
Three great lights. Only Symbol. Masonic and Romish lesser lights. a
Both
ence.
and
false
coincid-
The Ma-
-
unscriptural.
Worshipful Master and Pope both gods. sonry and Leo XII.
Mr. Barton:
In
our
Masonic philosophy thus have made discovery,
there
is
at
that both
both
and
same
evil nature; that
antiquity
;
use altars
my
dear Henry,
one very
think,
we
important
We
Romanism.
have
found
systems are based upon lying traditions; teach justification by works; that both the
prescribe
far
the
namely: that as religious institutions, a most remarkable coincidence between
Freemasonry that
least,
I
of
investigation
remedies
for
purifying
man's
both claim universality and a vast that both ;
that both assert a divine origin
and
lighted
candles
in
their
religious
or worship, and that both claim an unchangeable landand decrees their for all infallible perfection
marks.
MASONRY AND ROMANISM. But the
similiarity
between them
clearly manifested in the
fact
that
115
still
is
both
more
religions,
of private positively and absolutely deny the right the one hand, on Mason the Neither judgment.
nor the Catholic on the other, dare think and act for himself
matters pertaining to either system, and in
in
this total
subjugation of the will and judgment
discover the real secret of that terrible
we
power which
both Masonry and Romanism exercise over their members, and by means of which the latter are \
in such
kept
made
complete subjection and are
accept as truth
all
the wicked
absurdities
and
the
in
the
stupendous mass of ridiculous fables found traditionary teachings of both institutions. In the creed read
of
Pope Pius IV.
to
article
2,
we
:
"
admit the Holy Scriptures according which our Holy Mother, the Church has held, and does hold, to which it belongs to judge of the true sense and interpretation of the Scriptures, nor will I ever take and interpret them otherwise than according to the unanimous consent of the Fathers." I
also
to that sense
In this article of the
Romisb
creed, three things
are plainly set forth: First, that
every
Roman
Catholic
is
admit the Scriptures, onJ^ in that sense the church has held and docs hold them. Second, that none but the
bound in
to
which
Roman Church
can
n6
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
give the true sense and interpretation of the Scriptures.
And
Roman
Third, that no
Catholic must ever take
and interpret the Scriptures or any part of them except only in that sense which the church pre-
and
scribes,
Greek
in
which
more of Latin and
a score or
theologists are supposed
to
have interpreted
Lhem some sixteen or seventeen hundred years ago. Summing all this up in a few words then, it simply
means
Church can
no
that
member
exercise his private
of
the
judgment in matters bow to the
of faith, but must always submissively will
and judgment of Just
of a
think
Romish r
his priest or bishop.
railroad
Irishman, an
Italian
organ-grinder, a Spaniard, or a Portuguese, search-
ing the Sacred Scriptures^ in the light of the Greek
and Latin Fathers
!
But Freemasonry imposes a like restriction, if not a weightier one on every member sworn into t
its
infidel association.
Just as a Roman Catholic is bound to submit to the will of his priest or superior in the church, so a JFree-mason
is
bound
to
submit to the will of
the Worshipful Master or his superior in the lodge,
and that even whether the Masonic decree be "right or wrong."
In the " Traditions of Freemasonry," by son, p. 30,
we
read:
Pier-
MASONRY AND ROMANISM.
ll^
"
We )na\> not call hi quest ion the propriety of organization" /. c. the despotic character of Masonry, "if we would be Masons WE MUST yield
this
judgment"
private
Or allowed submit
exercise
to
whatever the Masonic
Again
we
read "
in
Masonic stand-
member of the fraternity is Ms own judgment, but must of
decrees
the
to
far as his
words, so
concerned, no
is
ing
in other
the
order,
and
believe
ritual teaches.
"Webb's Monitor," by
Morris, p. 169,
:
or wrong his (a member's) very existMason hangs upon obedience to the powers immediately set above him. The one unpardonable crime in a Mason is contumacy or dis-
ence
Right as
a
obedience."
Masonic law, inflexible and unchangeand beyond this no Mason dare go. He must
This able,
is
obey implicitly, whether he likes it or not, and whether the command given, or the statement made be " right or wrong," and like the Romanist, he has no redress.
He
" must
yield his private judg-
ment," and allow another man, less moral and less intelligent perhaps, to think and judge for him as regards
which tion,
Masonry. And very seldom the
if
he
refuses
to
do
so,
he violates his obligaand commits "the one unpardonable crime in is
case,
a Mason."
In opposition to this wicked despotism, both of the lodge and chapel, the Scriptures very plainly
teach
us
appealed
Lord
our
that-
and
his
Apostles
to their hearers to exercise their
ment upon the
What does our Lord say? Luke, And why, even of yourselves,
judge that which
And
is
to
I.
again all
xii, 57:
do you
not
right ?"
does St. Paul say
" I speak, as say."
"Prove
judg-
doctrines addressed to them.
"
What
always
own
Thess. things;
I.
?
Cor.
x.
15:
men, judge ye what
wise v.
21
I
:
hold
that
fast
which
is
good."
But apart from the coincidences which
exist
between Freemasonry and Romanism in their mock solemn ceremonies, and in their moral and doctrinal features there
also a very close similiarity plainly
is
discernable in their construction,
and
in the
vicious
This
of secrecy so peculiar to both systems. perhaps can scarcely be better exemplified
than
by
principle
reference
page. In Figure
i,
to
the
diagram
representing the
on the next
Romish
system,
number of concentric circles, with " Our Most " in the center. In Sovereign Lord God, the Pope
are a
the outer circle as center.
is
the Congregation, with the Priest
In the next circle are
the Bishop as center.
the Priests, with
In the next are the Bishops,
with the Arch-Bishop as center. In the next are the Arch- Bishops, with the Cardinal Arch Bishop
v
^.,, "'
.
POPE.
-
''
g
C
OJ)
-
Sov.
,
||i|l
Congregation
j,
GRAND
COMM' DR
Grand
.
(
,
| ?
I
^^I-J
THE MASTER'S
120
In the next circle are the Cardinal
as center.
Arch-
Bishops, with the Cardinal as center, and in the inner circle are the Cardinals, with " His Holiness," the Pope, in the center of
all.
Now, let it be remembered, that every man. woman and child in the Congregation, or outer circle,
is
bound under pain of eternal damnation
to
obey the Priest implicitly and without questioning: the Priests are bound under similar penalties to obey the Bishop; the Bishops are in like to
the
obey
Cardinal
the
Arch-Bishop;
manner bound
Arch-Bishops the
Arch-Bishop; the Cardinal Arch-Bishops all must implicitly obey the Pope.
the Cardinal; and
He
claims to be
and actually
infallible,
" exalted above
sits
in the
temple of
God
or that
" worshipped," and showing himself
is
he were God."
Then
again,
dignitaries are
obligations
other
in
2
Thess.
all
ii.
that
is
called
as if
4.
bound together by the most solemn
of secrecy, so that what one the
God,
these various grades of church
confessional, can
under pain of the most
fearful
should a Catholic priest be in a criminal prosecution,
may
all
have confessed
to
tells
the
never be revealed penalties,
summoned
and even
as a witness
and although the prisoner
him
all
the
particulars of
the crime committed, yet he will positively refuse to testify, or else
And
deny
all
knowledge of the
facts.
should a husband and wife go to confession to
MASONRY AND ROMANISM. same
the-
can
priest, neither
tell
121
what
other
the
both had previously whispered into the ear of that This is Rome. strange man in the confessional.
And now
us look at
let
Freemasonry.
Figure 2, which represents the Masonic we have the same number of concentric system, circles as in the former case with the " Most PuisIn
Grand Commander"
sant Sovereign
in the center.
In the outer circle are the Master Masons, with the
Worshipful
Master
in
the
center;
next
are
the
Worshipful Masters, with the Deputy Grand Master then the Deputy Grand Masters, with the
as center;
Grand Master "
Most
who
as
center;
Puissant
Sovereign
a
occupies
and
so
Grand
on
up
the
to
Commander,"
corresponding to that of
position
the Pope.
In
bound "
ter,
Freemasonry
right or
equally
Grand
bound
wrong" to
every Master
Mason
right through,
is
Mas-
the Worshipful Masters are
submit to and obey the Deputy Deputy Grand Masters are
the
Master;
bound likewise
who
also,
to^ obey the behests of the Worshipful
to
up
obey the Grand Master, and thus to the
Most Puissant SOVEREIGN,
very head of the Holy Empire, and holds a sway over his subjects, not a whit inferior to that of the Pope, or the most despotic Monarch
on
sits
at the
earth.
Then remember
again, that the
members of
all
THE MASTERS CARPET.
122
these
Masonic
rings
are
laws, "right or
sworn
likewise
one another's secrets inviolable, to
wrong;"
to
all
obey
to keep Masonic
give one another due
and timely notice of all approaching danger, and to obey one another's signs and summons at any risk.
The Masonic husband
has secrets
common
in
with the rum-seller, or perhaps with a gambler, which he cannot and dare not communicate to his wife, and he may, and very
often
has confidential
conferences with worthless characters, one word of
which he must never
lisp at
home.
Both the lodge and the chapel are imperious, arbitrary and despotic in the extreme, and neither the laws of the church, the
not even the plain positive
State, nor the family,
commands of
Scripture,
are permitted to interfere with, or obstruct the en-
forcement of their
selfish
enactments.
But perhaps the most striking coincjdence of all,
between Freemasonry and Romanism
is,
that
both systems degrade, debase and reject the Bible. Henry : But my dear father, how can that be ? I
know
that
Romanism
is
at
war with
the Bible,
and with our public school system, because, that in schools the Bible is read, but I have our public
the very always supposed that Freemasonry paid and in fact, that it was highest respect to the Bible,
an indispensible carried in every
article in
every lodge, and publicly
Masonic procession.
MASONRY AM) Mr. Karton : ble article in
TIIK
I5I1JLK.
I
2$
an indispensiAmerican and English lodges, but
all
Yes, the Bible
is
offurniture. There must be a copy of the Bible on the altar, and so must there be a hat on the Master's head, and a sword in the as an
only
article
Tyler's hand, and one
much thought
as
is
as
just
and
indispensible,
The
of as the other.
Bible
is-
a
piece of lodge furniture and no more.
On
In the " 40,,
Masonic
this point the
Manual of
ritual
the Lodge,"
is
explicit.
by Mackey,
p.
\ve read:
"The furniture of a lodge consists of Bible, square and compass."
And
carrying the Bible in
as for
sonic processions, that
of blindfolding
the
is
our
Ma-
simply done with the view
Christian
design of Freemasonry, and
tended goodness of the
all
a^Holy
to
public,
advertise
to
No my
order.
the
real
the pre-
son, Free-
masonry and the Bible have nothing in common. Don't you remember that Masonic law which states so plainly that "
Masonry has nothing what-
ever to do with the Bible, that the Jlible, for it
Law, p. 207 is
if
it
was
ivould be something 209.)
it
it
is
would
else"
not
not
(Digest
founded on be Masonry, of Masonic
and that "the moral law of Masonry
the " lex naturce, or law of nature."
Ancient Masonry consisting of only three degrees,
which
is
really the only legitimate
Masonry
in
MASTER'S CARPET.
THfi
124
purely symbolic, ;md every Masonic implement in the lodge room, the Bible included, is but a mere symbol. existance,
is
In the
ure
will
you
Compass
fig-
notice
the Square
that
top
annexed
and
are placed on
of the
Bible,
we have them
in
as
the
Kntered degree. pass a
Well, the Square is symbol, and the Bible
a
Apprentice symbol, the Com-
a
nothing symbol But Masonry regards the square and compass with far more veneration than it does the Bible; for the latter is only a mere
more and nothing
local
less.
(
symbol, while
the
Square and Compass are
pretended claim
instance, suppose we allow the of Masonry to universality, and
admit that there
is
For
universal.
a
Masonic lod^e o
in Constantin-
or Madras Turks; among among the Hindoos, in Pekin or Canton among the Chinese; in Teheran among the Persians, in Salt Lake City among the Mormons; or even in
the
ople
the
camp of
savages, will
Sitting
in
Bull
Calcutta
among
the
American
any one be simple enough to believe
in any of these places the Bible could be found on the Masonic altar, even as an article of
that
furniture?
Most assuredly
not.
The Koran,
the
MASONRY AND THE Shasters, the Vedas,
the
book of Mormon, or
a
possibly be
Bible
is
Book of
piece
Magna Charta
125
Confucius,
of birch .bark
no
but certainly
found,
the
BIBLE.
Bible.
the
may The
of heaven, the Christian's
and consequently can form no part of " of a lodge of Masons in any of the "furniture rule of faith,
the
any of the people just But the Square and Compass must alor
places
mentioned.
among
ways and everywhere be displayed on the Masonic hence
and
unquestionably Freemasonry regards the Square and Compass with more respect and reverence than it does the Bible. But hear altar,
what Masonic law has
to say on this subject. In the " Text-Book of Masonic Jurisprudence,"
by A. G. Mackey, a
p.
we
33
"Landmark xxi: " Book of the Law
It
"
read: is
shall
a
landmark
constitute
an
that in-
dispensible part of the furniture of every lodge. I say advisedly a "Book of the Law" because it is not absohdcly required that everywhere the Old The " Book am? Testament shall be used. of the Law " is that volume which by the religion of the country is believed to contain the revealed Hence will of the Grand Architect of the Universe. in all in Christian countries the " Book of
New
lodges
the
Law"
Testaments;
is
of the Old and New country where Judaism was the the Old Testament alone would be
composed
in a
prevailing faith,
and in Mahomedan countries and among Mahomedan Masons, the Koran might be sub-
sufficient;
stituted."
This
is
the
Masonry. This
is
and immutable law of one of the " Landmarks" concern-
universal
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
126
ing which
it is
positively stated on
Book of Masonic
page "
Jurisprudence.")
of the order, like the laws of the
16,
("Text-
The landmarks Medas and Per-
can suffer no change"
sians,
Here then we have an
infallible,
the express declaration of because unchangeable decree, that the
Bible, God's revealed will to
Holy
man,
is
no better
and no worse than the Koran, the Shasters, the Ve-
Book of Mormon, and that at lodge room but a mere piece of
das, or the
the
in
"
The Book
the religion
of the
Law"
is
of the country
the revealed will of the G.
that is
best
it is
furniture.
volume which by
believed to contain
A. O. T. U."
is
the plain,
emphatic teaching of Masonry, and one of the Bulls of Leo XIII, might as well be this "book of the
law "
any other so far as Freemasonry is concerned, and occupy the same position in the lodge as
that the Bible does.
In order to accommodate the Masonic phiMsophy, the Bible and the Koran must be placed on the
same
level.
One must
be
considered just as
Masonry, like its twin sister Romanism, unchanged and unchangeable, the same
good
as
the
everywhere,
other.
in
Chicago,
Constantinople, Calcutta,
Pekin, and Salt Lake City, insists upon it that everything human and divine must give place to its land-
marks, laws and be
set aside,
edicts.
The laws
of heaven must
God's word must be debased, the Lord
MASONRY AND THE
BIBLE.
12>J
Jesus Christ must be rejected, the Holy Spirit must be denied, repentance must be forbidden, heaven
must be defied and despised, but Freemasonry must be honored and exalted. This
is
what the teaching
of Masonry amounts to, when it places the Holy Scriptures on a common level with the philosophies of paganism, the writings of
Square and Compass. Henry : But this perhaps,
in
is
Joe Smith, or with the
the Masonic law and usage
where some other thnn the
countries
Christian is the prevailing religion. Now, is not the Bible highly respected as such, by Masonry, in all Christian countries, and is it not pointed out to the candidate, at his initiation, as his rule of faith
Mr. Barton:
Freemasonry
claims
?
to
be
a
system, cosmopolitan in its nature, and with no special law for its government in one country more than another, and hence I utterly
universal
and positively deny that
it
shows any respect what-
ever to the Holy Bible as the
where, or on any occasion. altars in Christian countries its
public parades
it
is
It
Word
of
God
any-
has the Bible on
and has
it
true, but that
carried in is
clone
its
all
that
Masonry may be honored and respected and not the Bible.
Who,
for instance, carries
the
Bible
in all
he usually a man of he always even a moral and
our Masonic processions
known piety ? or is good man ? Did you
?
Is
ever see a church deacon or
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
128
any other church officer or member bearing along the Holy Bible in any of our public parades, elder, or
whether I
have, did it
at a funeral or corner-stone
must say from long experience, and
Masons
will bear
me
the exception and
is
laying? If you
out in
not the
can-
all
the assertion, that
On
rule.
such
all
occasions the very worst and most rabid old infidel in the lodge, or
among
the local brotherhood
one generally chosen to be the bearer
the
is
of
in public
God's Word.
But again as you see, from the Masonic emblem, on page 124, although the Bible is open on the
altar,
yet the Square and
Compass must always
Now why not reverse this order and rest upon it. have the Bible rest upon, and be above the Square and Compass ? Or why could not the Square and Compass be placed before, or beside, or behind the
Why
always necessary that the Square and Compass should be placed above the Bible ? Bible
The
?
is
it
reason for this
Masonic law book,
is
very
plainly
In " Webb's Monitor," by read, under the
stated
in the
as follows:
Morris, p. 240,
we
word COVENANT:
"
The Covenant is irrevocable. Even though a Mason may be suspended or expelled, though he may withdraw from the lodge, journey into countries
where Masons cannot be found or become
subject of despotic
a
governments that persecute, or a communicant of bigoted churches that denounce
MASON KV AM) THE BIBLE. Masonry, he cannot
129
cast off or nullify his
Ma-
No LAW OF THE LAND CAN No anathema of the church can
sonicc ovenant.
AFFECT weaken This
is
as
granite,
IT.
IT
it.
is
IRREVOCABLE."
Masonic law,
pure
as
unchangeable
the
The Masonic covenant must be
inflexible
as
considered above,
and be superior to every other covenant, divine; the laws of
as
decrees of fate.
human
or
Masonry must be placed above
every law and hence the Square and Compass, the pure universal symbols of the order, must always be ;
placed on top of the Bible, to signify that the coven-
laws and requirements, must be
ants of
Masonry,
held
being paramount
as
its
and therefore more obeyed, than
all
to
to,
of
more binding
force,
be honored, respected and
God
the laws and ordinances of
revealed in the Bible, and
all
as
the laws and covenants
books of the
of the realm, as recorded in the statute nation.
But again, the Holy Bible
is
not set
being man's rule of faith Masonry or true sense, and the teaching of its as
point
is
seen,
simply a
mockery.
The
in
forth
by
any honest
ritual
Bible as
on that
we have
occupies no higher position in the Masonic
philosophy than
the Koran, the Shasters, or the and Vedas, speaking of the Bible, therefore, in a Masonic lodge, as a rule of faith under any circumstance,
is
the merest hypocrisy.
for instance,
Here
in
Chicago,
we have "Chicago Lodge, No.
437,"
130
composed exclusively of Jews, and, I believe, reckoning among their number some of the most bignoted, the most bitter, and the
name
ish
population in this
of
the most blaspheming against
Christ and Christianity of
Bible (Old and
New
the
all
Jew-
Well, they have the Holy Testament) on the altar. Do
city.
you think the Worshipful Master of that lodge means anything by it, when he says, at the initiation of a to us as
Jewish candidate, "the Holy Bible the rule and guide of our faith?"
is
given
Or do
you suppose the candidate himself pays the slightest When a Roman Cathoattention to what is said? initiated into
lic is
as
rule of
his
Master ritual,
Masonry, does he accept the Bible
Or when
faith?
calls his attention
to
the
in the
it
Worshipful words of the
do you think he attaches any meaning
to
what
he says?
Why, and
a Catholic's "rule of faith"
and,
tradition,
Bible
alone
as
insult to
positive
violation
a
therefore,
"rule
his
by Masonry
belief, itself
covenant, for the candidate there
of
is
offer
its
in
Scripture
him
the
would be
faith"
and
of is
to
fact a
own
a
direct
part of
the
positively assured that
nothing in the Masonic system that can with his duty to God or to himself.
is
conflict
Suppose
a
or Spiritualist,
Chinaman, or Japanese, or Mormon, were initiated in any one of our
Chicago lodges, would the Holy Bible be
his "rule
MASONRY AND THE Most assuredly
of faith?" fore,
on the Masonic
furniture and ritual in
not.
altar,
is
BIBLE.
The a
13!
Bible, there-
mere
article
of
and the language of the a hollow mockery.
no more,
regard to
it is
But the Square and Compass, being placed above the Bible on the Masonic altar, have another symbolic meaning. You will remember that the "moral law of Masonry" is defined as the "lex naturce, or law of nature," and that this law, what-
ever
it is, is
the
true basis of
The Mosaic decalogue
is
Masonic philosophy.
considered too "confined"
to express all the grand requireMasonic morality, and hence it must be and a more comprehensive and superior
and too "limited" ments of set
aside
code adopted, and one that will
more
fully corres-
pond with the boundless( ?) universality of the system. These two laws then the law of God as revealed in
the Bible, and the "law of nature," represented
symbolized by the Compass and Square are both displayed upon the Masonic altar. But as the or
latter
is
considered by
Masonry
superior to the for-
mer, so the representative of the greater law
is
always placed above the lesser, and hence the Square and Compass must always be placed above the Bible
Masonic assemblies, and as these are but symbols of the "law of nature," so the Bible must be reckin all
symbol of the law of God. On this point the teaching of Masonry is clear and emphatic.
oned only
as a
i
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
32
p.
In the "Lexicon of Freemasonry," by Mackey, 62, under the word BIBLE, we read:
"The
Bible
used
is
among Masons however
will of God,
bol of the
as a sym-
may be
it
ex-
pressed."
But what
a
is
The
lodge philosophy?
explained in the
as
"symbol"
definition
of
it
is
again
furnished by the Masonic text-book.
In the "Lexicon of Freemasonry," by Mackey,
we
p. 466,
read
:
A
SYMBOL.
sensible image used to express an occult but analogical signification."
So then, according Bible on the
than
a
Masonic
altar
mere "image"
"symbol" or "image"
the
to
is
ways
laid
upon
will,
Compass which
the law
it;
value than the "law of
and
less
this
no more value than
of
the rusty Square or the iron
nothing more or
God's
of is
Masonic law, the
of
God
are al-
of no
more
nature," and the God of
the Bible as no better than the god of the heathen.
Henry :
But,
expositions which
the
that
attention to the
what
What is
dear father, at those public
recently witnessed I noticed
Worshipful Master,
was removed from
altar.
my I
the
after
the
hoodwink
the candidate's eyes, called
Holy Bible
as
it
lay
open on the
did the Master say at that time?
meaning
of the
ritual
his
used
in
And that
ceremony?
Mr. Barton:
As you
observed, the hood-
MASONRY AND THE wink
removed
is
BIBLE.
Deacon.
Senior
by the
133
The
Worshipful Master then approaches the candidate, rlill kneeling at the altar, and says to him: "Brother Hunt," (or whatever
name may be)
his
being brought to light in Masonry, you behold
>n
THREE GREAT LIGHTS of Masonry, The THREE the three lesser lights.
before you the '
-
the aid of
vr
LIGHTS of Masonry are the Holy Bible
ire
and Compass"
(See figure,
p. 124,
"Hand
k," p. 77:
Here you nizes three
will
notice that
great lights, the
Freemasonry recog-
Holy
Bible, the Square,
and the Compass. The three are equally great; is no difference, according to the Masonic?
there
ritual,
between the degrees of greatness possessed
being lights, the Bible is just as great as any one of the other two, and receives the same degree of veneration and respect
by
either, and,
from
the-
so far as
lodge under the seal of the Masonic cov-
enant.
This
down
I
think places the
Word
of
God
very low
indeed.
David says by the Holy Ghost: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm
cxix.
The Son
of
God
thy truth; thy word
The Holy Ghost pure."
Prov. xxx.
says: "Sanctify
is
5.
truth."
says:
them through xvii.
John "Every word
of
God
is
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
134
The
Psalmist says:
word above
all
"Thou
hast magnified thy
Psalm
thy name."
cxxxviii.
2.
But Freemasonry places "the Square and Compass above God's word," and consequently considers
them equally worthy
being magnified above all his name; and, notwithstanding all this, as we have already seen,
of
Freemasonry that "exactly most needed in
asserted of
it is
the institution that
is
it is
this
age, and that it is not possible to conceive that anything can be suggested more, which the soul of
man
requires."
And arises
"Sickles' Monitor," p. 196.
another marked coincidence
here again
between Freemasonry and Romanism. the hoodwink is removed, the
When
illumination performed, and plished, according to the
the
new
birth
rite
of
accom-
Masonic philosophy, the
Worshipful Master directs the candidate's attention the Masonic altar and its strange surround-
to
ings.
He to
says to him:
light
in
"Bro. Hunt, on being brought
Masonry, you behold before you the
THREE GREAT LIGHTS of Masonry by the aid of the The THREE GREAT LIGHTS of three lesser lights. Masonry
The
are the
Holy
Bible, Square and
Compass.
three lesser lights are three burning tapers,
placed in a triangular form near the altar, represent-
ing the SUN, MOON, and
Now, what
is
the
MASTER OF THE LODGE."
meaning
of
all this,
and what
MASONRY AND THE lesson does
candidate's
On tion
Masonry purpose here mind?
being brought to light directed
is
BIBLE.
to
six
we
to
135
convey
to the
see that his atten-
objects, the
Holy
Bible,
Square and Compass on one side, and the "three burning tapers" on the other. We also find that these three burning
tapers"
represent
the
"Sun, Moon, and
Master of the Lodge" the three manifestations of the Masonic god, and that the Holy Bible is beheld only by the aid of these "lesser lights" or in their
symbolic reflection alone, and hence Freemasonry
means
to teach the candidate that,
whoever or what-
ever has been his guide and counselor in the past, the
Masonic philosophy alone, "that sublime doctrine of him in the future.
divine truth," must lead and guide
That hereafter he must receive the Bible only in that in which Masonry receives it, read it
sense
with Masonic eyes, and understand Understanding.
must, as
a
In
a
word,
that
it
with Masonic
for ever
Freemason, interpret the Scriptures only
according to that sense which Freemasonry fit
to
after he
sanction,
or according to the
may
see
inspiration
of
the Master, or god of Masonry.
Now, compare
this
with the teaching of Rome. already quoted, Creed
In the article of
the creed
Pope Pius IV.
article zd,
of
"I
also
to that sense
we
read:
admit the Holy Scriptures, according which our Holy Mother, the Church,
i
36
has held, and does hold, to which it belongs, to judge of the true sense and interpretation of the Scriptures, and neither will lever take and interpret them otherwise than according to the unanimous
consent of the Fathers."
That
the Roman Catholic promises and dehe will "admit the Holy Scriptures,"
is,
clares that
not according to his
own judgment
exercised
upon
them, but simply as the church admits them, and that he will never try to interpret
them
at all,
nor
any part of them, except "according to the unanimous consent of the Fathers." The Romanist promises to read the
the
Scriptures
church
understand
them
only
minister,
the
by
represented
The Masonic
the
through with or
priest,
his
and
of to
understanding.
professing
Christian, solemnly swears that he will to all the
eyes
Protestant
be obedient
laws of the Master Mason's degree, and
hence that he will read the Holy Scriptures only
through the eyes of Masonry, represented by the Worshipful Master, that he will understand them only with his understanding, and
may, the
landmarks of
that,
come what
the order must never be
infringed upon or changed.
How wonderfully consistent a man can act when once he has taken the Masonic obligations, and has experienced the Masonic
new
birth!
But again, the Worshipful Master,
still
address-
MASONRY AND THE
BIBLE.
137
goes on to
ing the candidate kneeling at the altar, say:
See "Manual of the Lodge," by Mackey,
"Hand Book
p. 30.
of Freemasonry," p. 77:
"The Holy Bible is given to us as the rule and guide of our faith, the Square to square our actions, and the Compass to circumscribe our desires and passions within due bounds toward all mankind, and more especially toward our brother Masons."
And
this
authoritatively
portion of the ritual
clearly
and
Past Grand Master
by
explained
is
and Past General Grand High Priest, A. G. Mackey, as follows:
In the "^Manual of the Lodge," p. 30, he states that
:
"The Bible is the light which enlightens the path of our duty to God the Square that which enlightens the path of our duty to our fellow-men; and the Compass that which enlightens the path of our duty to ourselves." ;
Here then we teaching
of
find that
Freemasonry
is,
the
that
Holv Bible
enlightens^ the Square enlightens and the
enlightens. learn from
the in
The Masonic the Bible,
Compass, and
his
the same breath,
portance.
Now,
if
positive
plain,
the
initiate
is
Compass
taught to
from the Square and from mind is directed to all three
each one being of equal im-
the
Holy Bible were
sufficient
for man's instruction and enlightenment, of
no necessity could
arise
course
for the symbolic light
re-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
138
from the Square and Compass but because
fleeted in
;
wisdom
the
of
Masonry
is
it
but
nothing
mere "symbol" or "image" of God's
a
just as
will,
Square and Compass are symbols of the will of the god of nature, so the law of the latter is the
placed on an equality with,
not actually above the
if
former.
In
all
the Mass-houses of
Popery the Bible
is
supplanted by the Mass-book and the Missal, while in all
Masonic lodges the Bible
the Square and Compass. In
chapels fulls of
all
is
the
degraded below
Roman Catholic
throughout the world you will find tubholy water, boxes of holy oil, whole forests
of candles, thousands of beads, millions of
charms, agues
deii,
but no Bible.
The
the senseless
Rome
are
Masonic
customs and symbols of pagan
rites,
substituted
lodges,
countries, the
shrines,
holy bones, images and crosses, word of God is displaced, and
in
even
Holy
its
in
Bible
stead, while
professedly
in
all
Christian
also virtually ignored,
is
and the "law of nature" and the
false
traditions of
heathen philosophers are presented to the candidate for his future guidance and instruction.
And
yet for
all this,
and claiming even generally say in
order
be
the most
to
to
men
professing Christianity,
be Protestant ministers, will
what they know support
vehement
to
be positively
false,
this villainous system,
in
denouncing
any
and one
MASONRY AND THE
who
dare separate himself from,
Could human or
BIBLE.
is
it
perversity be that
possible
139
and expose
better
it.
exemplified,
such inconsistency has ever
before been manifested in the history of the world? I firmly believe that in the manufacture of Free-
masonry, Satan has even outdone himself. In direct opposition to the false and pernicious teaching, both of the Masonic lodge and the chapel,
we have
the clear
Romish
emphatic declaration
of
God's word.
Paul says, 2 Tim. iii. 15-17: "From a child thou hast known St.
the
Holy
Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. "All is inspiration of
given
Scripture
by
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished
God, and
unto
is
good works.' But again, the Masonic all
"Manual
of the
"Hand Book "The Holy Square
to
the
of
ritual says:
Lodge," by Mackey, Freemasonry,"
Bible
Master,
p. 49.
p. 93.
dedicated to God, the and the Compass to the is
Craft."
Now, what that, as
a
is
meant by
this?
We
Great Light, the Holy Bible
have seen is
only a
mere symbol of the law of God, while the Square and Compass are equally Great Lights, and symbols "law of nature," which is the moral law of Masonry. These three symbols then, the Bible, the of the
140
Square, and the Compass, are dedicated to the deities to
which they
is
dedicated to
"god
the
in
Masonry
That
is,
the Bible
God, the Square
true
who
of nature,"
pass to
we
respectively refer.
the
to
governs nature, and the
Com-
general, or "the Craft."
But
see that the
is
dedicated to the Master,"
"Square and hence the Master is the representative or personification of the
"god of nature," or the Sun
the East governing the Craft, and the Craft or
Masonry
in
itself,
the thing governed; and therefore
is
it
unquestionably follows that the true God, the Worshipful Master, and the Craft, or in other words,
God, Baal, or the Sungod and Masonry, are placed on the same level. that
This
is
the same as
Romanism
conferring
in-
fallibility on the Pope and making him God and But Jesus Christ alone is the vicar of Christ.
equal with the Father, and therefore both Masonry
and Romanism dethrone Christ and substitute
the Master and
the
ligious systems.
And
the
Masonry an obligation
fact that
in
the Bible alone
binding
the
Pope this
in is
their respective
re-
further confirmed
by
would be worthless;
candidate's hands
must
to
taken on render
rest
it
on the
Square and Compass.
And, claim that
lastly, its
the Masonic system
principal tenets
itself
does not
and requirements are
MASONRY AND THE contained in the
Holy
BIBLE.
Scriptures.
14!
Hear what the
Ritual says on this point.
"Hand Book
As
of Freemasonry," p. 175.
the candidate
is
led
into the
lodge in the
Master Mason's degree he is met by the Senior Deacon, who places both points of the Compass to his
him
naked
left
and right breasts, and thus addresses
:
"Bro. Hunt, upon your first admission into a lodge of Master Masons it becomes my duty to receive you upon both points of the Compass extending from your naked left to right breasts, the moral ot which is to teach you that, as the most vital parts of man are contained within the breasts, so are the most excellent tenets of our institution contained within both points of the Compass, which are Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love."
And
again, after taking the obligation, p. 186:
"You
are never to lose sight of the moral and this highly useful and valuinstrument, (the Compass,) which teaches
Masonic application of able
Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love."
So, -then, according to the Masonic ritual the very keystone, as
it
itself,
were, of the whole fabric
the "three most precious jewels" of a Master Mason,
supposed to be Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly
Love
arc not derived
but from the pagan
by Masonry from the Bible,
emblem
of the
Compass
alone.
Freemasonry places the Authorized Version of the Scriptures on the
same equality with the
naturcc, or law of nature."
Now,
let
us hear
''-lex
what
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
142
Romanism
has to say in regard to the same Bible.
In the Encyclical letter of
Rome, at
St.
Mary
Leo XII., dated
Majors, the 3d day of
May,
at
1824,
the following preamble occurs:
"You
are aware, venerable brethren, that a cer-
Bible Society, strolls with effrontery throughout the world, which society, contemning the Traditions of the Holy Fathers, and contrary to the jkvell-known decree of the Council of Trent, labors with all its might, and by every means, to translate, or rather to pervert, the Holy Scriptures into the vulgar language of every nation; from which proceeding it is greatly to be feared that what is ascertained to have happened, as to some tain society, called the
may also occur with regard to others; to wit: That by a perverse interpretation the gospel of Christ be turned into a human gospel, or what passages,
is still
worse, \ht gospel of the devil."
Hence, according
is
to
Pope Leo
XII., after
whom
named, the very Bible which Pope insulted on the Masonic altar contains not the
the present
revelation
of
is
God, but simply the "gospel of the
Freemasonry steps boldly to the front exclaiming: "Quite correct, Most Holy Father!
devil,"
while
Quite correct!
way sion
equal of
to, if
Square and Compass are every not superior to the Authorized Ver-
My
the "Bible, and will "enlighten"
quite as well.
Go
on,
my dear
sir!
Go
mankind
on, Bro. Leo,
and issue your Bulls and Encyclicals against the Bible with all the rancor of which your old heart
keep right on in my peculiarly aggressive course, degrading and debasing God's is
capable, and
I'll
MASONRY AND THE
BIBLE.
Word below my pagan emblems, people that ters,
or the
Make
it is
from among
we
my
of
Mormon.
Roman
Goon, Mr. Pope!
Catholics you can, and
I'll
manufacture quite as many infidels the Protestants, and between us, 1
guarantee to
think,
and teaching
no better than the Koran, the Shas-
Book
the
all
143
shall
be able to neutralize the great work
of the Reformation, and perhaps destroy Christianity
altogether.
Now
hear the words of the Son of God, John
v 39' "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think eternal life, and THEY ARE THEY WHICH have ye TESTIFY OF ME." -
Again,
in
Matt.
xxii. 29:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, YE DO ERR, the power of
NOT KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES, HOr God."
But Romanism emphatically declares that if
we do knoiv the Scriptures
;
we
while Freemasons,
err
in the
display of a spirit not a whit better than that of the
most bigoted
Roman
Catholic, can use no milder ex-
pression than "perjured villain,"
seceding
Mason who
strictly
when
referring to a
follows the teachings of
by renouncing that" wicked imposture." Hear again what Peter says, 2 Peter i. 19: "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; vihereurito ye do well t hat yc take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts,"
the Scriptures
CHAPTER
VI.
MASONRY AND ROMANISM. Conflict of authority. ter
opening the lodge.
The
confessional.
Masonic prayers. MasThe G. A. O. T. U.
Master closing the lodge. Masonry idolatrous worship. Master praying for candidate. Masonic
confession of faith.
Romish
grave.
Protestant
Prayer
Hiram's
Inconsistency
prayers.
ministers.
at
Masonry and
of
Roman-
ism condemned by God's Word.
My
Henry :
dear father,
I
know
more pleasure or astonishment revelation you have already made I feel
not whether
at
the terrible
to
me
of
the
Masonic philosophy. I am certainly well pleased that I had the good sense to consult you in regarcj,
to
my
from the dence
Mason, but you have presented and the evi-
intention of
facts
adduced' to
show
a
becoming
the absolute
wickedness
and the innate corruption of the thing, I am both pained and astonished that any Protestant Christian, and more especially that any Protestant Minister, could be found in this enlightened age
even countenance, much
less
swear
who would
to "support
and
maintain" such a miserable imposture.
one feature of the system which probability I would have never thought of,
But there in all
is
MASONRY AND ROMANISM. and one which stood.
mean
I
is
doubtless but
very
145
little
under-
the great similarity between
and Romanism.
itself
had always thought that the Church of Rome was ever an uncompromising enemy to Freemasonry, and yet you show that I
both systems are almost identical.
how
this
happens.
Mr. Barton : Church
the
It is
true,
Rome
of
is
dear Henry, that
ligion of
to all
her opposition
not because of the antichristian
latter arises
infidel
opposed
own communion, and
especially to the Masonic, but
to the
and
my
fiercely
secret societies outside of her
more
Please explain
Freemasonry, for the reequally false and unscriptural.
doctrines of
Rome
is
antagonism between the two systems arisen because of the principle of secrecy, for Romanism is as much of a secret combination Neither
as
has
the
Freemasonry
is,
if
not
more
so.
We
know
that the Jesuits, the % Jansenists, the Carmelites, the
Paulists and the various other orders of ecclesiastics
within the
monks and
Romish church, not counting
such organizations as the "Ancient Order of Hibernians," are as the to
all
Masonic
Masonry
of
as
much
secret
institutions
and hence the opposition Church of Rome cannot have
fraternity,
by the
originated on the
From
them
simple ground of secrecy alone.
the fact that the t\vo are rival institutions, both
being so much alike one would be almost led to
146 that perhaps jealousy has something
suspect
ism
is
do
to
between them, and that Romanopposed to Masonry on the principle ex-
with the
conflict
"two
pressed in the old adage that
of a trade can
never agree;" but the real cause of their opposition to
one another
That
is
is
the confessional.
the great machinery
Romish Church
the
purposes.
must
Every member
visit his priest in
and hence,
a year,
the birth of
in
by means of which
carries out all her plans
and
of that stupendous system
the confessional at least once
1738
twenty-one years after because the
Grand Lodge Masonry
Freemasons of France and Germany rebelled against power of the confessional, and utterly refused
the to
submit to
the
infliction
of priestly
penances,
Pope Clement VIII. issued his famous bull against the institution, and from that time on the chapel and the lodge have been opposed to each other. But the contention between them is not for truth and purity, but for
mere
power and supremacy.
It
and nothing more. The Pope, or Sovereign Pontiff, is the Pontiex Maximus, or the Jupiter of pagan Rome, and repreis
a
sents the
Master
is
conflict of authority
god of Romanism, while the Worshipful the
Osiris, or Baal,
personification
of
Hiram
Abiff,
which was the name of Jupiter
or in
Egypt and Phrenicia, whence the Masonic philosophy has come, and is the representative of the god
MASONRY AND ROMANISM. But
of Masonry.
ism god alone
is
147
every worshipper of the
as
must reveal or confess to the priest, to
be the
custodian of
all
secrets,
Romwho while
every worshipper of the Masonic god must conceal and never reveal, but must himself be the keeper of
all
priest,
secrets,
and
is
therefore exalted above the
both systems cannot harmonize, and hence
which arose between them
the bitter antagonism
in
I73S.
But notwithstanding this apparently wide gulf two terrible powers of des-
thus separating these
potism and falsehood for the present, yet, should an
emergency ever cessary for
men
arise
when
to array
it
would become
ne-
themselves on the side of
righteousness and to defend the pure principles of gospel truth and the full freedom of an open Bible, untrammelled either by Jesuit cunning or
lodge duplicity,
it
is
very greatly to be feared
that,
forgetting their petty differences for the time being,
Romanism and Freemasonry would make common cause and stand shoulder to shoulder, the
both
We
very embodiment of the works of darkness. have every reason to thank God, however, for their present attitude towards each terrible systems united
other, as
two such
would be well-nigh
irresist-
ible.
But, the
aside
from
confessional, there
their is
hostility
because of
scarcely another doctrine
148 or
dogma
which
in
not
has
whole
the its
theology
exact
of
counterpart
Rome in
the
philosophy Freemasonry; and exboth in the systqrns light of God's Word, amining and witnessing the evil effects of their teachings in of
religious
those communities
w here r
either
is
in the
ascendency,
and noting their direct opposition to the spirit and genius of the gospel of Christ, it is almost impossible to say
which
most
the
is
corrupt and
wicked.
Romanism, it is true, acknowledges the Lord Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten Son of
God and
the World, but then
the Saviour of
constitutes the
Pope
the vicar of Christ
God
and therefore equal with
himself in one of
greatest attributes; while the Virgin
his
represented as the
Queen
it
infallible
of heaven
Mary
is
immaculate
most powerful advocate the sinner can have; and her love and compassion and her ability and willingness to save are so magnified and extolled, the
that the love of Christ and salvation through
his
blood alone fade almost to insignificance.
Freemasonry, on the other hand, casts out the of Jesus Christ altogether, and will not recog-
name nize of
him
in
any of
its
religious worship, while
exalts a
a
at all
priest
prayers or other acts at
the same
time
it
Tyrian brass-finisher, a rude pagan mechanic, of Bacchus,
position of
a god,
named Hiram
Abiff, to the
magnifies his pretended virtues,
MASONRY AND ROMANISM. extols his character, lauds his
149
pagan piety and sup-
posed fortitude, sings songs of praise to his name, substitutes this heathen deity for Christ, and offers
freedom from
sin
Lodge above," through
and salvation
in the
"Grand
the mythical legend of his
death and burial in the place of pardon for
sin
through the blood of Christ, and salvation through his name in the Heaven of God and of his saints. In
Romanism, prayers
tude of deified
are constituted so
and man.
many
multi-
canonized by the
Popes and the decrees of
rescripts of
who
are offered to a
men and women,
councils,
mediators between
and
God
In Freemasonry, prayers are offered to a
being called the "god of nature," the "G. A. O. T. U.," and it recognizes no
myth,
to
a supposititious
mediator whatever. In continuing our investigation, then, of the sonic philosophy, this further
we
shall notice at the
Ma-
proper time
coincidence of the purely antichristian
character of both systems, but shall
first
examine
the religious worship, or the devotional exercises of the lodge, and thus have
a practical
those landmarks, rules, and edicts,
illustration of
which declare so
must be carefully Masonic prayers must be of a
positively that "all sectarian tenets
excluded;" that
all
"general character, and must contain nothing offensive to the conscientious scruples" of a
or a pagan
Jew
peddler,
idolater, and that the only recognized
law of Masonry must be the "lex naturce, or law of nature," as anything else
would be too "confined"
and "limited."
We which
have already seen, the distinctness with stated that "no lodge can be regularly
is
it
opened or closed without religious services of some sort."
now and how
Let us practice,
to
regard
how
rigidly the
first,
to
law
this
is
put in
Masonic landmark
worship must
lodge
And,
obeyed.
observe
in
be enforced and
begin with
the opening
prayers.
In the "Freemason's Guide," by D. Sickles, 33
,
p. 22, we read: "The lodge should always be opened and closed with prayer," And on the same page the following
prayer
is
given
:
"Most holy and
Lord God, the Great Giver of all good Thou hast promised that 'where gathered together in thy name, glorious
Architect of the Universe, the gifts
and graces!
two or three
are
thou wilt be in their midst and bless them.'
name we have assembled, and
in
thy
desire to proceed in all our doings. sublime principles of Freemasonry
may
In thy
name we
Grant that the so subdue so harmonize love and good-
every discordant passion within us, and enrich our hearts with thine own ness, that the lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before thy throne.
Amen."
Response by the brethren, "So mote it be." See also "Hand Book of Freemasonry,*' pp. 25( 26.)
A1ASONK l'KA\KKS
Concerning follow,
we
Mackey, to
this
read in the
prayer,
as well as those
"Manual
of
that
the Lodge,"
by
p. 13:
"This prayer, although offered by the Master, is be participated in by every brother, and at its
conclusion the audible response of 'Amen. it be,' should be made by all present."
So mote
Religious Services in Opening the Lodge.
The above
figure
represents the
lodge as
it
The
opened with Masonic prayer. Worshipful Master stands in the East, immediately is
being
under the
letter
"G," the symbol of
the
G
and
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
152
Geometrician of the Universe, or the god of Masonry, hat in hand, repeating either the foregoing,
or one of the following so-called prayers, with the
brethren standing before him.
Here
good and the bad mixed
are the
The Jew,
the
Chinaman,
and the Methodist
the
in together.
the Turk, the Materialist,
rum
seller,
the
gambler,
the profane swearer, and the minister of the gospel, all
standing round the same
the
same common
altar,
all
engaged
in
act of religious worship, all im-
ploring the same blessings from the same deity, and at the close of the prayer all unanimously responding with equal reverence, and in the same breath, "So
mote
it
be."
But
And what god
to
can
whom it
is this prayer addressed? be possible for Masonry to
recognize under such circumstances?
The prayer
we
as
see,
is
offered to the "Great
Architect of the Universe," the "G. A. O. T. U," but
who
is
this
"G. A. O. T. U.?"
does he possess?
It
And what
attributes
cannot possibly mean the
God
he "at sundry times, and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets," and gave man even a written law of Heaven, because
in
which he has
fully
revealed both
his
name and
wz7/, but he has never styled himself an Architect.
God man
also
manifested himself on earth clothed as a
"the
Lord Jesus
Word made Christ,
flesh"
"who
is
tn the person of the
the brightness of the
MASONIC PRAYERS.
153
Father's glory, and the express image of his person," but our Blessed Lord never called his Father an Architect,
nor
he ever called by any such name
is
An
of the Bible.
Architect
is
a
in
man who
any part
furnishes
plans for, and superintends the erection of a building
made from
but
already prepared;
God
nothing the heavens and the earth, and the host of them, and hence he cannot be a mere of
created all
material
Architect, and
it
would be a
direct insult to call
him
such a nick-name.
The meaning the Masonic prayer there
is
nizable
the
of is,
expression, however,
that nature
some undefinable,
unintelligible, unrecog-
or principle, or
power,
which produces of and by and mighty changes
we
made
in
itself; that
itself
thing in the
nature,
vast
results
daily witness around us,
causing
the variety of the seasons in their annual
course,
during w'hich nature, as it were, dies and is is again re-animated and resur-
buried in winter, and rected in the
summer.
Or
the constant succession of
day and night, when, during one part of the twentyfour hours, the sun or stm-god, or light-giving principle,
is
again the sun vail.
and light is triumphant, and then dead, and darkness and gloom pre-
alive, is
Life succeeded by death, figuratively represented
by the
life
of
nature in summer, and
its
death
in
winter, and by the life and triumph of the sun or sun -god by day, and his death by night, was the
mythical basis of
and
the philosophies of paganism,
all
the foundation
is
of
that celebrated legend
of
Hiram, in the third degree, as we shall find herewhere the death of the candidate represents
after
the death
again his subsequent resurrection, the of
Masonry, represented by the
over the falsehood of creeds and
Masonic
final
idea,
and
triumph
of light over darkness, and of
day over night,
truth, or
and then
or truth, or nature,
of light,
it
is
sects.
letter
This
"G," is
the
this principle in nature, this
incomprehensible something,
this philosophic natural
myth, which is addressed in the lodge as the "G. A. T. U.," and to whom all Masonic worship is, and
must be offered; worship
of
the
Christ would
for, as
true
a
matter of
God through
the
course, the
Lord Jesus
be too "sectarian," "confined," and
"limited" to suit the pretended universality of
Ma-
But how a minister or professing Christian
sonry.
can associate night after night with these lodge men,
and join
in this
total rejection of
offered,
Masons
idolatrous worship, sanctioning the
Christ, approving of the
encouraging by
his
example
his
prayers
brother
to continue in their present irreligious state,
and confirming them in their opposition to the very gospel of which he himself prof esses to be a preacher; 1 say,
how
a minister can
do
this,
and
at the
same
time be a Christian, and love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity,
is
one of the greatest mysteries, or
else
MASONIC: PFJAYKKS.
one of the greatest inconsistencies of modern times. Again, on page 23:
"ANOTHER PRAYER which may
be used
at
opening:"
"Great Architect of the Universe!
name we have assembled, and sire to
proceed
in all
in
our doings.
In thy
name we deGrand &c., &c., to thy
Amen."
the end, as before.
Response by the brethren: "So mote it be." Again, from "Manual of the Lodge," by A. G.
Mackey,
p. 15:
"PRAYER AT OPENING." "Most holy and glorious Lord God Architect gifts
of the
and graces!
two or three
Universe, the Giver of
Thou
the Great all
hast promised that
good where
are
gathered together in thy name, midst of them, and bless them. In thy name we assemble, most humbly beseeching thee to bless us in all our undertakings, that we may know and serve thee aright, and that all our actions may tend to thy glory, and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue. And we beseech thee, O Lord God, to bless our present assembling, and to illuminate' our minds, that we may walk in the light of thy countenance, and when the trials of our probationary state are over, be admitted into THE TEMPLE not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. Amen."
thou wilt be
in the
Response by the brethren,
"So mote
it
be."
From "Webb's Monitor," by Dr. Robert Morris, P. G. M., &c., of Kentucky, p.
1 1 :
"PRAYER AT OPENING. "Supreme source look graciously
of
all
down upon
wisdom, truth and
love,
thy people here assem-
'56 bled, to pursue the peaceful avocations of Masonry, and grant us at this time a double portion of thy grace, that we may give higher honor to thy holy
name, and more lovingly aid each other through the journey of life. Impress upon our hearts the shortness of life, the nearness of death, and the vastness of the work we are summoned here to do
;
with freedom, fervency, and zeal, we may serve thee, with brotherly love,relief and truth we may honor thee, and so at last be found fitted as living stones for the House not made with hauds eternal in the Heavens. Amen." that
"So mote
it
be."
And again, from the "New Masonic Trestle Board" by C. W. Moore, published by authority of the National Masonic Convention, held at Baltimore, lS 43> P- 13:
"Great Architect of the Universe!
we have mote
it
assembled, &c., as
name Amen. So
In thy
before.
be."
ANOTHER. "Supreme Ruler of the Universe! We would Wilt reverently invoke thy blessing at this time. thou be pleased to grant that this meeting, thus begun in order, may be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony. Amen." So mote it be." This
last
is
prayer
that
which was
alway
.
H. Dixon, while he was Worshipful Keystone Lodge, No. 639, in this city, in
used by J.
Master of 1872,
and
when
I
was
Senior
Warden
of
the
lodge.
From
the
"Freemasons' Monitor,"
Davis; edition of 1843,
p. 14.1:
by Z. A.
MASONIC PRAYERS.
1
57
this our on and carried be begun, happy meeting. May ended with order, harmony and brotherly lore.
"May
the favor of
Heaven be upon
it
Amen."
The
at
foregoing are the "religious services" used the opening of all Masonic lodges in the United
States; and
now
let
us glance at the prayers to be
used at closing.
"General Ahiman Rezon or Freemason's Guide,"
by
Sickles, 33
,
p. 25:
"Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept our humble thanks for the many mercies and blessings which thy bounty has conferred on us, and especially
for this friendly and social intercourse. Pardon, we beseech thee, whatever thou hast seen amiss in us since we have been together, and continue to us thy
Make us sensible presence, protection and blessing. of the renewed obligations we are under to love thee, and as we are about to separate and return to our respective places of abode, wilt thou be pleased so to influence our hearts and minds that we may, each one of us, practice out of the lodge those great moral duties which are inculcated in it, and with reverence, study and obey the laws which thou hast given us in thy Holy Word. Amen." "So mote
it
"Manual
of the
be."
Lodge," by A. G. Mackey,
Past Grand Master; Past Grand
page
High
Priest, &c.,
15:
"Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept our humble praises for the many mercies and blessings which thy bounty has conferred on us, and especially
for this friendly and social intercourse. Pardon, we beseech thee, whatever thou hast seen amiss in us since we have been together, and continue to us thy
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
158
Make us sensible presence, protection and blessing. of the renewed obligations we are tinder to loye thee supremely, and to be friendly to each other.
May all our irregular passions be subdued, and may we daily increase in Faith, Hope and Charity, but more especially in that charity which is the bond of peace and the perfection of every virtue. May we so practice thy precepts, that we may finally obtain thy promises, and find an entrance through the gates into the temple and city of our God.
Amen." "So mote
be."
"New
Also
Moore,
it
Masonic Trestle Board," by C.
W.
p. 13:
of Heaven and earth! Now, that we are about to separate and return, to our respective places of abode, wilt thoti be pleased so to influence our hearts and minds that we may, each one of us, practice out of the lodge those great moral duties which are inculcated in it, and with reverence study and obey the laws thou Amen." hast given as in thy Holy Word.
"Supreme Grand Master! Ruler
"So mote Every
it
be."
religious assembly, or church meeting,
usually dismissed
with a benediction, and
meeting of a Masonic lodge is
mony,"
hence, of
is
as "the
strictly a religious cere-
course, that must be closed with a
benediction in like manner.
The all
following form
is
therefore prescribed in
the manuals, being always pronounced by
Worshipful Master, and none
"Manual
"May
of the
else
is
permitted.
Lodge," by Mackey,
the blessing of
Heaven
the
rest
p. 16:
upon
us and
MASONIC PRAYERS. all
regular Masons!
and every moral and
"So mote
it
May
brotherly love prevail,
social virtue
cement us. Amen."
be."
Religious Services
The above
159
figure
m_ .Closing the Lodge.
represents the lodge as
closed with prayer and the benediction shipful Master,
it
is
by the WorBut
to ancient usage.
according suppose he should be a rum-seller, or irreligious, or a profane swearer, or even a scoffer at religion and religious matters, (and all such
men
lodges, five times out of seven,)
and that some of the
are Masters of
lodge members present were professing Christians
THE MASTER^S CARPET.
l6o
one or two deacons, a Sunday-school superintendhow very spiritual ent, and a couple of class-leaders end edifying such prayers and benedictions must appear, and
what a wholesome influence Freemasonry
must necessarily exert in the community under these But regard all these prayers and
circumstances!
whole lodge worship in any light you please, and they are simply and only an abomination, and a blasphemy throughout. Suppose it be denied that this
these prayers are addressed to the
but that the the
God
"god G. A. O. T. U." means the
of the Bible
Lord Jesus
the
Christ, then
of nature," true
God and Father Our
what?
God of our
blessed
Lord
himself expressly declares in John xiv. 6:
am
"I
the
WAY,
the truth
and
Now, and
if
if
the
Son of God has
they are the truth, as
and that
He
is
the only
ME."
uttered these words,
He
"way"
NO
the life;
MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER BUT BY
declares they
are,
to the Father, then
most undeniably the Masonic prayers, by asserting a contrary doctrine, and presuming to reach
God by
a 'different way, are a falsehood, an insult to Jesus Christ, and an abomination in the sight of
And
again, in
John
Heaven.
v. 22, 23:
"The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Sou, that ALL MEN SHOULD HONOR THE SON, even as they honor the HE THAT HONORKTH NOT THE SON, Father.
MASONIC PRAYERS.
l6l
HONORKTH NOT THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT HIM." " If this declaration
manded
be the truth of God, and
MEN, Masons and non-Masons,
that AI-L,
to
faith, their
honor the Lord Jesus Christ by prayers, their
their obediance, then
philosophy
are com-
their
worship,
their
love,
and
most undeniably the Masonic and every man who
the antichrist,
is
worship is guilty of a gross law when he treats the name of
participates in lodge violation of God's
with the contempt implied
Christ
And
prayers.
if
again,
the Father himself
is
foregoing
by not honoring
dishonored, then
as the sun-light, that all
honor and a
in the
it
is
Christ, as plain
Masonic prayers are a disGod, and that
direct insult to the true
the religious services
of
Freemasonry are
of the
ranhest idolatry.
In John iv, 24, it is written " God is a spirit, and they that worship mu?t worship him in spirit and in truth." :
And
again in Matt, xvii,
him
and Luke
ix, 34,35: bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold a voice out of the cloud which said, this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased,' hear yc Him"
"
While he
yet
5,
spake, behold
a
even admitting that the " G. A. O. T. U." of Masonry means the true God, and that the names
Now,
"God" and "Lord" mentioned allude to the Christ, surely
in the
God and Father it
Masonic
ritual,
of our Lord Jesus cannot be claimed, even then, that
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
162
lodge worship
a
is
offered
worship
Almighty God
truth"
expressly
to
God,
commands
"/?*
to -hear
Son, but Freemasonry as positively commands, that that Son shall not, and must not be heard in his
any lodge or chapter of the order, and therefore, unquestionably every Masonic prayer is an abomination in the sight of
worship approach
God and
Him
who engage
all
with a
on their
lie
in
lips.
13, ,we read:
in
Again John xiv, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father IN
NAME
that will fied in the Son. name I will do
And
again,
such
I
MY
do, that the Father may be gloriIf ye shall ask anything in my
it."
John
xvi, 23, 24:
"
Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father IN MY NAME, he will give it
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name. Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
to you.
Is
it
not very evident then, from these express
declarations of
God's
Word
that
all
should be addressed to the Father alone "that
Son?"
the Father
may
And
if
through
be the
our
glorified
"Great
consequently " in the Masonic of the Universe
prayerj Chrisi* in
the
Architect:
prayers
means
the true God, then these prayers are positively and absolutely
a blasphemy,
mean
while
if that
expression
God, then, without any question, the worship of the Masonic lodge is a Take whichever horn of the wicked idolatry. does
not
the
true
MASONIC PRAYERS. dilemma you
God and
please,
if
the Bible
163
be the
diyine truth, Freemasonry
Word
of
and must be
is
demon worship. But not only are solemn religious exercises performed at the opening and closing of all Masonic lodges, but
be
every candidate
in
like
Masonically prayed for
at
his
manner must initiation,
and
hence the form given below, like the closing benediction, is to be found in all the monitors and textbooks, and
pronounced by the Master only, no
is
other prayer being allowed. is
led into
the
performed,
he
Deacon towards
When
the candidate
lodge and the rite of induction
conducted
is
the
center
by of
the
room and
'caused to kneel for the benefit of prayer."
"Hand Book" rises to
calling
his
The Worshipful Master
p. 64.)
is
Senior
the
(See than
feet, gives three raps with his gavel,
up the
entire
lodge, and repeats,
for the
special benefit of the kneeling neophyte, the follow-
ing so-called
name
prayer,
from which of course, the
of Christ must be carefully excluded:
"Manual
of the
Lodge," by Mackey,
p. 22.
"Hand Book of Freemasonry," p. 64. "Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention, and grant candidate for Masonry may so dedicate and devote his life to thy service that he may become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of thy divine wisdom, that by the secrets of our art he may be better enthat this
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
164 abled
to
display
the
beauties
honor of thy holy name.
of godliness
Amen.
So mote
Worshipful Master praying for the Minister at
The kneeling of his
above
on
figure
the
floor
clothing, dressed
represents
of in
U it
;he be."
initiation.
the
candidate
the
lodge,
stripped
an old
pair
of lodge
drawers, blindfolded and with a rope round his neck, the Senior Deacon standing behind
Worshipful
Master
in
the
him and
the
East as before, under
symbol of the "G. A. O. T. U." repeating over The Master of the him this Christless prayer. th'e
MASONIC PRAYERS.
'65
is a gambler, a rumseller, a dancingmaster or profane swearer, while the poor, denuded,
lodge perhaps
kneeling candidate
some
or
the Rev.
is
other minister
Dr. James Hunt,
or professing Christian.
What a low, degrading position, surely, for any man to place himself in, and more especially for one who professes to be the spiritual guide of others !_ What a demoralizing effect his conduct on ;
such an occasion must have on those around him,
and what
fearful spectacle for
a
good men and
all
angels, that he not only becomes a participant in such a wicked mockery of God, but that he actually returns to this same temple of Baal on a sub-
sequent night and of his cord
swears
solemnly
that
to,
abide by and
ful
lodge idolatry for ever!
But there to follow,
if,
wickedness.
is
On
and
free will
he
maintain and
will
support"
yet something
indeed,
philosophy of the
own
still
ac-
"conform this
fear-
more wicked
anything can exceed
being inducted into the
this in
religious
of nature," as in joining the
"god
church of Christ, one must make a confession of faith,
and here, while kneeling
the proper time to
make
After tne Master
in the
lodge room,
is
that confession.
rep'eats
his
Masonic prayer
he resumes his hat, and approaching the kneeling, blindfolded candidate, places his right hand
upon
1
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
66
his
head and demands
you put your
in a loud voice, "in
whom do
trust?"
Candidate making Confession of Masonic Faith.
The annexed engraving represents in this
terrible situation,
his head.
the candidate
with the Master's
All eyes are upon him.
He
hand
surupon rounded by men, most of whom, perhaps, he has never even -heard of, and of whose characters he
absolutely
knows nothing.
The good and
is
the bad,
MASONIC PRAYERS. the deacon and refined, are
167
the drunkard, the rough
and the
standing around* him; and surely
the
if
professing Christian, or Christian minister, ever had
an opportunity and a most suitable one to confess Christ before men, this kneeling candidate has it now;
and yet were he to do so in reply to the Master's question and adhere to that confession, he could not be initiated into Masonry any more than a
man
or a blind
lodge room the
could.
floor,
And
as
he reply
should
Lord Jesus Christ,"
or
woman
he kneels on the
"my
"my
trust
trust is
in
is
in
God,
through Cnrist," the Master will still repeat his question, and so continue to do until Christ's name
dropped from the confession, and the general answer given "in God." And, further, should a is
class-leader be
minister or
the
name
Worshipful Master, and by a candidate, he
of Christ be confessed
must refuse
to recognize
it;
he must adhere to the
ancient usage, recognizing only the
Under
these circumstances
it
is
god of Masonry.
almost
difficult
say which dishonors the God of the Bible most
to
the
minister or Masonry.
As
if
in utter
condemnation of
this
very act of
gross infidelity on the part of his professed followers, our blessed Lord himself declares, Matt. xii. 8:
"Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before
168
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
men, him will is in Heaven."
I
And
St.
also
deny before
Paul, in
Phil.
ii.
my
2,
Father which
distinctly asserts
that:
is
"Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ Lord, to the glory of God the Father." But, in addition to the foregoing prayers, the is
following
used in
also
all
Masonic lodges
in this
country, though omitted in Canada.
In the concluding portion of the legend of the
Hiram
Abiff,
in a canvass,
sham-
third degree, the candidate, personating lies
on the lodge
floor,
wound up
The Master and brethren surround his pretended dead body, and make two ineffectual efforts
ming to
death.
raise
it,
but
fail
each time by reason of
its
sup-
posed decomposition. The Master then, pretending to be in great distress, demands, "brethren, what shall
we do?"
us pray
;"
The
Senior
the Master then
Warden adds,
suggests, "let let
"brethren,
us
mock
and they all kneel on one knee, in solemnity around the sham dead body of the candiand the Master date minister or mock auctioneer pray
;"
reads or
repeats the following so-called prayer.
"Manual Thou,
of the
O God
!
Lodge," by Mackey: knowest our down-sitting and our
uprising, 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
MASONIC PRAYERS.
Man that is born of a woman is of few vale of -tears. days and full of trouble. Hecometh forth as a flower, and is cut down he fleeth also as a shadow, and con;
tinueth not. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with theejthou 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 decay eth and dricth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not up till the heavens shall be no more. Yet, Lord! have compassion on the children of thy creation, administer them comfort in time of tiouble, and save them with an everlasting
O
salvation.
Amen.
Response
"So mote
it
be."
Prayer at the grave of Hiram, personated by the candidate.
The annexed engraving
represents the candidate
minister, or dancing master
as
he plays the part
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
170
of dead
Hiram
room, the brethren and
in the lodge
Master kneeling around
supposed dead body, and
his
the latter reading the above, so-called prayer.
Now
suppose that
God
should say to this candi-
date, thus enacting such a deceptive mockery, as he
once said to that avaricious planter, "thou
moment shall thy make him dead in
fool, this
be required of thee," and so reality, what would be the fear-
life
consequence of his guilty conduct? And if he believes at all in the teaching of God's Word,' how ful
is it
possible that a minister, or professing Christian,
can retire from such a scene as in his closet, return
this, and, kneeling thanks to God, through Christ,
for the privilege afforded
him
of
engaging
such
in
a grossly, wicked abomination, and acting and per-
sonating such a
lie?
And now,
having thus briefly examined the prayers of the lodge and Masonic worship, and having seen it practically demonstrated that Freemasonry, us
now
if
not antichristian,
is
nothing
at all,
let
take a hurried glance at the prayers of
the chapel and
Romish worship, and
the most anti-scriptural
and
infidel,
see
which
and who
is
is
the
most consistent, an Irish Catholic or an American divine.
Like the manuals and monitors of Masonry, all
the devotional
books
of
Romanism
are
sub-
MASONIC PRAYERS.
stantially
I^t
the same, but here I shall
use the latest
publication.
In the "Ursuline Manual," recommended by "John, Cardinal McCloskey," and published in New York by Thos. Kelly, 17 Barclay St., I read on p. 27 as follows: n Our life, our Hail, Queen Mother of mercy sweetness and our hope, hail! Exiles, children of Eve, we cry to thee; to thee we sigh, mourning !
and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn, gracious advocate, turn thou upon us the eyes of thy tender after this our exile ended, show unto ; us Jesus, the blessed fruit of thy womb, gentle, sweet Virgin Mary. Make me worthy to tender, Give me strength against praise thee, holy Virgin. thine enemies."
mercy and
O
O
O
Again, on
60
p.
"LITANY OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN:"
"We
O
thy patronage, holy Mother of not in our our necessities, but despise petitions deliver us from all dangers, ever glorious and blessed Virgin."
God
fly to
;
O
And again, on
p. 66:
tenderest hearted Virgin, of old the ear hath never heard that he to thee for refuge, implored thy help
"Remember, Mary,
how from who ran
and sought thy prayers was forsaken of God. Virgin of virgins, Mother, emboldened by this conIfly to thee, to thee I come, and in ihy pre-
fidence,
sence I, a weeping sinner, stand. Mother of the Word Incarnate, cast not away my prayer, but in thy pity hear and answer. Amen."
O
Now
compare these prayers with the prayers of and Masonry say which contains the most idolatry,
172
and which dishonors the Lord Jesus Christ most?
The Romish
priest prays to
the
Mary, and "stands
before her a weeping sinner," imploring her aid as the mother of Christ, while the Protestant minister, as
the
Masonic
sinner, repudiates
Christ altogether, and
the
name
of
addresses his worship to the
^god of nature"
And to Jesus,
again,
from the "Christian's Pious Address
Mary and Joseph :"
"Most adoi^ible Jesus, most admirable Mary, most amiable Joseph; Wonderful trinity of three persons, the most holy that ever have been or eyer shall be in this world, prostrate at your feet in union of all the humility and devotion of heaven and earth, I hail, honor and love you in every way in
my
power."
Here you
will
observe that Jesus,
Mary and
Joseph are mentioned in the same breath, and receive equal "honor and love" from the Roman Catholic worshiper.
Now Masonic
compare this with the following from the and manual.
ritual
At the opening of every lodge the Worshipful Master proclaims: "Accordingly, in the name of God and the Saints John, I declare Lodge No. open in form on the third degree of Masonry" (or first or second, as the case may be.) "Hand Book," P- 39
Holy
:
MASONIC PRAYERS.
173
In the "Manual of the Lodge," by Mackey, p. 13,
we
read:
then declared, in the name of Saints John, to be opened in due form on the first, second or third degree of
"The lodge is God and the Holy
A
lodge is said to Masonry, as the case may be. be opened in the name of God and the Holy Saints John, as a declaration of the sacred and religious purposes of our meeting" &c. Now if it is sinful and idolatrous* for a Roman
Mary and Joseph on
Catholic to put Jesus,
same
level,
ence,
is it
speaking
them with equal
of
not just as sinful and
the least of
the Saints
it,
for
Freemason
a
John on
same
the
the
rever-
idolatrous, to say to place
level
God and
and mention
names with the same degree of respect and
their
Or how in this instance Romanism wrong and Freemasonry right?
with equal pious regard? is
In direct opposition to
and
as
tices,
if
to specially
both of
Lord himself
the
all this
condemn
wicked
infidelity,
these idolatrous prac-
lodge and chapel, our blessed
declares, in
John
x. i, 9:
'
"Veiily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up sonic other way, the same is a thief and a robber. I am the door; by me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved."
And again, John xv. 23: "He that hateth me, hateth my And John 23: i
Father also."
ii.
"Whosoever denieth
the Son, the
same hath not
1
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
74
the Father; but he that the Father also."
And
acknowledged the Son, hath
again, St. Paul says,
i
Tim.
ii.
5:
"There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
And again, in Isaiah xlii. 8: "I am the Lord; that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."
And I
again, in Chap, xlviii.
1 1
:
"For mine own sake, even for mine own sake will do it: for how should my name be polluted? And
/ "will not give my glory
to
another"
John, verse 9: transgresseth and abideth not in the do trine of Christ hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son." vSo, also, in 2
"Whosoever
But how can
it
Romanism "abidwhen the man-made
be claimed that
eth in the doctrine of Christ,"
laws and decrees of that church place the Virgin Mary above and before Christ? And, on the other hand, how can
be asserted with any degree of truth that a can "abide in the doctrine of Christ," and still
it
man
be a Freemason,
when Freemasonry
diatorship of Christ altogether?
which system
is
Or,
rejects the
me-
in this instance,
the most erroneous and Christ-dishonoring
Romanism
or
Freemasonry?
CHAPTER MASONRY MUTILATES THE Masonic witnesses.
Credibility of
name expunged
Inconsistency of Masonic
Mutilation of
the Bible expressly,
Masonic morality a
forbidden.
A
BIBLE.
Christ's
from the Scriptures. ministers.
VII.
trinity of
thieves.
Rome
caricature.
of
Worship
the Virgin
mutilates the Bible.
Mary. most to be condemned, a Masonic minister?
a Catholic
Which
is
priest
or
Considering what has been already advanced the
against
institution,
think
it
Masonic one might
scarcely possi-
add anything more, or to adduce any
ble
further proof to it
is
show
Christianity. this
code
that, as a religious
And
point.
yet
We
it
is
philosophy,
and that
in
diametrically opposed
to
a base, unscrupulous fabrication,
principle and practice
on
to
we have still
stronger evidence
have seen that
its
only moral
the "law of nature," and
the only god of and the "G. A. O. T. U." We religion worship have found that it considers the Bible as no better is
its
than the Koran, nor as good as
its
Square and
Com-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
176
pass,
and that
places as
it
much
in the
pretended revelations of
Word
of God.
We
reliance, if not
have learned that
mallets are said to purify
more,
as in the
paganism
gavels and
its
the heart, that
its
hood-
winks, cable-tows, and clownish buffoon ceremonies " new birth," and that obedience to accomplish the and obligations precepts, requiring a man to lie at
every turn, will free one from sin, and to crown all, we have seen that it ignores and rejects the Lord Jesus Christ,
"
"
his
carefully excluding
name from
every prayer and religious ceremony of its pagan All this, one might suppose, ought to be ritual.
enough
to
condemn any system
to lasting
infamy
at
of the Christian public, but one more act of sacriligious Freemasonry commits
least in the estimation
vandalism, which for the wickedness of tion all
and the bare-faced impiety of
its
other works of
in the shade.
It
its
its
concep-
execution casts
damning darkness completely
blackballs Christ, and
admits the
Jew, the pagan, the rum-seller, the profane and the gambler, but a
still
it
manifests
more marked and
its
antipathy to Christianity in
positive
manner, by knowingly^
designedly and wickedly expunging His name even from the Bible itself. Not satisfied with excluding
Him
from
all its
religious worship,
His name from His
this willful
absolutely steals
own Word. And
and church members of prove of
it
its
the ministers
connection not only ap-
degradation of the Lord Jesus
MASONRY MUTILATES THE
BIBLE.
177
but they actually swear to "maintain and support it," and exert what influence they can to foist Christ,
the blasphemous philosophy of Freemasonry
upon
community for divine truth. The Church of Christ is usually represented, in the Bible, under the figure of a temple, of which the
'
Christ himself
is
both the foundation and living
head. St. Paul, in
writing to the Corinthians, says:
"Ye
are God's building."
And
again, in Ephesians
ii.
20, 21
:
u And are
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, in all the building, fitly
whom
framed together, groweth unto an holy temple Lord." Freemasonry,
as a counterfeit of the
Christ, refers in like
temple which his heart,
and
in
manner
pretends
pure and
corrupt
less,
And
it
to the
in the
Church
of
symbolism of a
every Mason
is
erecting in
spotless, but of which, neverthe-
human
nature
is
the only foundation.
order to sustain this pretension at any risk,
to establish
sion that spiritual
man
by some means the erroneous delu-
can save himself and offer so-called
sacrifices
on
his
own
merits alone,
it
has
into its ritual, and always uses in its what purports to be a portion of the work, degree Second Chapter of St. Peter's First General Epistle,
transferred
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
*78
from the
to the seventeenth verses inclusive, but
first
from which, of course, in "strict obedience" to Masonic law, and in perfect harmony with an "ancient land-
knowingly and willfully expunges the name of Christ, and thus quotes the Scriptures as Satan mark,"
it
quoted them about 1900 years ago. rulers and teachers of the craft, those reins of
we
are
And yet who hold
the the
and whose power sworn to obey "right or wrong," cunningly in the institution,
attempt to cover up
edicts
transparent swindle by
this
pretending that the Scripture passages incorrectly quoted in the earlier Masonic publications have in the later editions been "set
right
and corrected."
This charge will be fullv sustained by the following extracts copied from and the "Advertisement"
"Preface"
to the last edition of
by Past Grand
"Webb's Monitor,"
Master Morris, of Kentucky, and
published by Past Grand Orator, J. C.
Chicago,
"To
in
W.
Bailey, of
1872.
the Masonic Fraternity everywhere:
"Dear Brethren The preface to this Masonic Monitor attributes the origin of its compilation to Robert Morris, LL. D., who prepared it for John Sherer, of Cincinnati, and also sets forth its authenticity and its accuracy as a Masonic Monitor, as left to us by the original author, Thomas Smith Webb; the compiler having merely corrected the punctuation and the Scripttire passages incorrectly quoted.
***** patronage of
j? or
these reasons I ask the continued
this excellent
work^ whose cost
I
have
MASONRY MUTILATES THE
BIBLE.
179
********
reduced so that every Master Mason may purchase one for his special use."
Yours
fraternally,
JOHN
And Robert to
C.
W.
BAILEY.
Morris, the compiler above alluded
Bailey, asserts in his preface to this
by
relation to
Webb's
Monitor,"
p. 6:)
work,
in
original publication, ("Freemason's
he says, "the phraseology of 1816 and subsequent issues has been followed correcting typographical errors and improvfew Scripture passages ing the punctuation. incorrectly quoted have been set right," &c. "In
this edition,"
that of 1
,
A
From
these extracts, then,
W.
that
R.
M.
Bro.
Bro.
John C.
W.
it
will
be observed
Bailey, and
P.
Robert Morris, LL. D., both affirm
G. in
language that cannot be mistaken that the "Scripture passages incorrectly quoted"
Webb, of his this
by Thomas Smith
the original author, "in the earlier editions
work, and especially
edition, published
in that of 1816,"
by Bailey, "been
set
have
in
right"
and "corrected."
Let us now compare these two editions, that 1872, with one another, and with the
of 1816 and
Bible, and see
what
reliance can be
placed on the
pledged word of both these eminent Masons, one of them a deacon in one of our Chicago churches, and the other the Past
Grand Master
of a
Grand Lodge,
and a celebrated Masonic lecturer. I shall
place the Scripture passages as found in
180
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
both editions
in juxtaposition, so
shipful teachers
may be
seen at a glance
From the "Freemason's Monitor," by Thomas Smith Webb; Cushing and Appleton, Salem, 1816, p. 76:
truth or
that the
falsehood of our Right Worshipful and
Most Wor-
:
From the "Freemason's Monitor," Thomas Smith Webb; com-
by
by Robert Morris, LL. D.: JohnC. W. Bailey, Chicago, 1872,
piled
P- 73:
"Charge to be read thelodge:"-
"Whprpfnro
at opening
hrpthrpn
liv aside
aulSSf^^Tan^h^ and alf and evil
envies,
risies,
''Charge to be read at opening the ,
"Wherefore, brethren, lay aside malice and guile, and iypocand envies, and all evil isies,
all
f
speakings."
acceple
Now, by
reference to these passages,
it
will be
noticed at once that they are substantially the same,
and that the
false quotations of
Webb's earlier
edition
have neither been "set right," nor "corrected," but are precisely as he garbled them from the Bible in 1816, and, of course, precisely as they must remain until lodges
no more.
and chapters of Freemasonry
And by
further comparing
shall
what
is
be
here
purported to be a "correct" Scripture quotation with the text in the Bible itself, it will also be
found that one whole passage verse 2d is entirely, omitted, and that from verse 5 the name of Jesus
MASONRY MUTILATES THE
iSl
BIBLE.
knowingly and designedly expunged. And yet Deacon Bailey and Dr. Morris have the wicked Christ
is
audacity to palm off this clumsy cheat
upon
their poor
blindfolded dupes as "divine truth," while Masonic
whom
and those "good men" to
ministers
allusion
so frequently made, smilingly look on with marks of solemn approval from behind their little white aprons, and fraternally, join hands with the is
carrying out the
rest of their fellow-conspirators in
base deception.
In
Peter
i
ii.
the
5,
Masonic Monitor has
"to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to
while in the Scriptures
From
Salem,
"to
up
spiritual
From the "Freemason's Monitor,"
:
Moni-
"Freemason's
the
by
tor,"
is
Thomas Smith Webb,
1816, p. 232:
"The Scripture
read
is
by Thomas Smith Webb; compiled by Robert Morris, LL. D.,
of
passage
following-
at
open-
I.
W.
C.
2 Thessalonians,
we
"Now,
that
brethren,
yourselves
iii.
6 to
command
you,
withdraw
ye
from
17:
every
brother
Bailey, Chicago, 1872,
p. 102:
"The
passage
following is
Scripture
ng:
open-
command
you,
at
ing:
"Now
we
ye withdraw your-
brethren, that selves
from
brother
every
walketh disorderly, and
after
the
disorderly, and not the tradition which ye re-
tradition
Verse 12:
"Now
"Now, them command and
that
quietness they
work and
bread."
which
that
not after received
ye
of us."
ceived of us."
own
of
the
read
that walketh
Verse
God ;"
God, BY JESUS CHRIST."
sacrifices acceptable to
Again
it
offer
it:
are such,
exhort,
that
we
12:
them that
command,
and
with quietness they
eat their
own
are
exhort
such
we
that with
work and
eat their
bread." 2
Thess.
iii.
6, 16.
182
By referring
once more to these extracts,
both editions to be
we
find
corliterally the same, not a single
made, nor a wrong quotation "set right." compare them with the Scriptures, whence
rection
Now
they were copied, and note the difference. 2
Thessalonians
iii.
6 to
i
7
:
"Now, we command you, brethren, in the name LORD JESUS CHRIST, that ye withdraw your-
of our
selves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which he received of us." * *
Verse 12:
"Now, them that are such, we command and exLORD JESUS CHRIST, that with quietness * and eat their own bread." * work they hort by our
Here again it will be found that from both monitors, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is willfully and designedly expunged, and no correction whatever
made by
the impeccable Morris.
The "Masonic Text Book" puts it: "Now, we command you, brethren, that ye draw yourselves from every brother disorderly, "&c."
2
Thess.
with-
walketh
H. 6.
While the Word of God has
"Now, we command
that
it:
you, brethren, in the
name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves, "&c."
And
again, in the I2th
verse,
"Freemasonry,"
quotes: that are such, we command and exwith quietness they work and eat their own
"Now, them hort, that
bread."
MASONRY MUTILATES THE
BIBLE.
183
While the Bible says: "Now, them that are such, we command and
Lord Jesus Christ, that with eat their own bread." work and they hort by our
And
notwithstanding
tations of the
all this,
ex-
quietness
these garbled quo-
Masonic text-books are hypocritically
designated as "the following passages of Scripture," thus pretending that they are correctly given, while
Deacon Bailey and Robert Morris both unblushingly affirm that in the edition of Webb's Monitor, of 1872, the "Scripture passages" have been "set right" and "corrected."
And if Bailey
what they must know
to
and Morris will thus write order to sustain
\>z false, in
not other
men
of less character
Masonry, why may and respectability utter a falsehood with the same design
?
But not only of Christ editions,
is
the Bible mutilated, and the
name
expunged from Webb's Monitor, in all its from 1797 down to the present time, but the
same thing
is
also
done
in every
monitor and manual
used by the Masonic fraternity everywhere, as the
following Masonic text-books will abundantly I shall at first
place the
testify.
Holy Scriptures and one
of the Masonic text-books in juxtaposition, that the difference as all the
language,
between them may be seen this will suffice to
the omission quotation.
at a
glance; and
monitors are the same, and use identical
of Christ's
mark
name
the mutilation and
in
each succeeding
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
184 "Sickles'
Monitor,"
Holy
part
Scriptures,
i
Peter
ii.
to
i
17 inclusive:
to
"Charge
be
read
at
open.
Verse
?:
ing."
Verse
5:
"Ye,
also,
ye
built
up
"Ye, also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual
as living stones, be a spiritual house, an
sacrifices
holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God."
acceptable
to
BY
God
JESUS CHRIST."
simply quote here only those passages from
I
which the name of Christ authority, as the passage
expunged by Masonic already given in full on
is
is
but I desire to remark p. 80, from" Webb's Monitor;" once more that verse 2d is excluded from all the text1
books.
Again, Partii, 2 Thess.
iii.
p.
51: Holy
6-16:
Scriptures, 2 Thess.
iii.
6-
16:-
we
"Now,
"Now, brethren,
we that
not
ye every
you,
withdraw
brother from and walketh disorderly,
yourselves that
command
after
the
tradition
ye
re-
ceived of us."
in
brethren,
the
command name of
you,
our
Lord that Jesus Christ, ye from withdraw yourselves every
brother
disorderly, and tradition which
that
not
he
walketh the
after
received
of
us."
Verse
Verse
12:
"Now, them that are we command and exhort, with
quietness they eat their own bread."
work,
such, that
and
12:
"Now, them that are such command and exhort by
we
our Lord tha Jesus Christ, with quietness they work, and eat their
own
bread. 1 '
Again, "New Masonic Trestle-Board," by C. Moore. Part ii. p. 9:
*****
W.
u verse 5. Ye, also, as lively stones, be ye built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God." * *
MASONRY MUTILATES THE Again, on page 31,
in the
"Charge *
*
verse
at
BIBLE.
185
Royal Arch degree:
opening."
"Now,
6.
we
command
you, brethren, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."
*
*
"Now, them that are exhort, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." such,
verse
12.
we command and
"Freemason's Monitor," by Z. A. Davis, Philadelphia, 1843, p. 199:
"Charge *
be ye
*
to be read in the lodge."
verse
5.
"Ye,
also as lively stones,
spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God."
built
up a
Again, on
p. 226:
"The following passage
of Scripture
is
read at
the opening." 2 Thess. iii. 6-17: verse 6. "Now, we command you, brethren, that ye withdraw yourselves from
every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition that he received of us." * *
*
*
"Now, them that are such, exhort, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." verse 12.
we command and
From the "Masonic Past Gen. Grand
"To be
High
Ritualist,"
by A. G. Mackey,
Priest, &c., p. 271
read at opening the lodge."
* * verse 5. "Ye, also, as lively stones, be ye built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer
up sacrifices acceptable Again, on p. 348 :
to
God."
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
iS6*
"The following charge
read at the opening of
is
a chapter."
*
* verse 6. "Now, we command you, that brethren, ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."
*
*
verse
we command work, and
And,
lastly,
that are such,
"Webb's Monitor,"
from
New
p. 82, being the edition previous to that
of 1816, mentioned
"Charge *
"Now, them
2.
own bread."
eat their
York, 1802,
1
and exhort, that with quietness they
*
to
by Bailey and Morris.
be read verse
at
opening the lodge."
"If so be ye have tasted
5.
that the Lord is gracious to whom coming as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious; Ye also as living stones, be ye built up a spiritual house, an holy priest-
hood, to offer up spiritual
sacrifices,
acceptable to
God." Again, on page 140:
"The following passage
of Scripture
is
read at
the opening." 2 Thess. iii. 6-17. "Now we command you brethren that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the
tradition
you received from
"Now them
that
are
such
*
*
we command
verse 12: and ex-
work and
eat their
us."
hort that with quietness they bread."
own
These
rom
all
quotations
could
be easily multiplied
the Masonic text-books in
the country,
but enough has been already furnished to demon-
MASONRY MUTILATES THE the
strate
fact that
Freemasonry
BIBLE.
is
IJ and
willfnlly
designedly guilty of mutilating the Holy Scriptures, and of absolutely expunging the name of Christ
New
from every part of the
mock
profanely used with such
maeufacture of
We
its
Testament which
is
solemnity in the
ritual.
pagan
oftentimes see
making great parade
it
of
the Bible, just as the Pharisees used to parade their
prayers and almsgiving, carried
having
it
ostentatiously
outdoor processions, as a means of
in all its
in
advertising itself
but
estimation;
public
as
a
system of religious philosophy, and within the secret of
recesses that
fies
to
teachings, dishonors
its
fill
up the measure of
absolutely steals the
his
we
lodges and chapters,
contents, despises and ignores
its
it
its
also
find
debases and degrades that Bible, mutilates
it
ception and hypocrisy
its
name
own Word. And this horrible
its
its
precepts, falsi-
Divine Author; and,
infamy and
infidelity,
of Jesus Christ out of "v-
incubus of wickedness, deis
lying to-day, like a hideous
bosom of the church, nightmare, while men, calling themselves ministers of Christ, across
the very
and professing Christians
hug
.
this
though
it
terrible
were
of
delusion
but slaves to their
to,
Masonry
souls, and,
as
some inestimable public benefit, they
cherish and foster
its
extensive wicked growth in
every nook and corner of our country.
Too
truly,
1
88
indeed,
may
it
be said
in the
language of the ancient
prophet:
"A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?" Jer. v. 30, 31. ;
The command is
of
God
positive and unequivocal.
in relation to his
He
Word
declares expressly
in Deut. iv. 2:
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you neither shall ye diminish aught from ;
it."
And again, in "What thing
xii.
32:
soever I command you, observe to do it;thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish
from
it."
And
Rev.
in
xxii. 18, 19, the
Son
of
God
ex-
pressly affirms:
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in
"And
any man
this
book.
shall take
the take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in if
words of the book of
this
this
away from, God shall
prophecy,
book." But, as
#
sort of
an apology
for,
or vindication
of, the willful and wicked mutilation of God's
Word,
and the absolute repudiation and rejection by Free-
masonry of the name of Jesus Christ, Past Grand
MASONRY MUTILATES THE Master Dr. Albert G, Mackey
BIBLE.
offers the
189
following
explanation:
He
says in
"The
his
"Masonic
Ritualist," p. 272:
are taken with slight but necessary modifications from the 2nd chapter of the First Epistle of Peter and the 28th chapter of Isaiah."
passages
Hence, according to Masonic law, the mutilation of the Bible and the "handling of the Word of
God
deceitfully" are but
"slight modifications" while to willfully ignore and dishonor the name of
Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
absolutely necess-
is
ary.
And
yet this
miserable counterfeit,
by
its
Grand Masters and Grand Orators, has the bold effrontery
to
prate
of
its
noble "tenets,
boast of the high moral tone of
its
5
'
and
to
monitorial teach-
ing. It
professes to exercise "brotherly love," but the
"brotherly love" of Masonry flimsy
is
bond produced by wicked
nothing but the oaths,
cemented by
selfishness, and enforced by death penalties of which It lays great stress a cannibal might be ashamed.
upon
"relief," but the "relief" of the
"relief" for a recompense, is
lodge means and then only to him who
"clear on the books," and, at the
very best, but the bare fulfillment of a sworn obligation.
is
It
unblushingly speaks of "truth," while the whole
190 vile
system
is
nothing but one tissue of falsehood,
from beginning
end; and
to
Masonic
in
nification at all
if
means that you must friend, and even to
the term has any sigtext-books,
it
lie to parent, wife,
God
himself
Word
and rejecting Divine truth
true to
Masonry.
It alludes
to
simply
child and
falsifying in
his
order to be
"temperance"
in its
monitorial teachings, but the "temperance" of Free-
masonry simply requires that a man must not get so drunk as to become foolish enough to reveal its mountebank jugglery. The "fortitude" it recommends reaches only so far
Mason
as to enable a
the importunities of friends to quit the
sist
tution, or of the
denounce
its
demands of God and
to reinsti-
of conscience to
hidden works of darkness.
It alludes to
be "prudent" in all strange and mixed companies, never to let fall the least "prudence," but
it is
sign, token or
word whereby
only to
Masonry might be unlawfully refers to justice in its
moral code,
it
its
the
obtained.
And
it
ritual, but, like all the rest of
means favoritism
the lodge, and to a
(?) of
secrets
to
Masonry,
to
brother, but cunning trickery,
deception and double-dealing towards the cowan and
"profane" public. '
The
religious philosophy of
base caricature of the Church
Masonry of
Christ,
is
but a
and
its
moral code but a clumsy burlesque on the teaching of the
New
Testament; and hence,
in order to ob-
MASONRY MUTILATES THE idea
a correct
tain
and what
it
teaches,
And now
let
BIBLE.
19!
what the system
of
we must
read
it
really
is
backward.
us briefly examine
the other side
of this picture.
Romish Church the Ten Commandments
In the
run thus: "I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no God but me." "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord 2. God in vain." 3. "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day." "Honor thy father and thy mother," and so 4. 1.
other
thy
on.
Now
by comparing this with the Twentieth Chapter of Exodus, where the Ten Commandments aie written as
God
himself gave them,
found that one whole commandment is
entirely omitted, and that almost
are
more or
less mutilated.
make
God
will be
it
the second all
the others
has said:
"Thou
any graven image, nor any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or in the earth beneath or in the waters under the shalt
not
to thyself
earth; thou
shalt not
ship them."
And
bow down
as the
Church
to
of
them or wor-
Rome makes
an
extensive use of images in her religious services,
and as her people everywhere bow down before and worship them, it would never do to have this
Second Commandment ren
to
learn,
and
in the
hence
Catechism for child-
she
actually
steals
it
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
192
out of the decalogue, and
two
to
make up
Again,
in
the number.
Rev.
"And when to
then divides the tenth in
I
xxii. 8, 9,
written:
had heard and seen
worship before the
feet
shewed me these things. See thou do it not"
The Church
it is
of
Then
Rome
also
I fell
down
which he unto me,
the angel
of
said
teaches the vener-
angels, and in order to prove by some means that such idolatrous worship is right, she of
ation
quotes this Scripture, but she does herself.
suit
it
falsely
and to
She omits the words "See thou do
not," and gives the foregoing part of the passage, pretending it to be the correct teaching of the it
Bible.
And again, in Luke iv. 9, 10, we read: "And he brought him to Jerusalem and
set
htm
on a pinnacle of the temple and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God cast thyself down from
thence; for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up lest at at any time thou dash
thy foot against a stone."
Now, by
referring
to
Psalm
xci.
u,
12,
from
which the
devil quoted this Scripture, it will be found that he designedly omitted the very gist
of
the
shall
whole passage.
give
his
thee in all thy
thee in
all
The
angels charge
ways."
Psalmist
over
says,
"He
to
keep
thee,
These words, "to keep
thy ways," the devil very cunningly omits
MASONRY MUTILATES THE and makes a malicious attempt wicked counterfeit as truth.
BIBLE.
193
own
to pass off his
Here then, we have Freemasonry mutilating the RoScriptures and stealing the name of Christ.
manism mutilating the
Scriptures and stealing the
Second Commandment and portions of other passages, and the devil mutilating the Scriptures and the
stealing
most important
of the text he
part
quotes.
Now which or the devil
think you, is the most wicked and the most
villainous thief? tration to
to
I
think
be able
Masonic
the
Masonry, Romanism
of these three
to
it
but
requires
little
award the palm of
pene-
victory
institution.
One of the most popular doctrines of the Romish Church- is the "Invocation of Saints," and unquestionably the Virgin
Mary
is
the only one being,
receives the greatest honor, and to
the greatest glory in the
man
Romish
whom
system.
is
Every Ro-
Catholic in the world prays to the Virgin
at least ten times for
Mary
every one time he prays to God,
and without her special
intercession,
would consider himself sure of God's tion to this doctrine, the
follows
who
ascribed
church of
no Romanist
favor.
Rome
In relateaches as
:
Creed of Pope Pius IV,
article 7:
"Likewise, that the Saints reigning together with Christ, are to be honored and invocated, and that they
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
194
offer prayers to God for us, in veneration."
and that their
relics are to
be held
The "Council
of Trent," Session 25, teaches:
"That those men hold impious sentiments, who deny that the Saints who enjoy eternal happiness in
heaven are to be invoked, or who affirm that they do not pray for men, or that to invoke them to pray for us, even for each individual is idolatrous, and that it is contrary to the Word of God, and opposed to the honor of Jesus Christ, the mediator between God and man or that it is foolish to supplicate verbally or men;
tally those
who
reign in heaven."
And
agreeably to the doctrine laid down infallible authorities, a canonized saint of the
Church,
St.
Bonaventura, published a
work
in these
Romish in
honor
Virgin Mary, in which he paraphrases the Psalms of David, and from w*hich he has expunged
of the
names "God" and "Lord," and when convenient has substituted the names "Mary" and "Lady." This
the
work and the
is
is
called the ,"Psalter of the Blessed Virgin,"
one of the most popular books of devotion
whole
priests
Romish Church,
and other
In Psalm
we
ii,
especially
among
in
the
ecclesiastics.
of this "Psalter of the Blessed Virgin"
read:
"Come
unto her
In Psalm vi
ye that labor, and are heavy you rest in your souls."
all
laden, and she will give :
"O Lady, leave me not to be rebuked in the indignation of God, nor to be judged in his displeasure."
MASONRY MUTILATES THE
BIBLE.
195
In Psalm xv: "Blessed be thy paps, with which thou hast nourSavior, with God-making milk." (lacte
ished the deifico.)
In Psalm xix:
"Forsake us not in the time of our death, but succour the soul when it shall have left* its body. Send an angel to meet it, and to defend it from the
enemy." In Psalm xxi:
"Blessed are they who love thee Virgin Mary; be mercifully washed away by thee." "O Lady, I have cried to thee day and night; thou
their sins shall
hast had
mercy on thy servant."
"Let the families of the nations adore thee, and let all
the ardor of angels glorify thee, etc."
In Psalm xxx:
"In thee Lady have I trusted, I shall not be confounded for ever; in thy grace uphold me."
Thus
it
will be observed that the
Romish Church
through one of the most honored of her deified
saints,
mutilates the Scriptures so as to reject Christ and substitute
the pagan
Minerva,
Mary, who occupies the same position in worship of modern Rome, that Venus
Isis,
or Astarte, did in the
the ancients, while
Freemasonry from
tures in order to reject Christ substitute
Jupiter,
lodge.
Hiram
in
pagan worship of
mutilates the Scrip-
AbifF,
who
the professedly
is
its
prayers, and
the Osiris, or Baal, or
pagan worship of the
THE MASTER'S CARPET. x
196
One system worships
the goddess, and the o^*ci
the god of the old pagan idolatories.
Now,
Romanism
if
is
to
be condemned
and
and church
abhorred by our Protestant members for mutilating the Word of God, and rejecting the Lord Jeeus Christ, as the mediator between God and man, why do they not abhor and condemn ministers
(
Freemasonry for the same iniquity ? Or does that which is a positive vice in Romanism, and when
by
practiced virtue
a priest in the chapel,
Freemasonry, and
in
become an exalted
when
practiced
by
a
Methodist or Congregational minister in a Masonic lodge?
The central
of
figure
Freemasonry,
Hiram
is
as the non-sectarianism of
fundamental principles, or that the name of Christ cannot be used is
is
While on the other hand, the great
Now, inasmuch one of
Romish system
great central figure of the
the Virgin Mary.
its
Abiff.
Masonry
in other words,
any Masonic
in
prayer, nor even be quoted in the lodge, in any Scripture passage in which it occurs, which I would ask is
the most anti-christian system of the two
?
Romanism,
which honors Christ, even but a little,and that indirectly through Mary altogether?
Roman
?
or Freemasonry,
And who
Catholic
?
who
who
the most
who was born
Methodist Minister, to a lodge
is
repudiates Christ
consistent?
A
into his faith, or a
swears himself half-naked in-
CHAPTER
VIII.
MASONIC ANTIQUITY. King Solomon never Grand Nor Master. The SS. John, not Masons. all
the
Presidents.
meeting shop.
Arnold a Mason.
rueld in
The
Sprung 1717. " Masonic fathers."
up
in
First
a
grog-
The Masonic
religion and philosophy revived.
Signs, grips,
Early
and lodge government invented. Two conflicting seceding Masons.
Grand
Lodges.
passwords
Masonry conceived
and sustained hy deception. invented and how.
in
fraud
Mah-hah-bone, by
whom
WQ\\, fath-
Henry: er,
a
me
you have given most startling
in-
sight into the real de-
sign and
character of
Masonic philosophy. But now I am the
desirous
how
this vast
of
knowing
system of deception and despotism
originated.
Who invented it?
Temple?
And
first
Or was it invented at all? Can its history be traced back to any definite source? Or is there any truth in the popular assertion, that it was first organized at the building of King Solomon's that
King Solomon,
himself,
was
its
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
19$
of
origin
established
Masonry?
?
Mr. Barton;
my
What was And why was it first
"Most Excellent Grand Master?"
first
the
The answer
dear Henry, leads
to these questions,
once to a
at
full
investigation
of Masonic antiquity, and fortunately for us, on this, as on all other matters pertaining to that institution,
we
are furnished
by Masonic authors and
historians
themselvesj with the most minute, and most reliable information.
To
continue our researches then,
of
first
with
all
the
we
shall
begin
Grand Mastership of King
Solomon.
On
this
follows.
(I
subject, the
shall
Masonic
ritual
speaks as
quote only from Mackey, as the
monitorial teaching in
all
Masonic
text
books
is
the
same.)
"Manual of
the Lodge,"
by Mackey,
p. 55:
"Our K^ing lent
ancient brethren dedicated their lodges to Solomon, because he ivas our first Most Excel-
Grand Master."
And
again on p. 109, in reference to the temple,
he says:
was symbolically supported, also, by three columns, Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, which were represented by the three Grand Masters, Solomon, King of Israel; Hiram, King of Tyre; and Hiram Abiff." "It
principal
Now,
both
the
assertions
contained in
these
MASONIC'
ANTIQUITY.
extracts stand unsupported in
world, and
the
are
199
by any other testimony
historically
untrue.
Solomon never was Grand Master of and he
society,
knew no more
about the
a
King Freemason
little
mallets,
and plumb-lines, and hoodwinks, and little blue ropes, and white aprons of a lodge of Speculative Masons, than he did of the first battle of Bull Run, or the great Chicago clearest
fire.
On
this point
we have
the very
and most positive evidence, not only from
the highest dignitaries of the order, but also from
Grand Lodge Reports, and other
Of these,
I shall
official
its
documents.
only select a few.
In an address delivered by T. S. Parvin, Past Grand Master, and the present Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, at the Grand Reception,
given
in
published
by the Freemasons of Kcokuk, as the "Voice of Masonry," No. u,p. 63,
1876, in
he uses the following remarkable language:
"Such
oracles," (speaking of the
Masonic grand-
iloquent orators,) "are always proclaiming as Masons, Enoch, the translated; Solomon, the wise; and the SS. John, of Christian sanctity. It is amusing to note how they always enroll among their numbers the noble, and the good of all nations, and all the time as carefully exclude the opposite class. Now, in all candor, and with all proper respect to the brethren to this audience, not overlooking my own self-respect as a Mason, and a man of mature age, I must declare, that such stuff, while it may possibly be "told to marines," certainly to all such heresies we may apply the injunction of David in his lament over Saul, and tell it not
2OO
in
Gath, publish
it
not in the streets of Askelon.
tales -will surely, sooner or later, return to
as they ever should" " 't is
And
true,
pity
't is
Stick
our hurt
pity,
't is, 't is
"true,
that even Solomon ivas no Mason. AVith all his wisdom, great as it was, he knew no more of the mysteries of Freemasonry than did the beautiful Queen of Sheba, who came from afar to adore his wisdom and
the temple he built, if not to love his person. Nor is there any evidence, however faint, to prove that either of the SS. John, the austere and the lovely followers of all that is good in heaven, or on earth were Masons, beyond the wish that it were so by rthe Christian portion of the Universal Brotherhood. Nor is it true that all the Presidents from Washington to Grant included, were, or are Masons. The first was, the last is not. And what would the spirits of those anti- Masons, the elder and younger Adams, and Van Buren, and Filmorej say, to the cruel accusation, could they but wing their way to the earth and throw back the lie in the face of their falsifiers. It is true, however and the truth must be told that Arnold, the single traitor of his age and country, was a Mason, as is well attested by the records of his lodge in Connecticut, his native State. So much the worse, both for the traitor, and those who, without evidence or trial would exclude
him from This
their associates." is
the testimony of one of the most eminent
Masons now
living,
dently relied
on
and a
man
too,
who can
be confi-
for his accurate historical
knowledge,
being one of the most honored professors
in the State
University of Iowa, at
Iowa
City.
But the celebrated Dr. Dalcho, the compiler of the Masonic constitutions of South Carolina, in his
MASONIC ANTIQUITY.
work
entitled
uses perhaps
"Ahiman Rezon,"
still
201
published in 1822,
stronger language.
He
says
:
"Neither Adam, nor Noah, nor Nimrod, nor Moses, nor Joshua, nor David, nor Solomon, nor John the Baptist, nor John the Evangelist belonged
Masonic order, however congenial their may have been. It is unwise to assert more than we can prove, and to argue against There probability. Hypothesis in history is absurd. is no record, sacred or profane, to induce us to believe that these holy and distinguished men were Freemasons and our traditions do not go back to their days. To assert that they were Freemasons to
the
principles
may cite
" make the vulgar stare," but will rather exthe contempt than the admiration of the wise."
And
the
Grand Lodge Report of
Illinois for
1873, emphatically affirms on p. 63:
"
And
while
it
is
true
that the fools are not
dead, it may now be safely said that he who teaches that Adam, Seth or Solomon were Freemasons, sins against light and knowledge and ought to be excluded from the platform of inall
struction."
Also Cornelius Moore, of Cincinnati, a celebrated Masonic historian and lecturer and author of a text book on Freem*r ,nry, called the " Craftsman," in the March number of the "Voice of Masonry" 1878, page 1 88, writing on this very same subject of King Solomon's Grand Mastership, expresses
himself in "
the following forcible manner:
Every one who knows anything about it, is aware that the pretended charter of A. D. 926 is pure fiction, and that the effort to trace the history
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
2o2
of the order to king Solomon, and make him " our " first Most Excellent Grand Master is an insult to every member of the order. If we must have a Grand Master of three thousand years ago, do let us have one who had some claims to morality and decency. Solomon was a disgrace to his nation as well as to the moral sense of the world. Such a man Grand Master of Masons! No, no, the whole averment, as I said before, is an insult to the moral sense of every intelligent Mason, and the utterer of such stuff can only plead ignorance as an excuse for his proclaiming it before the world."
But the question may a
manifest contradiction
and
Masonic
these
be
is
asked,
then between
authorities
there not the
ritual
quoted, where
just
King Solomon was, and the other he was not Grand Master? In reply to this
one
asserts that
that
be necessary to say that Freemasonry
it
will only
is
the science of religious symbolism.
done
in the
and
every
Everything degree work, every name mentioned
implement made
use
of
in the lodge,
The allusion has a symbolic religious meaning. of Solomon is even to the temple merely symbolic, hence the in
the
power,
"
a
defToting
spiritual
in
the heart," is
and
used only
same
manner, as a symbol of authority, On this greatness, wealth and wisdom.
point the " Manual
speaks
temple
name of Solomon himself
of the Lodge," by
Mackey,
p.
26,
as follows:
"The
fact is
that
in
Masonry
all
allusions to
MASONIC ANTIQUITY.
203
the temple of Solomon are simply symbolic, and while the great symbol of a material temple prefiguring a spiritual one is preserved, no care has ever been taken to obtain correctness of architectural details or even of strictly historical facts."
When we come
to
examine the symbolism of
the lodge and to enquire
into
reason
the
for
government by a Master and two Wardens,
its
we
have occasion to refer again to the symbolic use of the name of Solomon in the Masonic philshall
osophy, but for the present
it
is
enongh
for us to
" historical fact "
he never was know, Grand Master of a Masonic Grand Lodge, nor was that
a
as
first
Freemasory
organized
in
Judea, nor
at
the
building of the temple.
This being the
case,
then the question natur-
when and where
did oui^resent system ally arises, of Grand Lodge Masonry, or as it is commonly called,
"Speculative
Freemasonry" first originate? there was a time when all
Unquestionably ^such vainglorious titles
as
Worshipful Master, Most
Worshipful Grand Master, Most Excellent High Priest, Most Excellent King, Thrice Illustrious
Grand
Master,
Grand
Elect
Thrice Perfect
Puissant
and
Grand
Sublime
Master,
Mason,
and
Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander, were At what period then, did these entirely unknown. extravagant soubriquets come to be applied tailors,
cobblers,
to
the
counter-jumpers, pothouse-politici-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
204
ans, dancing masters
largely
and humble
compose the Masonic
(?)
Christian*
history itself furnishes on this point
all
who
Masonic
institution?
the
necess-
ary information, and does
it so accurately too, giving and places, and describing what actually occurred, in such a clear and comprehensive manner, that no doubt can possibly re-
names
the
main
of persons
*
as to the birthplace, the origin
sent age of
In "
Chase,
p.
and the pre-
Grand Lodge or Speculative Masonry,
The 10,
Digest of Masonic Law," by G.
we
W.
read:
On
the accession of George I., the masons of (that is the stone masons) and its environs resolved to revive the communications and annual festivals of the society. With this view the lodges at the Goose and Gridiron in St. Paul's Church Yard; the Crown in Parker's Lane; the Apple-tree Tavern in Charles St., Covent Garden and the
London
Rummer
and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminter, (the only lodges existing in the South of England at the time) with some other old brethren met at the Apple-tree Tavern, above mentioned, in February 1717, and having voted the oldest Master Mason then present, into the chair, "constituted themselves a
Grand Lodge pro
tem^
pore."
This was the
meeting ever held, and we have any record
in the
history of the world, either sacred or profane,
when
the
first
first
time of which
any mention whatever
is
made
this is
of a Grand Lodge, or
any other lodge of Speculative Masonry.
At
the very best then,
we
find that
it
is
but
a
MASONIC ANTIQUITY.
2CKJ
svlf-constituted society, the offspring of a
shop, and numbering among a score or
more of the
its
low grog-
members about
first
convivial, free-and-easy stone-
masons who occasionally frequented the Apple-Tree Tavern, and other saloons in the purlieus of London as
mentioned by George Wingate Chase.
it
to-day in
its
Viewing
despotic attitude of self-righteousness,
impudent assumption of power and and its utter defiance of popularity, public opinion, and listening to the high-flown eloquence of its observing
its
Grand
Orators,
Priests,
one
is
Grand Kings,
Grand
and
High
forcibly reminded of that famous ex-
clamation of the town-clerk of Ephesus, in reference
and that celebrated image which he pompously claimed had failed down from Jupiter "Great Great now is the Freeis Diana of the Ephesians !" to Diana,
masonry of the "Apple Tree-Tavern But again
I
read from the
Law
"Digest of Masonic Law,"
p.
!"
Book.
1 1
:
"Accordingly on the 24th of June, 1717, the assembly and feast were held at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern, in St. Paul's Church Yard, (in compliment to the oldest lodge, which met there,) and the oldest Master Mason, and Master of a lodge, having taken the chair, a list of candidates for the office of Grand Master was produced, out of which 4 by a majority of hands,' the brethren elected Mr. Anthony Sayer, Grand Master of Masons for the ensuing year,
who was
forthwith invested by the said oldest Master, and installed by the Master of the oldest lodge. The
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
2o6
Grand Master then appointed his Wardens, (Captain Joseph Elliot and Mr. Jacob Lamball,) and commanded the brethren of the four lodges to meet him and his Wardens quarterly in communication." This
is
the
these are
or of
the
Grand Lodge of Masons and Grand officers that ever existed,
first
first
which tKere
is any account. Masonry can trace back from the present time to this June history meeting at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in 1717,
its
and give the names of all the succeeding Grand Mas* ters from that time to this, but prior to that, all is Egypt, ian darkness as regards Speculative its
in
present form.
We
not
Freemasonry
Anthony Sayer, of London, and King Solomon, of Jerusalem, was its first Grand find
that
Master; Captain Joseph Elliot, and not Hiram, of Tyre, its first Grand Senior Warden and that Jacob Lamball, a carpenter, and not Hiram Abiff, the brass;
linisher,
of
Temple fame, was
its
first
Grand Junior
Warden. But
we
have still further, and perhaps stronger on this subject. Mr. A. T. C. Pierson, testimony than whom no higher Mason, and no better authority can be found in the world, says in his "Traditions of
Freemasonry," p. 253 "A. D. 1717, was a new epoch in the history of Freemasonry, immediately prior to which time, but few lodges were in existence. The society was composed of 'working Masons, the only exceptions were :
made
in favor
of
men
distinguished for rank, scientific
MASONIC ANTIQUITY.
2OJ
On St. John, the attainments, or position in civil life. above-mentioned the of year, an Evangelist's day, annual feast was held for the first time in several years. Several new regulations were adopted, one of which authorized the acceptance of members without reference to occupation or pursuit." into
"Previous to A. D. 1717 those who were accepted the fraternity, and who were not operatives,
were designated as gentlemen Masons; after the change in the regulation governing admission was made, we find the term Speculative Masonry used." This places the birth of Speculative Freemasonry beyond a question, and not only so, but it fixes the exact time even, "speculative" were
From
system.
all
when first
the words "accepted" and used in connection with the
the foregoing testimony then,
learn three very important facts, ally aid us in
understanding
First, that
up
we
which must materi-
this subject:
to the year 1717, the only
form of
world was Operative MasonMasonry were ry, and that the only Masonic organizations "Stone Mason's Unions." Second, that into these existing in the
"Stone Mason's Unions" or inguished"
men
who were
occasionally admitted
societies,
not
Masons, and
or accepted,
afterwards designated as "gentlemen third,
ing
that
of
"dist-
were
who were
Masons," and
February, 1717, at a general meet"Trades Unions," held in a saloon
"Apple Tree Tavern," was passed abolishing the
called the lution
in
those
some
in
London, a
reso-
hitherto exclusive
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
208
and accepting without reference to occupation membership or pursuit, and whether distinguished or not, provided only their moral character was not very bad, nor
character of these societies altogether,
men
to
their pocket
This
books empty.
February
meeting,
informed, was composed of
as
we
are
further
scattered remnants
the
of four lodges in the South of England, (being the
only ones then in existence,) who constituted themselves a General Assembly, for the future regulation
and government of the new organization, and this is the germ of what is to-day called "Ancient Masonry," and the origin of our present
system of Masonic government. to this first
at
Some
Grand Lodge time previous
the Apple- Tree Tavern, (of
meeting which, however, Masonic history furnishes no record,) among others, one James Anderson, a Scotchman, and
John Theopholis Desauguliers, a French infidel refugee, were admitted as "gentlemen Masons." Desauguliers 1719, as
was in
was afterwards
we
elected
Grand Master
in
Mr. George Payne of Montague Duke, John Anderson published in 1723, the
learn from Pierson;
elected in 1720, and
1721,
while
"Charges of a Freemason" the first book on Masonry that ever saw the light and these are the "Masonic Fathers,"
who
in
subsequently became so active in con-
Sayer, Elliott, Lamball, and others, and perfecting the Masonic degrees, compiling
nection with
MASONIC ANTIQUITY. and
209
propagating the principles of the system,
iii
wherever
British
commerce
or
British
influence
could introduce the noxious pestilence.
And in
the
in relation to the
wonderful zeal manifested
of their
prosecution
self-imposed task, the
rapidity with which new degrees were multiplied the number and quality of the various Masonic rites
which
manufactured, the unprecedented popularity
new
the
system suddenly acquired in England, France and Germany, the real design which the early managers of the institution had in view, and fangled
the only motives by
disseminating a
which they were actuated
knowledge of
its
Mr. Pierson furnishes the following graphic tion in his "Traditions of 333
Freemasonry,"
descrip-
pp. 254,
:
"The ing
in
wonderful mysteries
men
fraternity
became very popular, and design-
sought to make
selfish purposes.
NEW
use
of
it
for
their
own
DEGREES were created and
became the rage every'where^but more particularly in France and Germany, which became the hot-bed as it were of so-called Masonic degrees whose number was legion.j Many of these degrees were arranged in systems or rites, most of which had their day and died out; a few, however, became popular, and have continued to be cultivated."
"Soon
after the
REVIVAL
in
the south of
Eng-
improved system was introduced into France and Germany by the English residents of both countries,; here as in England, the society became very popular, but the caprice of the intriguing spirits of the times assumed a different phase and the rage ivas land, the
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
2io
r
for new degrees with high-sounding titles and showy costumes." (This seems to be the rage even to the
present day. ) "The politician, the priest, the philosopher, the astrologer, the deist, the religionist and the amhitious, took advantage of the prevalent idea. Kings, princes, statesmen, clergymen, politicians, tailors, the men of science; in fact, men in all ranks of
became actively engaged in manufacturing degrees
life
and arranging
rites to
advance their particular
inter-
The
ests, theories, dogmas, or ambitious pretensions. lists enumerate upwards three thousand degrees,
r
of each claiming to be Masonic or analogous thereto, and all created within three quarters of a century after the revival/'
From
this testimony, furnished
Masons
leading
important
of America,
we
learn the following
First, that the
facts:
by one of the
work performed
at
June meetings of 1717 was a REMasonic philosophy. Second, that
the February and
VIVAL this
into
of the
newly revived philosophy, on being introduced France and Germany, and being exactly suited
to the spirit of infidelity
and free thought prevailwith amazing rapid-
ing in these countries, spread ity,
and
trolled
third, that the
entire
movement was
con-
who
and managed
by "intriguing spirits," were almost constantly employed in "manufacturing new degrees and arranging rites," with "high-
sounding titles and showy costumes," just such titles and costumes as are worn to-day by the
"Most
Puissant
Grand
Kings," the "Most Excellent Grand High Priests," and by the
Sovereign
''Thrice Illustrious
Elect
Perfect
and
Sublime
MASONIC ANTIQUITY. Masons,"
who
almost daily strut
democratic America. grees and
all
in
these de-
manufactured for the sole
purpose of advancing the pretensions, the
our, streets
that
Fourth,
were
rites
211
interests,
or the
theories
the
ambitious
dogmas
of
their
And, lastly, that durwhich intervened from the first saloon
different designing authors.
ing the time
meeting
in
until
February, 1717,
touch was given to the Royal
the last finishing
Arch degree,
as
we
by and by, no less than three thousand Masonic degrees had been manufactured and sold for cash in England, France and Germany. What shall learn
a startling history of the origin of
Freemasonry
this
and ^hat a singular commentary on the indifference, the subserviency, or the cowardice of is,
an institution, professedly organized by such cunning knaves, and for such base purposes, and which has been sustained by fraud, falsehood society, that
and
deception,
from
commencement
the
career to the present time, should
day
to v
nation,
dictate
and
that eyen
to create such
some of
nominattqris who who would like to
its
be permitted
-to-
not virtually
if
to,
of
a
its
rule
the
dread in communities
the ministers of
detest
to
vile
Christian de-
philosophy, and
earth,
swept from the face of the are absolutely afraid to mention its name,
either
in
see
the pulpit,
Sabbath school,
lest
it
the prayer meeting its
secret
or the
vendetta vengeance
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
212 *
might, in some concealed manner, be wreaked upon
themj
And now when
date
having accurately ascertained the exact and where Speculative Masonry was
organized, the names and residence of
its first officials,
where its first meeting was held, and the circumstances attending its early history and rapid growth, the next question which demands the very place even
where did Anderson, Desauguliers & Co. the material from which its degrees were com-
attention find
piled,
is,
and
how
into systems .
and
rites as
The Grand Lodge
answer on record
read as follows
"The
first
of
gives the best
Illinois
to these questions.
In the "Grand
we
come to be arranged we now have them?
did those degrees
Lodge Report"
of 1873, p. 128,
:
of the 'Charges of
a
Freemason'
is
the landmark concerning God and religion. It cannot be urged that this 'charge' is to be interpreted by the light of the legend and ceremonies of the third degree, or that it is in any manner qualified by them, for THE THIRD DEGREE WAS NOT MANUFAC-
TURED UNTIL ABOUT THE YEAR
1
72 1,
when
its
legend was adapted to Masonry from certain idle tales taken out of the Jewish 7 argums, published in London in 1715, from a MS. in the University Library at Cambridge."
And
Dr. Mackey,
m
his
"Encyclopedia of Free-
masonry," claims that the third degree was not manufactured until about the year 1738.
So then we have
it,
on the express declaration of
MASONIC ANTIQUITY. Grand Lodge,
a Sovereign
that even the legend of
the very best and most important of
degrees
been
has
2i3
"adapted
all
from
the Masonic certain
idle
tales
taken out of the Jewish Targums," and yet
these
same
idle tales,
upon them,
sublime
"that
which
"it
and the sublime degree founded to be of divine origin
are claimed
doctrine
of
divine truth"
beyond
cannot be conceived that anything can be
suggested more, which the soul of man requires." And professing Christians and Christian ministers pretend to believe this
ridiculous
absurdity, and
solemnly swear to maintain and cupport
it,
"right or
wrong."
And
again, in the "Traditions of Freemasonry,"
by Pierson,
p. 16,
we
read:
"To found upon the few
the Universality of traditional S.\ T.*. W.-.
Freemasonry which we are
taught in the initiatory degrees is flying in the face of Masonic experience, and of our universally spread doctrines, and is in opposition to the first principles It is admitted that we are in of the craft. possession of numerous legends which are not found in Holy Writ, but being of very ancient date are entitled to consideration, although the authenticity of some of
; yet we regard it as interesting and useful to gather up the traditional notices of the Early Ages, which, floating downward on the stream of time, have been arrested and preserved for our meditation and instruction."
them may be questioned
This
is
precisely
what Anderson, Desauguliers,
Montague, and the rest of their co-workers did in the period from 1717 to 1738. They "arrested and
2I 4
preserved" the "traditional notices," the "idle of the
pagan
course "are not to be found
in
tales,'*
which
legends of the "early ages,"
Holy Writ," and
of
these
"traditional legends, "or"idle tales," "although of ques-
tionable authenticity," they interspersed with mutilated
and garbled quotations from the Bible, thus forming degrees, and which they afterwards arranged into a regular system or series, constituting what rite.
Of
and are cultivated
"York
is
these Masonic rites or systems four at the
present time:
Rite," of four degrees, in
British provinces; the
called a
still
Namely
exist
the
England and the
"French or Modern Rite,"
of
seven degrees, in France and Belgium; the "Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite," of thirty-three degrees, in Europe and America^ and the "American, or Webb Rite," of thirteen degrees, in the United States alone.
Symbolic or "blue lodge" Masonry, however, consisting of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master
Mason degrees, is the foundation
of every system, and
is
existence ;
which
all
the only pure
Freemasonry
in
the other degrees, except about twelve of
are termed chivalric, being but so
many develop-
ments or elaborations of the Master Mason's degree.
The plar,
chivalric degrees, such as the
Knights Tem-
Knights of Malta, &c., are not generally con-
sidered Masonic, although engrafted into the system,
because none can take these
and
who
reject Christianity,
this rule destroys that principle of universality
MASONIC ANTIQUITY. which
constitutes the very essence,
the
tion of
were
first
As
Masonic system.
boast, of the
manner
in
which
215
and
is
the constant
a striking illustra-
the Masonic degrees
manufactured, and the cunning and decep-
tion practiced in their
introduction,
it
will
only be
examine the origin and early history of
necessary to
the "Royal Arch," and the final completion of the
Master Mason's degree
as furnished us
by Past Grand
Master Pierson. In the "Traditions of Freemasonry," pp. 320, 322, he says:
1
"About A. D. 1740, the Chevalier Ramsay appeared in London. He was a Scotchman by birth, but had long been a resident of France: a zealous partisan of the Pretender (Charles, son of James II.) he sought to advance the Stuart interest by the use of Masonry. He brought 'with him several new degrees, whichjie endeavored to introduce in the English lodges. Among these degrees was one which he '
called
Royal Arch."
Previous to
this,
however, that is
in 1736, a
num-
ber of influential Masons, headed by one Lawrence
Dermott, seceded from the irresponsible Apple-Tree Tavern concern and organized for themselves an opposition
small
Grand Lodge, with
town
called
York,
whence they subsequently
their headquarters at a
in the
North
received the
of England,
name of "York
Masons." These "seceders," or York Masons, immediately styled themselves "Ancients;" hence the high sounding
title
of "Ancient
York Masons," while
to
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
216
London gang they derisively applied the term "Modern." And thus these two contending factions, the
who
professed to inculcate so strongly the beatific
tenets
of friendship and brotherly
to manifest
towards each other the
did everything
prompt
love,
continued
bitterest animosity,
that jealousy and self-interest could
to destroy
one another's popularity, and mutu-
most uncompromising warfare during ally waged the space of seventy-seven years; and were only rea
conciled at
by the indefatigable efforts of the Duke of Sussex, who was elected Grand Master of Masons in that year. Bearing these, last, as
recently as 1813,
,
facts in
mind,
stand the full
we
shall
meaning
be better enabled to under-
of the remainder of Pierson's
narrative.
"Rejected," he says, "by the Grand Lodge, (of the Apple-Tree Tavern,) he, i. e. Ramsay, next sought alliance with the Ancients; here, too, he was foiled so far as his ulterior objects were concerned."
The shrewd Lawrence Dermott, who was for many years the active spirit among the seceders, saw in this new degree a means of drawing attention to the Ancient Lodges, and to increase their popularity. After a time it was claimed and asserted that the
"Moderns," (or Apple-Tree Tavern Masons) were ignorant of the Master's part, and that the Ancients alone i. e. the seceders "had that knowledge, and that there were four degrees in Ancient whereas the Grand Lodge acknowledged
Masonry, and knew
of but three"
You
will not fail
ception of this
to notice that the
whole Masonic scheme
is
very con-
a fraud and
MASONIC ANTIQUITY. a swindle
on
from the beginning.
217
But the story goes
:
"Emboldened by success, in A. D. 1756, Dermott Ahiman Rezon, in which similar statements were made.''
published his
"Thomas Dunckerley, an illegitimate son of II., a man of most brilliant intellect, was
George
chosen Master of a regular lodge in A. D. 1770; he soon assumed a high position among the distinguished Masons of the age, and finally became Grand Master. Visiting the Ancient lodges, he became acquainted with the new degree, and, resolved that they should not appropriate to themselves a single pearl of any real value, towards the elucidation of the craft, he determined to introduce the degree into the regular lodges."
"Divesting the degree as practised by the Ancients of many of its crudities; in fact, remodeling it and revising the lecture, he presented the Holy
Royal Arch Degree at
to the
Grand Lodge.
once found that the practice of
this
It
was
new degree
Master Mason's
required a change in that of the
degree a removal and. a. substitution Dr. Oliver, of the Master's word."
a transfer, says
"The new degree having received the patronage of the Duke of Clarence, (brother of the king) united with his own influence, enabled Dunckerley to successfully carry his project through, and since A. D. 1779 the 'Holy Royal Arch' has been cultivated tinder the authority of the
Grand Lodge of
England, (Apple-Tree Tavern Grand Lodge) and the degree declared to be part of ancient Masonry."
And the
Sublime degree of
perfected,
"Holy Royal Arch" and Master Mason were both
thus in 1779 the
and the revival
Desauguliers,
Sawyer
&
by Anderson, 1717, was fully ef-
begun
Co., in
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
2i8
The
necessary change was made, the "removal" and "substitution' took place, the word fected.
1
''
"Jehovah" was removed from the Master Mason's
Arch and
degree, transferred to Dunckerley's Royal
Mah-hah-bone, and substituted its
stead.
by
a
From
as
we now have
as
the "grand Masonic
was invented
it,
Word"
authority, then, furnished
this
Mason than whom
there
is
as
in
it
none higher
is
in
"Master's
we at once Word" being
lost
death of
Hiram
building of the Jerusalem
the
world,
temple,
new
it
was
at the
learn that instead
we
the
1779 to a
simply transferred in
degree, and Mah-hah-bone
place; and
of
through the pretended
also learn that
substituted in
its
instead of
Solomon, Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff being the principal founders and promoters of the Masonic system, that Ramsay, Dermott and
King
of
Israel,
Dunckerley were the chief hence
saloon bantling, and
manipulators of that
worthies alone must be ascribed those finishing touches tution in the
form
in
to
all
which have
which we now
the left
find
our
these latter
it.
glory for the
insti-
CHAPTER
IX.
MASONRY AND THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES. Adam the first man who wore an apron. By whom Distinction
invested.
between Masonic lodges Origin of Sabaism
and Masonic philosophy.
The
or star-worship.
and
Eleusis.
identical.
Masonry the
Osiris,
Hiram Abiff and
Worshiped
sun-god.
Ancient mysteries.
secret.
Mysteries of
and
the
Egypt
mysteries
of
Egypt. one and the same.
sun-god
Osiris
in
Freemasonry, the old sun-worship revived. Meaning of the term "god of nature." Must believe Masonic testimony concerning
But
Henry: itself.
If, as has
Ma&onic
it
difficulty
.presents
been so clearly demonstrated, the
institution has existed only since
or June, 1717
of
another
itself.
that
is
about 162 years
February
how comes
then that other Masonic authors, and even some those
claim for
whom
from it
a
even to trace
you have already quoted, much greater antiquity, and attempt
it
back to the time of
Adam ?
Mr. Barton : Well, it is quite true that Adam first man who wore an apron, but although it may haye been "the badge of a Mason," yet instead of being "the emblem of innocence," it was the
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
220
was undoubtedly, then
as well as
now, the emblem
Adam
of deception, selfishness and sin;
invested
But
if
with
we
being
by Grand Master Satan
it
desire
in-
himself.
have a correct understanding
to
Masonic antiquity, we must always draw a broad line of distinction between the Masonic philosophy of
and the Masonic lodges
which
in
that philosophy
is
inculcated.
The
religious philosophy of
Freemasonry is as old as sin itself,, while the lodges which disseminate that philosophy were only instituted during the period from 1717 to 1738; and hence one class of sonic writers, speaking of
endeavor to trace while another as
at
class,
it
as
it
back
to
a religious
present constituted
system,
a remote antiquity;
alluding only to inio
Ma-
its
lodges
government and Grand
Lodges, refer it to the period just mentioned. This view oj the question is fully sustained by all our
Masonic authors, but by none of them with greater clearness and accuracy than
is
found
in the
volumin-
ous writings of A. G. Mackey, Past Grand Master.
and Past General Grand High
Priest.
He
says in
his
"Symbolism
of
Freemasonry/'
p.
1 1
:
"If we seek the origin of the institution moulded into outward form as it is to-day, we can scarcely be required to look farther back than the beginning of the eighteenth century, and indeed not quite so far."
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES. While,
221
very same paragraph, he also de-
in the
with equal plainness, that: we seek the origin and first beginning of the Masonic philosophy, we must go away back into the ages of remote antiquity, when we shall find this beginning in the bosom of kindred associations, where the same philosophy was maintained and taught."
clares,
"If
And again, in prudence,"
"The
p. 95,
his
"Text Book of Masonic
Juris-
he says:
is undoubtedly a which, handed down ages^from that ancient first taught it, embraces the who great priesthood tenets of the existence of God and the immortality of
truth
that
is
Masonry
* *
religious institution, through a long succession of
*
the soul."^
ty,
Upon the evidence of this high Masonic authorithen, we learn two very important facts, namely: in its present
"outward form" of
Grand Lodge government, came
into existence only
that
Freemasonry,
in the
beginning of the eighteenth century, while
the same time
its
at
its
religious philosophy, legend and various symbols, previously existed in the bosom of "kindred associations," away back "into the re-
gions of remote antiquity." tinction carefully in
we
And, bearing
this dis-
can more easily under-
mind, and more readily appreciate the full extent of that celebrated Masonic revival, which we are au-
stand,
thoritatively informed took place under the leadership
Anderson and Desauguliers, as already referred to. But what was it that these "Masonic fathers," and
of
222
their co-laborers
did they
And
Masonic philosophy?
find the material for the
what were
Where
really revived?
these "kindred associations" so confident-
ly alluded to
by Bro. Mackey?
In searching for the "beginning of the Masonic
how
philosophy," no matter the ages
"into
far
back
remote antiquity,"
of
we may go we can find
only two kinds of religions or religious philosophies:
God and
the religion of
and but two and the all
possibly be
ligion of the true
by
whom
and
as
A
God,
that worship
And
as the Bible contains
known concerning
his worship,
the re-
and the
according to
its
manuals, therefore
is
own it
priests
was taught and conducted,
"Freemasonry has nothing whatever
with the Bible, and
;
God
of priests, the priests of
classes
priests of Baal.
that can
the religion of paganism
do
to
not founded on the Bible,"
authorized
law-books and
must necessarily follow, even
Li
the absence of any further testimony, that the religious philosophy is
the very
same
practiced in the
But
we
now
inculcated in Masonic
-that
pagan
was
anciently
temples of
tempLo
taught
Baal and
i;,.d
OsirJj.
are not
left to conjecture upon this point. and monitor makes more or manual Masonic Every less mention of it, while all our best and most popu-
lar writers
In
speak of
it
in the
most unequivocal terms.
all its
Freemasonry, by claims to be a REVIVAL of fact,
accredited authorities,
the
ancient
religious
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES.
223
and other pagan worship in honor of
philosophy of Egypt, Phoenicia nations,
who
the sun-god,
practiced a secret
whom they designated by various
according to circumstances; and,
very claim
is
what
is
name?
more,
this
boastfully asserted.
Before referring, however, to the direct Masonic testimony which conclusively proves this
glance for a
moment
at the causes
which
fact, let us
originally
to the
worship of this supposed sun-god of paganism, and to the establishment of those "kindred associations," in the bosom of which, we gave
rise
have been so confidently informed by Mackey, the Masonic philosophy had been discovered. In the "Traditions of Freemasonry ," by ]ierson, p. 231,
we
read:
"Egypt was repeopled after the deluge by the Ham, and they made more rapid advances in recovering a knowledge of the arts and sciences, partially lost by that catastrophe, than any other people, until Tigypt became to be looked upon as the sons of
mother of science.^
These early Egyptian
settlers, in tfieir periodical
observations from year to year, (as we learn from history), in search of some sign by means of which
they could
overflow
tell
its
about what time the river Nile would
banks, and so enable them to prepare for
flight to the hill country, at last, as a
continued
watchfulness,
reward for their
beheld in
the
morning
4
near the stars of Cancer, though pretty far from the
MASTER'S CARPET.
TIIE
224
bands of the Zodiac, toward the south, and a few
weeks
after their rising, one of the most brilliant
if
not the brightest star of the whole heavens, ascend-
ing the horizon. of the sun, for a
appeared a
It
little
which had rendered
month or two
before the rising
almost invisible
it
This phenomenon be-
previous.
visible only a short time before the rising of
coming
the Nile, the Egyptians pitched upon the appearing of this magnificent star as the infallible sign of the
beginning of the inundation, and hence, it became the public^ mark on which every one was to keep a watchful eye, not to miss the instant of retiring to the higher grounds.
As horizon,
it it
to
was seen but
a very
to show warn them of
seemed
merely soon followed. names, having
called
it
this
Egyptians
star
two
-warned them of the it
Thaaut or Thot,
also the barker,
Egyptian Anubis. that this of brief mention the early
fe
they called
tor, in
star of
to the
They than gave
danger, whereupon
dog; they
itself
the overflowing which
a very natural relation to the helps
they borrowed thereform.
the
time above the
little
And
Egyptians,
it
may
the moni-
be worthy
same Anubis or dog is
now
the
"Blazing
Star" of the Masonic philosophy and has the very same meaning for the Mason to-day, (as will be
shown ers in
hereafter) that
lower Egypt.
it
formerly had for the dwell-
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES. The was
star
ship,
which
veneration with at first
this
225
magnificent
regarded, gradually led to
wor-
its
which, after a time, was followed by the wor-
ship of other stars and
heavenly bodies, and then length the doctrine of
again by others, until at
common
sabaism or star-worship became the ligion of
Egypt and
the adjacent countries, -and fin-
ally led to the polytheism
where
re-
which afterwards every-
prevailed.
But while polytheism, or the worship of many gods, was the universal religion of the multitudes or
the
common
people in
all
pagan
nations,
yet
sun
or
sun-god,
un-
the
der
different
appellati o
was
n
s,
every-
where
consti-
tuted
as
the
chief deity.
Emblem t
And
of Sun-Worship.
while the pagan masses offered their public
devotions to their myriads of senseless idols,
the
pagan priests and philosophers and rulers had a different worship,
which they practiced only
in se-
cret, which they conducted with the most imposing ceremonies, and which they always celebrated in
honor of the chief deity, or sun-god.
This secret
226
worship of paganism the "Mysteries," and
in every country is
"Masonic fathers"
the
eighteenth
"Mysteries" of in
Dionysius
Osiris,
or Baal,
On
is
the
beginning of
what was
that
ancient times,
mysteries of Masonry. sonic writers,
the
in
century; so
was termed
which was revived by
that
the
called
or
or Bacchus,
known
to-day
this point
all
as^
the
Ma-
our
has been already mentioned, give
as
such plain, positive, unqualified, affirmative testimony, that, if we do not believe what they say
own pet philosophy, it is useless human testimony on any subject. And
concerning their to
receive
for the purpose of illustrating this Baal worship, and as
to give
if
of the sun,
found
emphasis
moon,
in all
to their teaching, the
stars, &c.,
on the preceding page,
is
our lodges and manuals.
In the "Traditions of read
emblem
Masonry,"
p.
232,
we
:
"More pages
of the writings of the ancients, that have been preserved to our times, are devoted to the MYSTERIES than to the development of empires. Hence ivc have better knowledge of the, ceremonial and legend of many of the phases of the mysteries, than we have of the country in which they
were practiced." This being the case then, let us clearly the Masonic philosophy and stitution are
shown
to
now
see
Masonic
how in-
be identical in every feature
with these pagan "Mysteries."
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES.
22*J
In the "Lexicon of Freemasonry," by Mackey,
we read: "EGYPTIAN MYSTERIES.
p. 125,
Egypt was the
cradle
At one time in mysteries of paganism. that was possession of all the learning and religion to be found in the world, it extended into other nations the influence of its sacred rites, and it& of
the
secret doctrines."
And
in describing the
"Mysteries," Dr.
Mackey
again says, on p. 315: "This is the name given
to those religious assemblies of the ancients, whose ceremonies were conducted in secret, whose doctrines were known only to those who had obtained the right of knowledge by a previous initiation, and whose members
were in possession of signs and tokens, by they lucre enabled to recognize each other" Is not this
Or
which
an exact description of Freemasonry?
could any language be employed to portray the
Masonic system more accurately ? But again: "Warburton's
definition
of
the
'Mysteries' had. (besides the public and open) a secret -worship paid unto him, to which none were admitted but those
was
as follows.
Each
of the
pagan gods
who had called
been selected by preparatory ceremonies, This secret worship was INITIATION.
termed the mysteries."
(Divine Legation, vol
.i,
p.
,s 9 .)
"The most important of the mysteries were those of Mithras, celebrated in Persia; of Osiris and I in Egypt; of Eleusis, instituted in sis, celebrated (iivece, and the Scandinavian and Druidical rites which were confined to the Gothic and Celtic tribes,"
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
228
And
in further
explaining the
common
origin
of these mysteries and their indentity in everything
except in the
name
the
of
hero-god alone, the
Masonic text-book relates: "Traditions of Freemasonry," p. 233:
"And the mysteries throughout the world were the same in substance, being derived from one source and celebrated in honor of the same deities, though acknowledged under
From
all this
different appellations."
undoubted Masonic testimony, then,
the following facts are apparent, namely that :
the ancient pagans a public and a \vere practiced; that this
among
SECRET worship
SECRET worship
first
origin-
was everywhere known as "THE MYSTERIES ;" that all these "Mysteries" were the same ated in Egypt, and
in substance, their religious philosophy, their legend,
and their hero, or sun-god, being the same every where, only "under different appellations ;" that a knowledge of these "Mysteries"
was obtained only by
initiation,
and
that, as secret "religious assemblies," their differ-
ent
members were
in possession of "signs, grips
tokens," by which "they were enabled
and
to recognize
each other."
These
are the "kindred associations" alluded to
by Mackey, and all other Masonic writers, and in the "bosom" of which, they assert in such very positive language, that the Masonic philosophy was found and ;
it
is
to
prove
this fact,
and
to establish,
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIKS. beyond teries"
a
229
doubt, the identity of those "Ancient
Mys-
with the Masonic institution, that they have
taken such great pains to describe with minute exactness every particular incident connected with their celebration.
But again Freemasonry teaches us: "Lexicon of Freemasonry, "by Mackey, p. 315: "In all these various mysteries we find a singular unity of design, clearly indicating a in
common
origin."
"The ceremonies of initiation were all funereal their character. They celebrated the death and
resurrection of some cherished being, either the object of esteem as a hero, or of devotion as a god."
"Subordination of degrees was instituted, and the candidate was subjected to probations varying in * * * * the rites their character and severity U'crc practiced in the darkness of night, and the full fruition of knowledge for which so much labor was endured, and so much danger incurred, was not attained until the aspirant, well tried and thoroughly purified, had reached the place of wisdom and of light."
Here we
find the
system of Freemasonry,
its
degrees, initiatory ceremonies, and the legend of Hi-
ram
Abiff,
described with an
accuracy of
detail
which may possibly be equaled, but cannot be excelled. "The Mysteries," he says, "were all funereal in character;" so
is
Freemasonry.
They had a "subor"The Mys-
dination of degrees;" so has Masonry. teries celebrated the
resurrection of
death and resurrection of some
Masonry celebrates the death and Hiram Abiff. who is cherished among
cherished being;"
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
230
the fraternity as a being of superior excellence, and
whose name
is
ever sacred on their
And again, 183, we read:
lips.
on the "Eleusinian Mysteries,"
p.
"These were among the most important of the rites, and were hence often called emphati-
ancient
cally 'the
"
Mysteries?
"In these mysteries was commemorated the search of Ceres after her daughter Proserpine. * * * The chief dispenser of the mysteries was called the Hierophant, or revealer of sacred things, (we call
him Worshipful Master
in
Masonry;)
to
him were
joined three assistants, the Daduchus, or torch -bearer, the Ceryx, or herald, and the Hoepibomo, or altarserver."
>
Freemasonry, the Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and Senior Deacon are "joined" with the In
Worshipful Master
in
opening, closing, and conduct-
ing the various degree ceremonies.
Master
is
things;" the Senior bearer," being next chief business
of
is
it
to assist
whose
station
makes proclamation is
Warden
represents the "torch-
in office to the Master,
the lodge; the Junior
"herald,"
The Worshipful
the Hierophant, or the "revealer of sacred
is
him
in the active
Warden
represents
ter Proserpine,
the
alw ays in the south, and
to the brethren,
when
about to be opened or closed, while
And
duties
r
the constant duty of the Senior the altar.
and whose
the Search of
Deacon
CERES
which was practiced
the lodge
it is
always
to wait
upon
for her daugh-
in the initiatory
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES. ceremonies of the Mysteries of Eleusis,
231
most vivid-
is
Master Mason's lodge by the ly represented search of the twelve Fellow Crafts for Hiram's in the
body, and for the Master's word.
But again:
"The
mysteries were of two kinds, the lesser
and the greater." The Masonic mysteries,
also, are of
two
kinds,
the lesser mysteries comprising the Entered tice,
ter's
ApprenFellow Craft, and the first section of the Masdegree, and the greater mysteries which com-
prise the as
But,
drama if
of
"Hiram, or the Temple Legend."
to place this
matter of the identity of
Masonry with "the Mysteries" beyond the
possibility
of a doubt,
Dr.
Mackey informs
us in his "Lexicon,"
p.
<35=
"In these regulations, as well as in the gradual advancement of the candidate from one degree to another, that resemblance to our own institution is readily perceived, which has given to these, as well as to the other 'Ancient Mysteries,' the
name
of Spurious
appropriate
Freemasonry."
And again, in the "Symbolism of Freemasonry," A. G. Mackey, p. 15, it is stated: by "These mysteries existed in every country of heathendom, in each under a different name, and to some extent under a different form, but always and everywhere with the same design of inculcating, by
allegorical and symbolical teachings, 'the great Masonic doctrines of the unity of God, and the immorThis is an important proposition, tality of the soul.
232
and the sight
masonry
;
which
it enunciates must never be lost any inquiry into the origin of Freefor the pagan mysteries were, to the
fact
of,
in
spurious Freemasonry of antiquity, precisely what the Master's lodges are to the Freemasonry of the
present day."
8,
Again, in the "Traditions of Freemasonry," A. T. C. Pierson declares:
p.
"The writings of the ancient sages afford many coincidences in ceremonies, customs, usages, symbols, and allegories, between the ancient mystic, or religious associations, (the Mysteries,) and that which is
now termed Freemasonry." And hence, if words have
a meaning,
it is
un-
deniably demonstrated, by the very highest Masonic authority in the land, that the "ancient
usages and
established customs" of the secret worship of paganism, are to-day reproduced and enforced in
all
our
Masonic lodges, and consequently that, when a candidate in the "preparation room" "seriously declares upon his honor" that he "will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages
and established customs of
the fraternity," he simply pledges beforehand, that
he will conform
to all the ancient usages
and estab-
lished customs of Hhe "Secret Mysteries" of the old
sun-god of Egypt. And all his subsequent obligations, and every oath administered to him afterwards
on the "Square and Compass," are but so many solemn pledges, swearing him, that he must forever
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES. "conform
after
to,
and abide by, and maintain, and
support" that wicked idolatry. But Masonic audacity and still
"by
233
infidelity
go even
Freemasonry must be proved, be of Divine origin, and as the
further than this.
some means,
to
"Ancient Mysteries," or Baal Worship, and the Maand the same, therefore sonic mysteries are one nothing remains to be done but to assert the Divine origin of the former, and that, of course, vouches for the latter, while, at the same time,
loudly as the
devilish
antichristian principles
proclaims, as
it
ingenuity and the positive of
Masonry can
words, that the teaching of the Bible fable,
is
utter the
but a mere
and the gospel of Christ a base delusion.
In the "Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 13,
"The
we
read:
order
have been
known
instituted
as
as
Freemasonry appears to and
a vehicle to preserve
transmit an account of the miraculous dealings of the Most High with his people, in the infancy of the
world."
"The identity of the Masonic institution with the 'Ancient Mysteries,' is obvious, from the striking coincidences found to exist between them."
And
the "General
mason's Guide," by D. that
Ahiman Rezon, Sickles,
p.
or Free-
57, informs
us
:
"In Egypt, Greece, and among other ancient is the Mysteries was )
nations, Freemasonry, (that one of the earliest agencies
c
1
to effect the
employed improvement and enlightenment of man," while
THK MASTER'S CARPET. In the "Manual of the Lodge," p.
12,
it is
de-
clared that:
"The
'Ancient Mysteries' were those sacred which have furnished so many models for Masonic symbolism" and that "the opening ceremonies were of the most solemn character." rites,
But
however
various
these
all
convincing
may be, and however undeniably they may establish the identity of Masonry with the "Ancient Mysteries," yet our Masonic authors are testimonies
by no means
satisfied
even
In addition
here.
critical
analysis
of
the matter to rest
to allow to
all
this
the legend, which
to all the "ancient initiations,"
they give a
was common
and make such a close
comparison between that legend and the legend of Hiram in the Master Mason's degree, that no doubt whatever can remain, even
in the
mind
of
the most skeptical, that the secret worship of pagan-
ism was revived
under
Freemasonry from 1717
the to
deceptive
1738,^
name
and that Hiram
and Baal are one and the same characters. lest
this
should
possible,
nect the
Hiram
the hero-god
not be enough, and
nothing might be
that
left
of the Masonic
in
But,
order,
if
unsaid to con-
philosophy with
or sun-god of the old pagan "Myst-
eries," in specifying the different countries in
the "Mysteries"
names of
of
their
were
which
practiced, and giving the
various founders,
it
is
specially
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES. Hiram
mentioned that
them
into Judea,
Abiff himself introduced
and hence, that there can be no
when
mistake made in the third degree, is
substituted
Dionysius,'.
2$5
for that
of
Baal,
Osiris,
his
name
Bacchus,
Brahma, or any other of the hero-gods
of the ancient
On
pagan worship.
these points
we
read as follows:
"Traditions of Freemasonry," p. 159:
"The legend and traditions of Hiram Abiff form the consummation of the connecting links between Freemasonry and the ancient mysteries, and *
beyond peradventure the theory that Freemasonry (the mysteries) dates anterior to the deluge
sustain
and the strong probability of
(their) divine ori-
its
gin."
And
again,
The "Lexicon
of Freemasonry,"
by Mackey,
p. 195, speaking of the Masonic legend, says: f~" There are characters impressed upon it
which
cannot be mistaken. It is thoroughly Egyptian, and is closely allied to the supreme rite of the Isianic mysteries."
Also
in the
"Traditions of Freemasonry," by
Pierson, p. 240:
"The Masonic legend
stands
ported by history or other than
its
by
itself,
unsup-
own
traditious; Abiff the Osiris
yet we readily recognize in Hiram of the Egyptians, the Mithras of the Persians, the Bacchus of the Greeks, the Dionysius of the fraternity of the Artificers, and the Atys of the Phrygians, whose passion, death and resurrection were celebrated by these people repectively."
"For many ages, and everywhere, have celebrated the death of Hiram Abiff. where among the ancient nations there similar allegory."
Masons Everyexisted a
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
236
And, in
the
referring directly to the legend of
third
Mackey,
degree,
in
his
Hiram
"Manual
of
rhe Lodge," p. 99, uses the following language:
"The idea of the legend was undoubtedly borrowed from the ancient mysteries, where the lesson was the same as that conveyed now in the third degree of Masonry." So also the "Freemasons' Guide," by Sickles, in
explaining the Egyptian or Osirian legend and
referring
it
the Master Mason's
directly to that of
degree, affirms in the following emphatic manner, p. 196:
"The Egyptian rite was a dramatic representThis myth is the antetype of the temple Osiris and the Tyrian Architect, i. e. legend. Hiram Abiff ARE ONE AND THE SAME not a ation.
mortal individual, but an immortal principle."
And
lastly, in the
"Traditions of Freemasonry,"
p. 233, speaking of the
"Mysteries" or it is
TBaal
early introduction
of
these
worship, into different nations,
unequivocally affirmed that:
"The
mysteries were introduced, (so says tradi-
by Brahma; into China and Japan, Egypt, by Thoth,J:he son of Mizraim; into Persia, by Zeradhurst; into Greece, by Mclampus, or Cadmus; into Boeotia by Prometheus and his son; into Crete, by Minos; into Samothracia, by Eumospos, or Dardanus; into Messene, by Caucon; into Thebes, by Methapus; into Athens, by tion,) into India,
by Buddha;
into
Erecthus; into Etruria, by Philostratus; into the city of Arene, by Lycus; into Thrace, by Orpheus; into Italy, by the Pilasgi; into Cyprus, by Cinyras;into
Gaul and
Britain,
by Gomer;
into
Scandinavia, by
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES.
237
Sigge, or Odin; into Mexico, by Vitzliputzli; into Peru, by Manco Capac and his wife, and into Judea,
by Hiram Abiff."
And now
the last question
examine
for us to
establishing the
in relation to
Egyptians,
Masonry
Who
represent
this
necessary
matter, and in
was
and Osiris?
Hiram
modern
of
And what
did he
?
In the "Lexicon of Freemasonry,"
on
is
it
coincidence between the Osiris of
the Ancient is,
which
I
read again
p. 130:
"This legend( that is of Osiris ) was purely astronomical. OSIRIS WAS THE swN)fsist/ie moon. Typhon was the symbol of winter, which destroys the fecundating and fertilizing power of the sun, thus, as it were, depriving him of life. This was the catastrophe celebrated in the mysteries, and the aspirant was made to pass fictitiously through the sufferings and death of Osiris.
Here then, we have a brief, but very clear explanation of what is meant by the god of nature. It is the "fecundating and fertilizing
and
power
the sun,"
of
"immortal principle," being represented by the name Osiris in the Egyptian mysteries, and Osiris this
and Hiram Abiff being one and the same,
it
must un-
qestionably follow, that the "fecundating and
ing
power
of the sun"
is
fertiliz-
the god acknowledged and
worshipped by Masonry, under the name of the "G. A. O. T. U.," Supreme Ruler of the Universe, &c., and
it is
"God"
further evident that the words
"Lord" and
referred to in the Masonic ritual, allude only
238 to
this
"power
same "immortal
principle,"
or this natural
of fecundating and fertilizing." This
is
sym-
bolized in the lodge by the letter "G,"and the supposed destruction
of this
and darkness,
is
power by winter
or
by night
represented in the pretended death
of the candidate in the Master's degree, as
was done
"Mysteries" This was the philosophy of the ancient sun-worship, and it is the philosophy today in Masonry, as we learn from the foregoing in all the
extract; and therefore, without any controversy, the
Speculative Masonry of the present day, revived in that
London grog-shop,
worship of the ancients. testimony on this point.
is
the old
Baal, or sun-
But we. have
still
stronger
In the "Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 34, this
question of Masonic sun-worship
is
placed
beyond the possibility of a doubt. Pierson says: "Bazot tells us in his Manuel de Franc Afacon^ Manual of Freemasonry p. i54,thatthe veneration which Masons entertain for the east confirms an opinion previously announced, that the religious system of Rlasonry" mark that "comes from the east, and has reference to the primitive religion whose first occupation was the worship of the sun" Also in the ''Symbolism of Freemasonry," pp. 27, 28:
"Among
the
Egyptians, too, the chief deity,
was but another name for the sun, while his arch-enemy and destroyer, Typhon, was the typifiOsiris,
cation of night and darkness,"
MASONRY AND THE MYSTERIES.
And
again
239
:
"Many, indeed
of the
all
Masonic symbols of the
present day, can only be thoroughly comprehended and properly appreciated by this reference to sun-
worship"
And
lastly, in
by Mackey,
the
"Symbolism
of Freemasonry,"
p. 20:
"One thing
he says, "is incapable of that we are indebted to the Tyrian Masons for the introduction of the symbol of Hiram Abiff. The idea of the symbol, although modifled
at least,"
and that
refutation,
is,
by the Jewish Masons, IT
tion.
is
not Jewish in
its
incep-
WAS EVIDENTLY BORROWED from THE
PA-
GAN MYSTERIES, where
Bacchus, Adonis, Proserpine and a host of other apotheosized beings play the same role that Hiram does in the Masonic Mysteries."
And now,
in the face of all this vast
Masonic testimony, what other
tion of undisputed
course
is
there left for us to pursue, but to believe
what Freemasonry its
own
Grand Kings
tively declare that
and
its
so confidently affirms concerning
When the Grand High Priests and
identity?
the Sovereign
ship,
accumula-
its
of the institution posi-
religious philosophy,
its
wor-
god, are precisely the very same as
existed in the "Mysteries" of Baal, in Samaria,
of Osiris, in ancient it,
and
to sustain
We
edly not. that
the
Egypt, are
prepared to deny
our denial with proof ?
must admit, whether
Freemasonry
whole and
we
of
and
we
Most assurlike
it
or not,
America to-day, both
in
in part, is identical in every particular with the secret worship of the sun-god as it feature,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
240
was anciently
among pagan nations, the name of the hero-god Osiris, to Hiram Abiff, and
practiced
only difference being that the
changed from Baal, or hence we must conclude, whether
is
that every
Masonic minister
is
we as
doing
more, to paganize the community and
men
to the idolatrous
Christianize
and
it
will, or
no,
much,
not
bring
men
introduce
to
worship of Hiram,
to
to the
if
as
he
to
is
Lord Jesus
Christ.
And,
it is
a sad
commentary on the
churches whose
those
ministers
yoked together with unbelievers,"
efficiency or
are in
"unequally
pagan lodges,
that they are spiritually dead, that no genuine revival
of true, heartfelt religion,
is
ever
known among them,
and consequently that they exert but very
little in-
fluence for real
permanent good in any community exist.^ Search America to-day, and you
where they t
cannot find a church organization of any name whatever,w hose minister is a Freeinason,or an Odd-Fellow, T
but what
is,
active or
to all intents and purposes, a dead, in-
lukewarm
the condition of the ister
instittition.j
Church
is
livered through
"I
know
livest
and
John
in
Patmos.
it
iii,
thy works, that thou hast a art dead.
to is
was when Rev.
in
precisely
and
and members the message of Christ
applicable at the present time as
thou
It
in Sardis,
its
min-
just as first
de-
1,2.
name
that
Be watchful, and strengthen
the things which remain, that are ready to die: for have not found thy works perfect before God,"
I
CHAPTER
X.
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES. of
Masonry.
Why
lodges meet
Purging Cable
in
"upper
ministers.
chambers."
The
Initiation in darkness.
the lodge.
Tow.
Masons ignorant
Masonic
Guilt of
naked
"Neither
"Neither barefodt nor
shod."
nor clad."
Floor of the
lodge, holy ground.
And now, at
Mr. Barton : in
last,
we have
arrived
the ante-room of the lodge, and are prepared to
witness
how
our ministers and church members are
made Masons, and meaning
of every
to
examine
in detail the origin
and
ceremony through which the candi-
date must pass before being permitted to take part in
mock-worship which is nightly offered in Masonic lodges to the "G. A. O. T. U." or the "god
that secret
of nature."
Henry : the
But
my
dear father, in view
evidence furnished
of
all
the accredited teachers
by and Grand High Priests of Masonry, there is one If it be true, as thing more I do not understand. undoubtedly must be, that the Mysteries of Masonry and the "Mysteries of Baal or Osiris" are it
how does it happen that intelremain connected ligent, well-educated men will with such a system? Or do they really underone and the same,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
242 stand the
true
nature of the Masonic philosophy,
and the source whence
Mr. Barton :
it
originated?
In answer to your question,
dear Henry,
I will at
qualification
whatever, that those
least
As
my
once reply, and without any
who know
the
about Freemasonry are the Masons themselves.
a
general thing they never study it, except once in a while, as they attend lodge, and even then only as the ritual gives expression to its
At home they must always maintain meaning. and secrecy on the subject, while in their
silence
various places of business and during business hours, even the most intelligent of the craft have neither the time nor inclination to throw away upon the study of
what must appear
Then, again,
jugglery. that
the
it
greater part of
do so from the idea that
they ever learn about is
what
is
it,
remembered
must be
those
who
join the lodge
will sooner or later be
it
of advantage to them, in
to learn,
be but routine
at first sight to
some way, and hence
or, in fact, all
the
called
all
they ever care
work," or
"secret
the signs, grips, passwords and lectures, by means of
which they can make themselves known
sons, or visit a strange lodge,
But while
all
rank and
file
as the
excuse can be
And what
this is
when
Masonry
made
for the
Ma-
necessary.
undoubtedly
of
as
true,
are concerned,
Masonic
so far
what
minister?
explanation can be given of his incon-
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES. conduct
sistent
mock worship
in
encouraging others, by
same
only participating in the
not
but also in
the lodge himself,
of
243
his
commit the
to
example,
well as by indirectly using his influ-
sin, as
ence to induce outsiders to join that notorious system of deception and folly
the
stands
?
A
Masonic minister under-
nature and history of the different cere-
monies through which
he
made
he does not.
Mason, or
a
else
has
passed If
in
being
he under-
and therefore knows that they are their origin and principle, then it is
stands them, in
pagan scarcely
possible to find language in
press his guilt for
a glaring outrage against
time,
if
his
God; while
he does not understand the
these ceremonials, then he
he has
all
the
disposal, to
which
to ex-
supporting and propagating such
is
real
at the
same
meaning
of
equally guilty, because
opportunity and necessary means at become thoroughly informed on the
A very
slight study of any of the popular manuals will convince any one, (if he is only open to conviction) that the Masonic philosophy was borrowed directly from the ancient resubject.
Masonic
ligion of the pagans, and hence on this point none need remain ignorant, except through the most
wicked carelessness or negject. Let us then continue our further discussion of these different
lodge
ceremonies,
and see what
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
244
more our Masonic teachers have
to say in regard to
them.
LODGE MEETINGS IN UPPER ROOMS. Lodge meetings are always held in the upper rooms of buildings, and the reason for this peculiar custom is therefore the first question which naturally itself
presents
Now,
for our investigation.
not a Masonic
could
why
opened on the ground
floor, or
in
any other part
of a building, except in the uppermost of
reason,
asmuch
as
in the
Freemasonry
The
room?
Masonic
furnished by our
is
course,
teachers, and found
lodge be
Masonic manuals, and is
in-
the secret worship of
Baal or sabaism revived, of course,
it
necessarily
follows that everything pertaining to lodge worship,
had
as its
well
as
its
peculiar location,
origin in, and
be directly borrowed from
the "Ancient Mysteries"
which Freemasonry meetings
in the
must have
The explanation,
offers
for
holding
therefore, its
upper rooms of buildings,
is
lodge given
as follows:
In the "General
75
we
Ahiman Rezon," by
Sickles, p.
read:
at the present day are usually upper chambers," and the reason for this custom is, that "Before the erection of temples the celestial bodies were worshiped on hills and the
"Lodge meetings
held in
terresital
The
ones in valleys." only reason, therefore, according to
Ma-
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES. sonic
held
teaching, in
why
lodge
"upper chambers,"
245
meetings are is
usually
because in ancient
times, sabaism, or the worship of the heavenly bodies,
was conducted on high
hills, or, as
the Scriptures call
them, "high places."
And and
this
hills as
as
very clearly explaining the term Baal,
ancient custom
quoted.
worshiping
on high
well as the consequent reason for the elevated
position of our lodges in
extract
of
modern times, the following
from the Bible Cyclopedia may be profitably
The
writer says:
"Originally Baal was the
god of
the sun, the
ruler and vivifier of nature, and Astarte, the goddess of the moon. In the later star-worship of the Western Asiatic nations, Baal was the name of Jupiter, the
The planet of fate, or, as some suppose, of Saturn. proper Phoenician name, however, of Baal was Melkart, Melkrat, or Melchrat, which is usually supposed to mean 'King of the city,' i. e. Tyre, but others consider it a contraction of two words signifying 'King of the earth.'" is .called and worshiped as the Great Ruler of the Universe "Supreme
In Freemasonry, he
the
Architect of the Universe," &c.
"Baal was, perhaps, the same god as the PhoeniMoloch. The Greeks, for the purpose of distincHercules.' (Freetion, termed him the ^Tyrian cian
1
masonry calls him the ^Tyrian Architect?} From the earliest foundation of Tyre he seems to have been the tutelar god of that city, and his worship apparently extended thence, until it was prevalent in all the towns of the Phoenician Confederation, and was established in their remotest colonies, such AS Malta, Cadiz
246
and Carthage.
overspread the neighboring Each country, or Assyria. locality, had its Baal, or chief god. According to Scripture, the temples of this idol(at least in Phoenicia countries of
It also
Egypt and
and Assyria) were built on the tops of hills, or more frequently in solemn groves, and sometimes altars were erected to him on the roofs of houses."
The accompanyingfigure is
depicted in
all
our lodges
as
represent-
mg
the "high
!
Symbol of High
Hills.
and low vales," where the religious services of Masonry are supposed to have been anciently prac-
hills
ticed.
In explaining this symbol to the candidate,
on the night of is
used, and,
the Bible ciation
of
his initiation, the
following language
when compared with
the above
from
Cyclopedia, will give us a further apprethe true
reason
why
lodge meetings are
always held in upper chambers. In the "Manual of the Lodge," by Mackey, 43,
we
p.
read:
"Our
ancient brethren
met on the highest
hills,
and
in the lowest valleys, the better to observe the approach of cowans and eaves-droppers, and to guard
against surprise."
Now, no Mason, however
slight
may
be his
knowledge of history, will presume to assert that a Masonic lodge has ever been held on the top of a
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES. hill,
247
or in the bottom of a valley, since Freemasonry
was revived monitors
in
1717.
set forth it
contrary,
is
And
neither do the Masonic
any such foolish notion.
distinctly
affirmed that
this
On
the
is
the
meaning of the symbol, and that the truth
wrong
concerning
it,
poii:ts directly
to the ancient
custom
of sun-worship. this head, the "
On
44, declares that
"
The
Manual of the Lodge,"
p.
:
reason
assigned
in the
lecture for
this
assembling on high places, is the modern, but not the true one. The fact is, that mountains and other high places, were almost always considered as holy and peculiarly appropriate to religious purposes."
So
then, because our "ancient brethern,"
sun-worshippers
met on the highest
Baal, or the sun-god, and
hills to
worship
Freemasonry being that must necessarily follow,
same worship revived, it that Masonic lodges must be held rooms of buildings,
the old
in
the highest
to carry out the coincidence.
Being assembled in the next ceremony performed
is
lodge
room, then the
the
PURGING OF THE LODGE, which
is
done
in the
following manner:
" Bro. Senior Warden, Worshipful Master: satisfied that all you present are Masons?" Senior Warden : " I will ascertain by my proper- officer, and report. Bro. Junior Deacon, proceed to satisfy yourself that all present are Masons." are
The
Junior Deacon, taking his
rod under his
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
248
right arm, proceeds around the lodge room, stopping
any brother whom he does not recognize, and rapping with the end of his rod on the floor; that brother, thus challenged, if not vouched for by in front of
some well-known member the ante- room action of an
present,
and there await
(if
made
retire into fit)
the
The Junior Dea-
examining committee.
con, in this manner, having
must
hs sees
the entire circuit
of the lodge, returns in front of the Senior
Warden's
and reports to that officer "All present are Masons." (See "Hand Book," p. 17.)
station,
This ceremony, from its great importance, never omitted, and the reason for its performance
is is
given as follows, by the text-books of Masonry. In the "Manual of the Lodge," by Mackey, p. 12,
we
read:
"In the Ancient Mysteries,' (those sacred rites which have fttrnished so many models for Masonic symbolism,,)" mark that "the opening ceremonies were of the most solemn character. The sacred herald in the 'Ancient Mysteries' commenced the ceremonies of the greater INITIATIONS by the solemn for*
mula of ^depart hence, ye profane] to which was added a proclamation, which forbade- the use of any language which might be deemed of unfavorable augury to the approaching rites." This lodge,
Mason
is
precisely
what
is
done
only on a smaller scale. is
in the
Masonic
Every one
jiot a
termed "a profane," and the Junior Dea-
con ordering the "profane," or those not properly
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES. vouched
249
from the sacred precincts of the lodge room, corresponds exactly with the sacred herald in for,
the "Mysteries," ordering the profane from the pres-
ence of the greater INITIATIONS. The ceremonies in both cases are the same, only in Masonry we call officer Junior Deacon, while in the he was called "the sacred herald." And "Mysteries" as was done in opening the secret worship of the
the
officiating
"Mysteries," so also, in opening the same worship in a
Masonic lodge, a proclamation by the Worshipful is added similar to that made by the "sacred
Master
herald."
"Accordingly," he says, "in the name of God and the Holy SS. John, I declare Keystone Lodge, No. 639, opened in form, on the first degree of Masonry, (or the second, or third, as the case may at the same time forbidding all immoral or unmasonic conduct, whereby the peace and harmony of the lodge might be disturbed, binding the offender under no less- a penalty than that prescribed by the
be,)
by-laws, or as a majority of the brethren present may see cause to inflict." (See "Hand Book," p. 26.)
By comparing at
this
the opening of the
"Mysteries" you
with the proclamation added, "greater initiations"
will find
them
the
in
precisely the same.
THE TYLER. The
brethren being assembled in their lodge room, or "high place," and the lodge \)Q\ng purged in the
manner already
described, the next business
Tyler outside the door "to keep cowans and eaves-droppers." place the
is
off
to all
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
250
Now, why
there a Tyler placed in that posi-
is
and what are
tion,
The ritual,
his duties.
use of the
distinctly
word "Tyler,"
marks
the
Masonic
in the
birth-place
Grand
of
In England, as a
Lodge, or Speculative Masonry.
general thing, the houses are roofed with
slate,
and
along the ridge of the roof, tyles are placed to protect,
or guard the building from destructive elements,
and the mechanic,
who
puts on these tyles
is
called
a "
" Ancient Tyler" In reviving the Mysteries," therefore, in the beginning of the last century, and " borrowing the name Masonry," with whi^h to designate the new philosophy, the "Masonic fathin
ers," also
borrowed the term "Tiler," or "Tyler,"
which they applied to him, who protects or guards the lodge from all outward elements dangerous to its pretended
secrets.
But the Tyler
the inner door, and armed
with
shape, because a similar officer, similar duties, and occupied
is
stationed outside
a
sword, scimitar
performed precisely
a like
position
in
the
" Ancient Mysteries" In the " Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 31,
we
read:
" In every country under heaven, the initiations were performed in caverns, i. e. into the Mysteries, The entrance to these either natural, or artificial. caverns ivas guarded by a Janitor, armed with a
drawn sword, This
is
to prevent unlawful intrusion."
precisely
the reason
why
a
Tyler
sits
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES.
251
armed with his drawn
door outside the lodgfe-room o sword.
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES.
The
next business demanding attention in the
regular order of lodge
"work"
is
the "preparation"
This is a very importand must be examined thoroughly.
of candidates for "initiation."
ant
rite,
The Hierophant, the Junior retire,
Deacon
or Worshipful Master, orders
to "take
with him the stewards,
prepare and present the Rev. Dr. James Hunt,
for initiation."
("Hand Book,"
Accordingly these officers paration room,"
p. 60.)
repair to the "pre-
where the candidate
and the ceremony of "preparation" ceeded with.
The
candidate
is
deprived of
defensive weapons, divested of
is
at
once pro-
offensive and
all
all his
in waiting,
is
clothing, shirt
excepted, and dressed in an old pair of drawers, hav-
any, as no metallic substance
ing bone buttons,
if
must be allowed on
his person.
The whole
of these preliminary ceremonies are
briefly, but fully described by the Masonic ritual in
the following manner.
("Hand Book,"
pp. 107, 159,
259-
"How
were you prepared to be made a A. By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clad, barefoot nor shod, blindj^>.
Mason?"
folded, and with a cable-tow once round
my
neck,"
In the second, or Fellow Craft degree, the cable*
tow
is
twice round the naked right arm, and in the
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
252
Master Mason's degree, body, and both (See p.
feet,
it
is
times round his
three
legs, knees and arms are bare.
84.)
Preparation of Can- Preparation cf Candidate in E. A. didate of F. CDegree. Degree.
Preparation of Candidate in M. M.
Degree.
The above engravings represent as correctly as can be, the manner of preparing candidates for the Masonic mysteries, and it will be observed in relation thereto
that
complied with. tiated in
with
four
conditions
First, the
must always be must be ini-
candidate
darkness \ second, he must be invested third,
he must be
neither naked nor clad; and fourth,
he must be
a
girdle
or
cable-toiv /
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES
2 53
either barefoot, or else " neither barefoot nor
Now
what
the
is
ing,
and
from
this strange
why
find these
ty all
4'
it
that there can be no deviation
usage?
Where
did
preparation "ceremonies, and
there
is
is
shod"
meaning of this singular proceed-
for their adoption
Freemasonry what authori-
and continued use
in
Masonic lodges?
They were
all
borrowed
by the "Masonic
fathers" from the old Baal worship of the "Ancient as"
Mysteries,"
the following
of Masonry will abundantly
amine each one
in the
authoritative
teaching
We
shall ex-
testify.
order in which they are here
" hoodwink " or enumerated, beginning with the
INITIATION IN DARKNESS.
On
this
head
we
read in the "
Manual of the
Lodge," by Mackey,
p. 38: " In the Ancient Mysteries (or of the pagan gods) the aspirant (or always kept for a certain period in darkness. Hence darkness became
secret
worship
candidate) was a condition of the symbol of
initiation."
Again "
ry
P- 3 I:
in Pierson's " Traditions of
Freemason-
~
"In every country under heaven the INITIATIONS were performed in caverns, either natural or artificial, and darkness was honored with peculiar marks of veneration, by reason of its supposed priority of existence." Again on p. 39: "
The
candidate
had sunken from
rough ashler
'is
has represented his
original
unfit to
man when
estate
and
like
form a part of the
he the
spirit-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
^54
ual temple. He maintained the same character in the mysteries. Emphatically a profane, enveloped in darkness, poor and destitute of spiritual K u*\v-
The material ledge and emblematically naked. darkness which is produced by the hoodwink is an emblem of the darkness of his soul." the
Everywhere
"Mysteries"
Because candidates were
Masonry.
is
the model of
initiated
"in a
condition of darkness," in " the
the pagan gods,"
secret -worship of candidates are initiated " in a
so
condition of darkness" in the mysteries of ry,
and hence a hoodwink must be used.
And ry,"
Mason-
in the
again
by Mackey,
"
155,
p.
Symbolism
we
.
of Freemason-
read:
the ancient systems of initiation, (into the Mysteries) the candidate was shrouded in darkness as a preparation for the reception of light. The duration varied in the different rites. In the Celtic mysteries of Druiclism, the period in which the aspirant was immersed in darkness was nine days and nights; among the Greeks at Eleusis it was three times as long and in the still severer 44
rites
In
all
of Mithras in Persia,
days of darkness,
fifty
were imposed upon the adventurous neophyte, who by these excessive trials was at length entitled to the full communication of the light of knowledge." and
solitude
And 44
on
fasting
fi.
1
36,
he adds, that
:
Darkness was the symbol of
The
initiation."
duration of darkness in the Masonic
systems,
is
prentice
is
Mys-
form of these old pagan The Entered Apnot quite so severe. hoodwinked for about the space of an
in the revived
teries, or
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES.
^5^
hour; the Fellow Craft for about an hour and a-half, while the Master Mason, in the greater, or Subljme Mysteries of Osiris,
is
to
compelled
remain
in dark-
ness for at least three hours.
And
lest
any connecting link
chain of evidence, binding the
in the
wonderful
"Mysteries of Ma-
sonry" and the "Mysteries of Baal" together, might be wanting, the reason
ways held In
Mackey,
lodge meetings are
why
in the night time,
the
"
p. 157,
Symbolism
we
is
staJtecl
of
al-
as follows:
Freemasonry,"
by
read:
" Darkness like death, is the symbol of initiation. all the ancient initiaIt was for this reason that tions were performed at night. The celebration of the mysteries was always nocturnal. The same custom prevails in Freemasonry and the explanation is the same."
This language is so plain that it needs no comment. Because the Osirian Mysteries were celebrated at
night, so
the
Masonic Mysteries must
manner, be celebrated
And
" again in the History
Dr. Oliver, than
whom
never lived; on p.
19,
in
like
at night.
a greater
we
of Initiation," by
Masonic writer has
read:
" There was also another quality of the mind, which served to recommend the Mysteries, that strange attachment to the marvellous, by which every grade of human nature is swayed. To excite this sentiment in all its sublimity of horror, the initiations tuere performed at the dead of night"
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
256
Our next its
question
is
where
did
Masonry
find
"Cable-tow?" Turning
to
p.
" Traditions of 29 of Pierson's
Freemasonry," we find that:
"In the Mysteries of India," (that is in the secret " the 'worship of the pagan gods of India,) aspirant, was invested with a consecrated sash, (or candidate,) or girdle, which he was directed to wear next his It was manufactured with many mysterious ceremonies, and said to possess the power of preserving the wearer from personal danger. It consisted of a cord composed of three times three threads twisted together and fastened at the end with a knot
skin.
and was TOW."
Zcnnar.
called
Here
we
then,
have
sonic authority that the
HENCE COMES OUR CABLE it
on the very highest Ma-
Zennar
of the
Hindu
and the cable-tow of the Masonic
tions,
initia-
initiations
same thing, and their coincident feadistinctly marked that none can fail to
are one and the tures are so
understand their identity. that
said
It is
was worn next
tJie
Zennar, tow is ,also worn next the skin. it
of the Indian
skin\ the cable-
The Zennar was
twisted together, and fastened at the end with a knot; so
is
the cable-tow, the
Zennar was composed
of
three times three threads, referring to the cable-tow
of the
asked "
Royal Arch degree, where the question is How do you know yourself to be a Royal
Arch Mason? By three times
three.
And
lastly
it
PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES. is
said of the
Zennar
that
257
possessed the
it
power
of
preserving the wearer from personal danger, with the words "personal danger," strongly emphasized,
doubtless to convey the impression that he
the Zennar, or Cable-Tow of
neck, will have a very greTit
who wears
Masonry round
many chances
his
of escap-
ing the hangman's rope, and be otherwise
aided
by
Masonic cunning.
"NEITHER NAKED NOR CLAD."
The
next point in the "preparation" ceremonies
demanding our
attention
why
is,
"neither naked nor clad?"
Why
is
is
the
candidate
he divested of
his clothing?
By remembering has been proven
the fact that Freemasonry, as
over and over again,
is
the old
Baal, or secret sun-worship revived, the philosophy of this particular
ceremony might appear
self-evident.
The members
of the lodge are engaged in devotional with the Worshipful Master leading in exercises, prayer to the sun-god the G. A. O. T. U. or the
god
of nature. (See pp. 151 to 159.)
carry
to
indicate
ing
in order
out the true symbolism of the sun, and
to
of
Now,
wonderful powers and attributes the god which is worshiped, there is noth-
more
the
natural
than
that
the
candidate should
appear with part of his clothing off. If he was about to be initiated into the secret worship of the
god
of ice,
or
cold,
if
any such existed, he would
naturally be
be
warmly muffled
up, but being about to
the secret 'worship of the sun-god,
initiated into
He
he must be "neitner naked, nor clad."
presents
himself in darkness to indicate, that from the sun-god
and so he must present himself semi- nude, to indicate, tliat from the same sun -god all
proceeds
all
proceeds
This
light,
warmth and
protection.
the true symbolic
is
meaning
of this cere-
mony, and it can bear no other construction, for by no other process of reasoning, can the analogy between the various initiatory rites be maintained intact,
and the reason offered by
ing custom,
"Manual
is
as Bro.
of the
Webb
Mackey
for the degrad-
expresses
it,
in his
Lodge," "absolutely beneath
criti-
cism."
NEITHER BAREFOOT NOR SHOD.
The of
the strangely debasing ceremonies
last of
the Masonic "preparation
masonry terms the the feet, and, like directly
from
rite
is
what Free-
of discalceation, or baring
the others, has been borrowed
all
the
room"
"Ancient
Mysteries,"
or
the
"Secret Worship" of Baal.
"Symbolism Mackey,
"The was with
of
Freemasonry,"
by
A. G.
p. 126.
direction of these words: " shoes
in
Pythagorass to
his disciples,
'Offer sacrifice and worship
off.'
"lYi another place he says: and enter temples with the shoes
4
We
off.'
"
must
sacrifice
PREPARATION
ities
oi
CANDIDATES.
259
This Pythagoras is claimed hy Masonic authorto have been initiated into the mysteries of
Egypt, and is highly esteemed among the "an ancient friend and brother."
Osiris in craft as
And
again, on p. 127,
Mackey
says:
"The Druids
practised the same custom whenever they celebrated their sacred rites, and the ancient Peruvians are said laways to have left their shoes at the porch, when they entered tne magnificent temple consecrated to the worship of the sun."
And
again, on p. 128:
"The rite of discalceation, therefore, is a symbol of reverence. It signifies in the language of svmbolism that the spot which is about to be approached in this humble and reverential manner, is consecrated to some holy p?trpose" beyond a question the "The spot" where character of Masonry. I
This, religious
think, establishes
secular or "profane"
societies
hold
their meetings
cannot be very well said to be "consecrated to holy purposes."
Again, on
"And
p. 129:
the Master Mason's lodge that * * * * holy of holies of the Masonic temple the aspirant should remember, with a due sense of their symbolic application, those words that once into
broke upon the astonished ears of the old patriarch, 'put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." " 1
And
lastly, in
by Pierson,
p.
29:
the "Traditions of Freemasonry,"
THE MASTER'S CARPET,
260
"Among the ancients the ccation, or pulling off a shoe, for the presence of God." From
all
this
able evidence, then,
vast it is
ceremony of
accumulation of undisputabsolutely undeniable that
room*'
every ceremony of the "preparation
hoodwink or darkness the
discalceation
purging of of
are
itself,
change (except old
the
the
the rite of
clothing
the position, arms
the
and duty
Tyler, and even the very location of the
the
lodge
the cable-tow
removal of
the lodge
discal-
indicated reverence
defunct
and yet the
borrowed, in the
without the slightest
names of persons) from the
demon mythology of the pagan world; Grand High Priests and the Gnmd
Chaplains of
this
rampant idolatry have the cool their, manuals, monitors and
assurance to affirm in text
books
tified
that, after all,
Freemasonry
is
of so sanc-
a character that even the "floor of the lodge
is
holy ground."
Without question, propriately applied the
"Woe
to these
men may be very
words of
ap-
Isaiah, v. 20:
unto them that call evil good, and good put darkness for light, arid light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter."
evil; that
CHAPTER INITIATORY Masonic
CEREMONIES.
Masonic
condition
Pitiable
of
Induction.
Rite
Rite of Secrecy.
Ma-
Rite of
ministers.
of Circumambulation. sonic idols.
XI.
penalties.
An
idolatrous
system.
Mr. Barton :
Behold, now, the
Deacon,Doctor of Divinior Jew-peddler as he stands in
candidate ty,
the ante-room, "duly
and
truly pre-
paredto be made a Mason."
"Manual
of the
him
scribes
Lodge,"
in his present
p.
The
20, de-
unenviable
position, as follows:
"There he stands, without our portals,
on the threshold of
sonic
life,
his
new Ma-
in darkness, helplessness
and ignorance. Having been wandering amid the errors, and covered over with the pollutions of the outer and profane world, he comes enquir-
ingly
to
our door, seeking the new
birth."
This, under any circumstances, is a ipost lamentable picture of a minister of the gospel, however suitable the humiliating description might be to a rumseller or dancing-master, jt
may
it is
and
yet, strange as
appear, he acknowledges that every
literally true.
word
of
262
The Junior Deacon taking him by the his
fist
and with
distinct
his
leads
knuckles to give three loud and
The
knocks upon the door.
from within
is
sent
when he opens
loud
and
Senior Deacon
who
ascertain
to
alarm, and, voice,
him forward, and, him to close
right hand, causes
the door,
somewhat
sternly,
gives
the
demands
in a
"Who
comes
here?"
The ministerial candidate, what
suitable
not knowing, of course,
reply to make, the Junior Deacon,
a Jew, or a scoffer at the very rewho, perhaps, ligion which this same minister preaches, answers is
for him, that he
is
"the Rev. Dr. James Hunt,
now
has long been iu darkness and
brought
The
who
seeks to be
to light."
figure on the previous of the candidate,
presentation
p^g
is
a
he stands
as
true rein
the
open doorway of the lodge, and thus tremblingly acknowledges his past and present condition of ignorance and mental and moral blindness. and Inside, regarding him with the closest attention,
spiritual
are
infidels,
rum-sellers
Jews, rationalists, profane swearers, and rum-drinkers, and yet in the pres-
ence bf them a
all,
this
man, who
church, publicly confesses that
occupied a
false position
;
that
been an utter
failure; that
ment
been wandering
he has
up
is
all
along he has
Christianity has
his
to
the pastor of
the present in
mo-
darkness and
INITIATORY CEREMONIES.
263
"covered over with the pollutions of the outward
and profane world," and that no\v, at last, he comes to seek and to receive the true "light of divine truth," imparted, for a certain cash value, in a Now this voluntary conMasonic lodge room.
as
is
it
on the part of
fusion
either true or false.
ably he
If true,
a hypocrite
is
Masonic Minister
this
-in
then most unquestionchurch, and
the
either to resign or be suspended
is
then
ought from the ministry;
is
equally certain
that
attempting to become a
Mason under
false
if
while,
he
be
is
it
false,
it
pretences, and consequently must be a hypocrite in the lodge, and ought at once to be expelled from the order.
But while the Junior Deacon answers for the candidate at the door, he must answer for
during
all
time to come, and in precisely the very
same words,
as will
tion of the ritual: jg.
to
himself
be seen from the following por-
("Hand book,"
p. 108.)
"Being hoodwinked, how
did
you know
it
be a door?"
A. "By first meeting with resistance, and afterwards gaining admission." j. "How gained you admission ?" A. "By three distinct knocks from without, answered by a like number from within." "What was said to you from within?" j^>. A. "Who comes here?" "Your answer?" (And now observe careJ-. fully the minister's reply:) A. "I, James Hunt, 'who have long been in darkness^ and now seek to be brought to light."
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
264
Now,
who
Christian
at
it
confession be literally true, the
this
if
candidate
makes
the time,
cannot
it
while,
if
possibly
be a
be not
true,
it
equally evident that no truly pious Christian
is
would even think
a wicked false-
of uttering such
hood; and hence the inevitable conclusion is that no man can be a true Christian and a true Mason at
one and the same time. Well, after a while the candidate
name
"in the
ceremonies
at
duction"
"rite
These
namely, the of circumambulation"
"rite of *investiture,"
and
admitted initiatory
consist of six di-
rites,
"rite of illumination"
crecy"
is
Lord," and then the
once begin.
and separate
stinct
and
of the
"rite of in"rite of se-
"rite of intrusting"
like
all
the preced-
ing ceremonies of the
"preparation room," every these different rites without a single ex-
one of
has been
ception,
^revived**
from
the "Ancient
Mysteries," and are precisely the very same, and performed, too, in the very self -same manner, as
were practiced in the secret worship of Baal, when Ahab fed from Jezebel's table those priests, or Wor-
losophy.
Irr
wicked phi-
establishing this fact, the
teachers of
Masonry seem have
it
religion secret
who promulgated
that
shipful Masters,
be uncompromising. They will that the Masonic system and the system of to
inculcated
in ths "ancient
initiations,"
or
worship of the sun-god, are identical in every
RITE OF INDUCTION.
26 5
and hence they describe these various inito the tiatory rites of Masonry so clearly, and refer feature,
manner
in
which
they were
formerly practiced with such minute accuracy, that none can fail to understand their meaning. This will appear selfevident as
we proceed with our
investigation.
RITE OF INDUCTION.
When is
the candidate
led into the
room, by Deacon, he
Lodge
the Junior is
met
in-
side the doer and about six
from
feet
it,
by
the
Senior
who
presses the sharp
Deacon,
point of an iron
pass to his breast,"
Com-
"nk ed
left
and thus while
he repeats the following formula, performs the "rite of induction."
Senior Deacon:
"Dr. James Hunt, on your
admission into a lodge of Masons, it becomes my instruduty to receive you upon the point of a sharp then ment, pressing your naked left breast," (he little harder a of the the Compass presses sharp point " the moral of which is to against the naked breast,) teach you, that as this is an instrument of torture to the be to your flesh, so should the recollection thereof first
266
mind and conscience, should you ever presume to reveal any of the secrets of Freemasonry unlawfully."
"Hand Book,"
The
pp. 63, 64.
figure on p. 265 represents the Senior Dea-
con and candidate as
formed and ;
for
its
its
this
ceremony is being pertrue origin, and the reason assigned
performance
in the lodge,
is
given by Masonry
as follows:
In the "Manual of
Mackey', p. 39,
I
read
A. G.
the Lodge," by
:
"In the ancient initiation, (that is the secret 'worship of the pagan gods,)the candidate was never permitted to enter on the threshold of the temple, or sacred cavern in which the ceremonies were to be conducted, until, by the most solemn warning, he had been impressed with the necessity of caution, secrecy and fortitude."
By ritual, as
referring to the language of the
Masonic
before quoted, in performing this
rite,
it
once be observed that the very same "solemn warning" is given the candidate now on "the will at
threshold" of the lodge room, as
was given him
in
ancient times on the "threshold of the sacred caverns,"
where the
initiations
were conducted, and sonic "rite of
the "Mysteries"
Ma-
induction" has been "revived" from
that ancient secret
Again
into
that in fact this particular
worship without a single change.
in Pierson's
"Traditions of Freemasonry,"
RITE OF INDUCTION.
267
* .
"The
probation of a candidate in ancient times" "embraced many imthe "Mysteries" portant particulars; but principally his fortitude and constancy were severely tried by the application of sometimes an iron instrument, heated red hot at others, the point of a sword or other sharp instrument, while he himself was deprived of all means of /.
in
e.
defense
and protection"
This
is
precisely
The
lodge.
what
candidate
defense or protection
sword," (as ment," and
is
done
deprived is
of
a
in all
Masonic
means of
received on the "point of a
English lodges,) "or other sharp instruthis act, when coupled with the "solemn in
warning," contained
in
the formula
used by the
Senior Deacon, completes this Masonic ceremony, just as
it
used to be practiced in the "Mysteries."
But the celebrated Masonic writer, Dr. George Oliver,
in
describing the Persian initiation of the
"M vsteries," tion
places the
beyond a question.
origin of this rite of induc-
He
of says, in his "History
Initiation," p. 68, that:
"The
successful probationer, at the expiration of
his novitate, was brought forth into the cavern of initiation where he entered on the point of a sword
presented to his naked left 'breast by which he was slightly wounded, and then he was ritually prepared for the approaching ceremony."
In this extract,
we
have not only a
Ascription of the "rite of induction," as
formed
in the old
it
literal
was
de-
per-
Persian Mysteries and ejsewhere,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
268
1
but in
also contains a correct account of the
it
which candidates
be prepared for
initiation,
infallible certainty, that the
sonic
lodge,
and especially
manner
"Mysteries," used to
for these
and proves, with almost ceremonies of the Mathis
particular "rite,"
have been directly borrowed from that idolatrous worship.
RITE OF CIRCUMAMBULATION.
The date
is
next ceremony through which the candito pass is called the "rite of circum-
made
ambulation," or the "symbolic pilgrimage" in search of light.
Before entering upon
this
dark and
fruit-
less journey, however, two important preliminaries must always be observed he must kneel, that prayer may be offered for him to the G. A. O. T. U.,"
by some
infidel, or
he must
also publicly
the god
of the lodge, as
saloon-keeper, and while kneeling
acknowledge
his confidence in at the
door
publicly declared the uselessness of faith in the
God
he has already
of the Bible.
This prayer and confession of faith have already been discussed on pages 164 and 1 66, and need not be further referred to ths
here, except merely to add that
Worshipful Master "takes him by the right
hand, orders him to fear no danger."
arise,
follow his conductor, anci
RITE OF CIRCUMAMBULATION
269
The Senior Deacon now takes him by the as
right arm,
you
see in
the accompanying figure,
and
him once
conducts
round the lodge room the
first
twice
degree,
round f
in the
gree,
and
round
the lodge
third degree
in
second de-
three
times in
the
the Master,
;
or Qhaplain, in the
mean-
time reading Psalm 133,
The
Amos
yii.
Eccles.
xii.,
7,
8,
and
respectively.
dotted lines in the figure on the following
page represent the course they pursue. Starting at the point A, where the candidate has been kneeling, they pass towards the East, and thence by way of the
South
to the
West, and
so
round by the North
to the
East again, stopping in front of the Junior Warden's station in the
South at B. This
is
termed the
"rite of
the symbolic pilgrimage," or "rite of circumambulation,"
and
its
origin
is
accouned for as follows, by
the manuals and text books of the order.
In the 24,
"Manual
of the
Lodge," by Mackey,
p.
we read "The circumambulation among the pagan nations :
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
27
EAST.
TREAS.
W. M.
* S.
D.
7
SEC Y. *
RITE OF CIRCUMAMBULATION.
2^1
referred to the great doctrine of Sabaism, or sunFreemasonry alone has preserved the worship. primitive meaning, which was a symbolic allusion to the sun, as the source of physical light and the most wonderful work of the 'Grand Architect of the The lodge represents the world the three Universe.' officers principal represent the sun in her three prin;
meridian, and at setting. therefore, alludes to the apparent course of the solar orb, through these points around the world." cipal positions
at rising, at
The circumambulation,
This proves beyond the shadow of a doubt, that
Masonry
is
the religious philosophy of the old Baal,
or sun-worshipers, revived, and that the sun-god
constantly referred to in this, as in
monies of
all
is
the other cere-
initiation.
Again, in Pierson's "Traditions," p. 32: "In the rite of circumambulation, we find another ceremony borrowed from the ancient Freemasonry,
was
In ancient practiced in the MYSTERIES. the priests were engaged in the rite of sacrifice, they and the people always 'walked' three times round the altar, while singing a sacred hymn. In making this procession, great care was taken to move in imitation of the course of the sun. For this purpose, they commenced at the east, and passing by the way of the south to the west, and thence by the north, they arrived at the east again." that
Greece,
when
This
an exact description of the Masonic "rite of circumambulation," and in the absence of any is
further testimony, even, lish
is
sufficient of itself to estab-
the identity of Freemasonry, with the "Ancient
Mysteries," or the "secret worship" of Baal or the
sun-god.
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
272
Again, on the same page,
we
read
:
"Among the Romans, ambulation was always
also, the rite of circumused in the rites of sacrifice of
expiation, or purification."
And
again, on p. 33:
"Among the Hindoos, the same rite of circumambulation has always. been practiced. Brahmin, upon rising from bed in the morning, having first adored the sun, while directing his face to the East, then walks toward the West, by the way of the South, saying at the same time, 'I follow the course
A
of the sun.'
The same ceremony was in The priests always made
use in the three circuits from east to west, by the right hand around the altar, accompanied by all the worshipers."
Druidical
rites.
And, Mr. Grand Captain General Pierson, in explaining the number of revolutions to be made, and the particular
line of
march which the candidate
must pursue, explains very clearly the true import and the origin of this particular rite. He says, In the "Traditions of Freemasonry,"
p. 33:
"It will be well for the Masonic student, in i. e. the analogies betracing out these analogies," tween Freemasonry and the Ancient Mysteries, "to constantly bear in mind that in the 'rite of circumambulation' the number of revolutions may, and does vary, according to different contingencies, although, of course, the number three is most important as a mystic and sacred number, but that at all times the ceremony must be performed with the
course of the sun, turning to the right, and having the altar on the right hand."
This
is
precisely the manner, as will
from the above
figure, in
which
be seen
this particular rite
RITE OF SECRECY.
2^3
performed now, and from the minute description given of it as it existed in the secret worship of
Is
Baal,
it
will be observed at once,
how
anxious our
Masonic teachers are to prove that it has been revived without any material change, and that it occupies the very self-same position
sonry that
it
formerly did
in the
Freema-
to-day in
"Ancient Mysteries."
"RITE OF SECRECY."
The
next ceremony demanding our attention
the rite of secrecy,
which
is
performed
is
in the follow-
ing manner: The candidate having passed through the rite of the " symbolic pilgrimage," and having made the
same public confession before the three principal officers of the lodge, in the South, West and East respectively, as
by to
he made
at the door,
he
is
ordered
the Worshipful Master, or " Chief Hierophant,"
be reconducted
where he
is
to the
taught
Senior
how
to
Warden
in the
West,
approach the East, by
one, two, or three, upright regular steps, as the case
may
be, and then caused to
kneel
at
the
altar in
"due form"
The
figure on next page represents the candidate " in this due form " in the Entered Appi entice degree
kneeling on his naked
left
knee, his right forming
left hand supporting the Holy Bible, and and his Square Compass, right resting thereon, in which cl-ie form he takes the obligation of a
a
square, his
THE MASTER^ CARPET.
274
Mason, and which constitutes the "rite of secrecy." Before him stands the Worshipful Master, administering the obligation, and behind him the Senior
Deacon or Conductor.
(See "Hand Book,"
p. 73.)
Rite of Secrecy and Goddess Fides.
The "due form," induction"
and the
of "rite
course, like the "rite of of
circumambulation,"
varies in the different degrees, and
is
correctly repre-
two remaining figures on page 280. And now what is the origin of this ceremony?
sented in the
And why
are
Masonic candidates sworn, and
peculiar manner?
in this
,
The "Freemason's Guide," by
Sickles, p. 62,
gives us the reason in the following language:
"Among
the ancients
e,
in the
Mysteries
RITE OF SECRECY.
275
silence and secrecy were considered virtues of the The Egyptians worshiped Harpohighest order. crate'j, the god of secrecy, raised altars in his name, and wreathed them with garlands of flowers. Among the ancient Romans, too, these virtues were not less esteemed, and a distinguished Latin poet tells us, 'for faithful silence also there is a sure re"
ward.'
But in performing this "rite of secrecy," it will be remembered, and also may be noticed from the figure on the opposite page, that the candidate must
al-
ways right hand upon the Bible, Square and Compass; and in explaining this ceremony, the Masonic authors refer to these face the east and
two
features of
peculiar
the
beyond
place his
the rite
possibility of
customs which prevailed
a
as identifying
doubt,
in the old
it,
with similar
Baal worship.
"Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 34:
"An
oath taken with the face toward the east"
mysteries "was deemed more solemn and binding than when taken with the face toward any other cardinal point." In the "General Ahiman Rezon," by Sickles, /.
e.
p. 73,
in the
we
read:
"The right hand has in all ages been deemed emblem of fidelity and the ancients worshiped Fides, or Fidelity, which deity under the name was sometimes represented by two right hands joined and sometimes by two human figures holding each o:her by the right hand." (vSee "Hand an
Book,"
p. 89.)
In the engraving on p. 274, illustrating this particular rite,
a small figure will
be noticed
at
the
276
top
-'two right hands joined."
des,
the
This represents Fi-
goddess of secrecy, as this idol is disMasonic lodge and chart and manu-
played in every
al
of any note in the world.
The accompanying figure also of "two human figures holding each
hand,"
other
to
by the right which the above
ritual refers,
is
sentation of the cy, and
is
another repregod of secre-
copied from
"Webb's
Monitor," by Dr. Robert Morris. Past Grand Master Pierson in his " Traditions," in
p. 37,
explaining the use of the right hand in
the Masonic obligations
refers to this idol as follows:
u The temple of this goddess (Fides) was first consecrated by Numa, and when they promised anything of old they gave the right hand to pledge it, as we do, therefore she is represented as giving her right hand and sometimes her two hands con" more Chartarius," he says fully describes by observing that the proper residence of faith or fidelity was thought by the ancients to be in the And therefore, this diety was someright hand. times represented by two right hands joined."
joined. this
p.
And 41, we "
in the "
read:
Numa
Fides, under
honesty,
Manual of the Lodge," by Mackey,
was the first who erected an altar to which name the goddess of oaths and
was worshipped. Obligations taken
in
HER
RITE OF SECRECY.
NAME, were
considered as
more
277
inviolable than
any
other."
And
so
Freemasonry has not only "borrowed"
or "revived" the rite of secrecy from the " Ancient
Mysteries" of Baal, but it has actually borrowed, and regards with religious veneration, the idol goddess,
in
whose name the
oaths of
obligations, or
secrecy were always administered.
THE MASONIC PENALTIES. But there
is
another peculiar feature of the rite all our Masonic writers very
of secrecy, to which
minutely refer as connecting it even still more closely with the " Ancient Mysteries " of pagan worship.
Attached to every Masonic obligation, is a most and barbarous death penalty. In the first
terrible
it is
degree,
to
have the throat cut
tongue torn out
have the out.*
and
left
by
across,
and the
roots; in the second,
it
is
to
breast torn open, and the heart plucked
in the
Master Mason's degree, O *
the body severed in
and burned
it
is
to
twain, the bowels taken
have
from
These horrible penalunder which every Masonic candidate must bind
thence ties,
its
to ashes.
himself for the disclosure of a stupid, foolish sign, or grip of the revolting to
brated
thumb on
a particular knuckle, are too
demand any comment, and
Chicago
detective, himself
truthfully expresses
it,
as
a cele-
once a
Mason,
"are but simply the wicked
consummation of outrageous
brutality."
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
278
But
why
are these sanguinary penalties attached
Masonic degrees? And why are Masonic candidates bound by such abominable imprecations? to
the
We
find the
answer
as usual in the text
books
and manuals of the lodge. In the " Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 35, we read " most solemn :
A
method of confirming an oath the " Mysteries," was by placing a drawn sword across the throat of the person to whom it was administered, and invoking heaven, earth and sea to witness the ratification. Among the Druids it was a necessary duty of the bards to unsheath the sword against those who had forfeited their obligation by divulging any of the secrets of the order. In this respect, their custom was the same as that of all other nations." i.
e:'m
The
italics
in these extracts are Pierson's
and are evidently intended
to
terrify the
reader into the belief, that he in like his life should
he ever dare
own, Masonic
manner
to divulge
forfeits
any of the
buffoon jugglery of the lodge.
And
lastly, in
describing the "secret initiations
of Greece," the venerable Dr. Oliver, in his "Historv
of Initiation, p. 82, gives a clearer insight, perhaps, than any hitherto furnished, for the reason why
Masonic obligations are administered, and
why
death
penalties are attached:
"These rites, he says, "were known under the high and significent appellation of the Mysteries, and even in them a sub-division had been made, because
RITE OF SECRECY.
it
was thought dangerous
secrets to
any but a
select
279
entrust the
to
and chosen few,
ineffable
who were
prepared for a new accession of knowledge by processes at once seduetive and austere, and bouna to secrecy by FEARFUL OATHS and penalties of the most sanguinary character. Death shall be his penalty,
who
divulges the mysteries."
From
all
the foregoing Masonic testimony then,
we learn two undeniable facts First, that every rite and ceremony of the lodge room, so far, has been wholly and literally revived from the "Ancient Mys:
teries,"
and second, that
Masonry, the or due
tion,
the
mode
form
all
the so-called
oaths of
of their administration, the posiin
which they must be assumed
sanguinary death penalties attached to and even the very images of the idol in whose each, fearful
name
these obligations are taken, are simply so
many
pagan customs, borrowed from the secret worship of Baal, by the "Masonic fathers" during the period from 17 17 to 1738, into
and therefore, without entering further
any lengthened argument against the
or validity of these obligations,
it
will
at
legality,
once be
apparent to every honest mind, that being sinful and idolatrous from beginning to end, they not only are
not binding on the conscience of any candidate, but that the very fact of assuming such horrid oaths from the
first,
was
and ought
at
a gross violation of the law of
once to be repented
In assuming the oligation degree, the candidate has his
in
God,
of.
the Fellow Craft
right
hand on
the
280
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
Bible, Square and
Compass, and
right angle as in Fig. 2,
while
his left
forming a and all
in the Master's
subsequent degrees, both hands rest upon the "three in Fig. great lights" as represented
Fig.
2.
3.
CHAPTER RITE OF ILLUMINATION. Rite of Intrusting.
XII.
Virtues of a hoodwink.
Rite of Investiture.
Ma-
sonry undoubtedly the worship of Baal.
The any of
initiatory
its
ceremonies of Freemasonry, in
degrees, might be properly
three separate periods:
divided into
First, the period of prepara-
tion in the ante-room, concluding with the admission
of the candidate into the lodge
;
secondly, the period
of darkness and gloom, or the
hoodwink period,
three religious rites of " In" " duction," Circumambulation," and Secrecy," are
during which, the
first
period of light embracing the three remaining ceremonies of " Illumination,"
performed, and
lastly, the
"Intrusting," and "Investiture," and during also, the pretended secrets of the order are
which
commu-
nicated to the candidate, and the symbolic philosophy
of the system
is
explained.
We
are
now
entering
upon a discussion of the ceremonies and symbols of the last period.
"RITE OF ILLUMINATION."
The
"rite of secrecy"
being concluded, as already
described, and the initiate having been kept during all this
time, in a
wretched condition of darkness,
THE MASTER'S CARPET
282
symbolizing the darkness of his mind, to which he has several times already made public confession, he has
now
arrived at that particular stage in the initia-
when he
tory ceremonies restored to light,
which
is
must
done
be Masonically in
the following
manner:
The Worshipful Master resumes
his hat,
and
stepping back a few paces, demands of the candidate: "Bro. Hunt, in your present condition, what do you
most desire
?"
The newly
obligated minister, prompted by the
Senior Deacon, very mildly answers, "Light in
Ma-
sonry."
The Master comic tone: stretch this
then continues, in a sort of serio-
"Bro.
Senior Deacon and brethren,
forth your hands, and assist
me
in
bringing
brother from darkness to light in Masonry.
the beginning,
In
God created the heavens and the earth,
and the earth was without form, and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spirit of
God moved upon
said:
Let there be
And now,
in
light,
and
I
Masonically say:
("Hand Book, p," 76.) word "light"
Just as this
the Master, both himself and are arranged in
bring their
there
was
humble commemoration of
ancient events, light."
the face of the waters; and
two rows on
all
God
light.
which
Let there be
pronounced
by
the brethren,
who
is
either side of the altar,
hands in front of the body to the due-
23
RITE OF ILLUMINATION.
in the guard of a Mason, as represented annexed figure; at the same time the
Senior Deacon,
who
is
standing behind
the candidate, swiftly snatches the hood-
wink from concludes __
:
Master
In some lodges at the word "light" the Master and brethren clap their hands
and stamp loudly on the and hence,
off his eyes, and the " and there is light."
this
floor,
ceremony
is
representing a shock,
sometimes
also
called
" the shock of enlightenment."
The above
figure
correctly
represents the per-
formance of this wonderful Masonic ceremony.
The
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
284
Worshipful Master
in front of the
the due-guard of a
Mason
the
candidate under
Senior Deacon be-
hind him, snatching off the hoodwink, the altar before
him,
the
Holy
Bible,
Square and Compass,
the three burning tapers, and
last
of
all,
himself, a
half naked, shivering wretched forsworn sinner.
And now, did this
our next inquiry
ceremony come?
cation and a
name
are authoritatively
in
the
must be, whence
And why
has
it
a
We
Masonic system?
answered,
as
usual,
by
lo-
the
credited teachers of the lodge. In the " Freemason's
Guide," by Sickles,
64,
we
ac-
p.
read:
THE
RITE OF ILLUMINATION is a very ancient ceremony, and constitutes an important feature In the in all the mysteries of the early ages. Egyptian, Cabirian, Sidonian, Eleusinian, Scandinavian and Druidical rituals it held a prominent place, and in them all represented the same ideas. It
marked the termination of the mystic pilgrimage
through gloom and night, (or darkness,) and was emblematical of that moral and intellectual light, which pours its divine radiance on the mind after ii has conquered the prejudice, and passion, and ignorance, with which it has so long been struggling."
And
Dr. Albert G. Mackey, in finding a parcllcfor the pretended demand of the candidate for Muexplained in the ritual, as already " quoted, declares in his Symbolism of Freemasonry,"
sonic
light,
as
p. 149:
"
He
craves an intellectual illumination,
which
RITE OF SECRECY.
285
will dispel the darkness of mental and moral ignorance, and bring to his view, as an eye-witness, the sublime truths of religion, philosophy and science, which it is the great design of Freemasonry to teach. In all the ancient systems, this reverence for light, as the symbol of truth, was predominant in the mysteries of every nation; the candidate was made to pass through scenes of utter darkness, and at length ter-
minated his trials by an admission to the splendidly illuminated sacellum, or sanctuary? where he was said to have attained pure and perfect light, and where he received the necessary instructions, which were to invest him with that knowledge of the divine truth, which it had been the object of all his labors to gain, and the design of the institution into which he had been initiated to bestow."
From
this description,
we
are enabled to form a
pretty accurate idea of the very
which
high estimation
in
ceremony was formerly held Ancient Mysteries," and the wonderful beneso boastingly claimed for it in the Masonic systhis particular
in the " fits
tem, are fully set forth in tract
63,
the
following
brief ex-
from the lodge Manual. In the " Freemason's Guide," by Sickles,
we read: " The material
p.
thus afforded him is illumination which serves to enlighten his path on the journey from this world to the next." And Past Grand Master " rite of illumination," or JMackcy adds that this 'shock of enlightenment,' "is a symbol of the birth of intellectual light and the dispersion of intellect" Manual of the ual darkness." Lodge," p. 29, 30.
succeeded by
What rite
an
light which intellectual
is
an extraordinary ceremony of illumination is, to be sure!
this
pagan
And what
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
286
astonishing virtue there
Why,
all!
it
a
is
an old hoodwink after
in
is
hundred
than
better
fold
any-
thing to be found in the
Romish Church, with
her
succession
boasted
apostolical
In
Romanism
sanctity.
a
ion quite often and get
all
and
pretended
man must go
to confess-
the
absolution,
priest's
he
must do a large amount of fasting use immense quantities of holy water, walk on his knees from
image in the chapel, doing penance, pay from nine to a dozen visits to the most
to
image
at least
popular Churches so
many
prayers
dulgence
from
on
his person,
oil
rubbed on
and
from all
this
all
this
any of our large
and his
to
when
his
to the next."
Masonic lodge, dressed
priest's
thumb,
path on his journey But pshaw! That's
Let him only go into a
in
an old
pair
of drawers,
hoodwink, a cable-tow and
w ith
nearly
him
trot
round
body naked, and
there for an hour or so, at
dying, he must have holy
body, with the
miserable superstition!
one-half his
in-
Pope, wear charms, beads, and a host of other silly trinkets
"enlighten
world
a slipper, a
saying
cities,
few years'
the
deii
agues
crosses,
in
at each, to secure a
let
r
like a
schoolboy playing the old hoodand when then, blind-man's-buff,
wink
is
removed, he becomes
"intellectually
illu-
minated," his mind becomes thoroughly enlightened, the darkness of his soul is all dispelled, the " new birth"
is
fully
accomplished and
do what he
will
RITE OF ENTRUSTING.
287
secede from Masonry, he has
thereafter, except to
secured for himself a safe passport to the
"Grand
we
are pos-
And
Lodge above."
yet,
with
all
this,
by our Masonic teachers, as in the above quotation, that this ceremony of the "shock itively assured
wholly borrowed from the secret worship of the "Ancient Mysteries." "Pah! 'Tis rank! It smells to heaven." of enlightenment" has been
RITE OF INTRUSTING.
The
"rite of intrusting"
tention and
next demands our
as follows:
is
at-
The hoodwink
performed as above explained, and the "shock of enlightenment" completed with all its intellectbeing removed,
ual
accompaniments, the
proaches the still
altar,
kneeling, and
before points
Worshipful Master apwhich the candidate is out to
him the three
great and the three lesser lights as already ex(on page 133). He then steps back a few paces and advancing again towards the altar, by "one upright regular step" with his left foot, brings plained
the heel of the left,
right foot to
the hollow of the
forming what Masonry very
"the angle of an oblong square,"
time the due-guard and sign of
Book,"
He
scientifically calls
making at the same a Mason. ("Hand
p. 39.)
then approaches the altar a second time, and
taking the candidate by the right hand as in ordinary
THE MASTERS CARPET.
288
hand shaking entrusts him with the wonderful crets of this
degree
se-
as follows:
"Bro. Hunt," he says "in token of friendship and brotherly love, I have now the pleasure of presenting you with my right hand, and with it the grip and 'word of an Entered Apprentice Mason, but as you are yet uninstructed, brother Senior Deacon will answer for you."
I
A.
hail.
I conceal.
^>.
What do you
All the secrets of Masons in Masonry to which this token alludes. What is this? Jg. (pressing his thumb-nail on the first knuckle.) A. The grip of an Entered Apprentice Mason. Jg.
conceal
A.
?
Has it me?
a
impart
it.
name? A.
to
I
A.
It has.
jg. it,
Will you give
it
neither will I so
How will you dispose of it? A. and syllable it. Jg. Letter it and beBegin you. Jg. Nay you must begin. jg.
I will letter
gin.
A.
did not so receive
RITE OF INTRUSTING.
289
Senior Deacon: A. Worshipful Master: B. O. Senior Deacon: Worshipful Master: Z,. Senior Deacon: Az. Worshipful Master: Bo. Bcaz. Senior Deacon :
This constitutes the
"rite of intrusting,"
on p. 288. correctly represented in the figure
and
is
What a
very dignified position this is for a Doctor of Divinity Aiid how exceedingly intellectual it occupy!
to
must be in
to go over all the foregoing miserable stuff Masonic lodge room, with a saloon keeper, or
a
gambler!
And now in
regard
it
planation
hear what Freemasonry teaches
In
gives of
its
and what ex-
present position as a Masonic
of vast importance.
ceremony
Mackey,
let us
to the antiquity of this rite,
the
"Symbolism
p. 147,
we
of
Freemasonry,"
by
read:
rite of intrusting, to which we are now our attention, will supply us with many There is an important and interesting symbols. of in the Masonic ceremony important period initiation, when the candidate is about to receive
"The
to
direct
communication of the mysteries through which he has passed, and to which the trials and labors which he has undergone can only entitle him. This
a full
ceremony because intrusted
technically called the rite of intrusting, then that the aspirant begins to be with that for the possession of which he
it
is
is
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
290
IT is EQUIVALENT TO WHAT IN THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES WAS CALLED the autopsy, or
was seeking.
the seeing of
what only the
initiated
were permitted
to behold."
Thus,
it
will be noticed,
doubt as to the origin of
we
are not left in any
In the "Ancient
this rite.
Mysteries," or secret worship of the "sun-god," the same position that
occupied
it
it
does in Freema-
sonry to-day.
But hear again what General Grand High Priest Mackey says on p. 148: "This rite of intrusting is of course divided into several parts or periods, for the aporreta, or secret things of Masonry, are not to be given at once, but in gradual progression. It begins, however, with the communication of LIGHT, which, although but a preparation for the development of the mysteries, which are to follow, must be considered as one of the most important symbols in the whole science of
Masonic Symbolism."
And "In
again, on p. 149, he further explains:
the Ancient Mysteries this reverence for light as the symbol of truth was predominant. Light was in accordance with this old religious sentiment, the great object of attainment in all the Ancient all
(religious) Mysteries."
But Dr. Oliver, perhaps more than any other Masonic writer of modern best description
of
the
mode
"Mysteries," the internal erns in
times, of
has given the
initiation into
the
arrangement of the cav-
which the ceremonies were performed, the
RITE OF INTRUSTING. the various officers in
positions of
29!
conferring the
degrees, and especially the important part which identical
this
cupy lates
in in
"rite of
intrusting"
those "ancient
secret
was made
"History of Initiation,"
his
cribing the
of
to oc-
He
initiations." p.
74?
m
re-
des-
Persia," and the inner
"Mysteries cavern where the secrets or aporreta were
commu-
nicated, that:
"This consecrated place was brilliantly illuminated and sparkled with gold and precious stones. splendid sun and starry system emitted their dazzling radiance and moved in order to the symphonies of heavenly music. Here sat the Archimagus in the east, elevated on a throne of burnished gold, crowned with a rich diadem, decorated with myrtle boughs, and habited in a flowing tunic
A
of bright cerulean tincture; round him were arranged, in solemn order, the Presides, or dispensers of the Mysteries, forming altogether a reverend assembly, which covered the awe-struck aspirant with profound feelings of veneration, and by an involuntary impulse, frequently produced an act of worship. Here he
was received with congratulations, and after having entered into the usual engagements for keeping secret the sacred rites of Mithras, the sacred WORDS were intrusted to him, of which the ineffable Tetractys, or
This
name
is
of
God, was the chief."
an exact representation of the interior of
any of our aristocratic lodges of
Freemasonry
at the
present time, with the single exception of the orna-
mentation of gold and precious stones. In the "Archimagus seated in the East," and
gorgeously
attired,
we
find the prototype of our
own
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
292
Worshipful Master, clothed
occupying u The
Presules,
Mysteries,"
in his
similar station
a
or
gaudy regalia, and Masonic lodge.
in the
dispensers
and Deacons,
"the splendid sun
Sacred
the
of
are aptly represented
by the
Wardens
and starry
tem" are reproduced by the illuminated
sys-
figure of the
sun, displayed behind the Master's chair, and
clouded canopy decked with
stars,
by the which adorns the
ceilings of our lodge rooms.
The
"congratulations"
on being admitted; the solemn engagements to keep secret the sacred mysteries, and lastly the intrusting sacred words after the obligation of secrecy had been administered, are all as faithfully represented of the
to-day in any well-governed lodge of Masons in the as they ever were in the brilliantly of the ancient Persian, or Egyptian sacellum lighted
United States,
initiations.
"RITE OF INVESTITURE."
The
last rite of
the Masonic initiatiory cere-
monies, and the one which next demands our attention
is
called the
The
"RITE OF INVESTITURE."
candidate having received the
new
birth in
the rite of illumination, and having been mentally and morally enlightened through the "rite of intrusting" he is now presented with the lamb-skin,
WHITE LEATHER APRON, and this presentation of the apron, and teaching him how to wear it, is called or
the "rite of invest itzire"
RITT OF INVESTITURE.
The annexed engraving
the
represents
Master
Worshipful
presenting the
candi-
date with "lamb-skin
apron," and which he orders
him
the Senior the ing: O
to carry to
Warden
in
West,who in showhim how to wear it
uses the following for-
"Hand Book," p. 82. Senior Warden: Brother Hunt, Masonic tradition informs us that at the building of King Solomon's temple there were various classes of workmen, each of whom, a^ a distinctive badge, wore their aprons mula.
in a peculiar manner. Entered Apprentices being bearers of burden, wore theirs with the bib turned up, to prevent their clothes from being soiled, but as stains upon the apron of the operative workman would bring credit, rather than disgrace, yet you being a Speculative Mason, are expected to keep yours unspotted from the world. You are therefore
entitled i
wear yours
to
\g with us
on
in
this degree.
manner while work(He turns up the bib of
this
the apron.)
This concludes the
"rite of investiture"
origin, and the reason for
its
performance
and is
its
fully
'
explained
as
follows in the text book? of Free-
masonry. In the ''General p. 74:
Ahiman Rezon," by
Sickles,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
294
"The npron
in
cient Mysteries'-
ancient times
was
/.
e.
the 'An-
in
a universally received
emblem
of Truth. Among the Grecian Mysteries, the candidate was invested with a white robe and apron. In Persia, the investiture was exceedingly splendid, and succeeded to the commission of light."
In Mackey's "Manual of the Lodge," read
p. 32,
we
:
"In the Persian Mysteries of Mithras, the canwas invested with a white apron. In the Brahminical initiations of Hindostan, the Zennar, or Sacred Corn, was substituted for the apron. Even the Japanese in their rites of initiation invest their candidate with a white apron." didate
Again,
in the
"Symbolism
of Freemasonry,"
by
Mackey,p. 130:
"The rite of investiture called in the colloquially technical language of the order, the ceremony of clothing, brings us at once to the consideration of that well-known symbol of Freemasonry, the LAMB-SKIN APRON. This rite of investiture, or the placing upon the aspirant some garment as an indication of his appropriate preparation for the ceremonies in which he was about to engage, prevailed in all the ancient initiations" -
And
referring to
its
ancient use in the Scandi-
navian Mysteries, he adds: "In the Scandinavian rites, where the military genius of the people had introduced a warlike species of initiation, instead of the apron we find the candidate receiving a white shield, which was, however, always presented with the accompaniment of some symbolic instruction not very dissimilar to that which is connected with the Masonic apron."
And 43>44
:
again, in the ''Traditions of Masonry," pp.
RITE OP INVESTITURE.
295
"There is no one of the symbols of Masonry more important in its teachings, or more interesting in its history, that leather apron."
lambskin or 'white
that of the
"The apron, or girdle, in ancient times was a universally received emblem of truth and passive duty" "Among the primitive Masons," /. e., the ancient sun-worshipers "this badge received a characteristic distinction from its peculiar color and material, and was, indeed, an unequivocal mark of The investiture of the apron formsuperior dignity. ed an essential part of the ceremony of initiation, and was attended with
rites
equally significant and im-
pressive."
Again, on
"When
p. 45,
we
read:
was initiated into the 'Ancient Mysteries,' he was esteemed regenerate, and he was invested with a WHITE garment and apron as a symbol of his newly attained purity."
"Among was
a candidate
the Greeks, the garment of initiation white is a color most
'white, because, says Cicero, acceptable to the gods."
"The Japanese, for among Mysteries, present the candidate and 'white apron. And in the Druidical rites the candidate was with a flowing robe of the purest It
may perhaps be worthy
them we
find
the
with a loose tunic degree of the solemnly invested
last
'white" of remark,
that in
alluding here to the
Japanese "Mysteries," Past
Grand Master Pierson
uses the present tense, thus
indicating that sun-worship
is still
the prevailing re-
and this being the case, how, be asked, can a Masonic Missionary consist-
ligion of that country, it
may
ently request a Japanese
pagan
to forsake the prac-
THE MASTER'S CARPET
296
tice of his secret
self
pagan ceremonies, when he him-
has been initiated into the very self-same
and has absolutely sworn
to
"conform
rites
abide by,
to,
and maintain, and support" the very same idolatry forever.
And
referring to the apron as being "in
mitive times rather an ecclesiastical than a coration,"
Mr. Pierson goes on
ing remarks on the "rite of
pri-
civil de-
to say in
his clos-
investiture"
"Trad-
itions of
Freemasonry," p. 47: "This is a collateral proof of the fact that Masonry was originally incorporated with the various systems of divine worship used by every people in * * If ancient world. Masonry retains the or shadow, it cannot have renounced the reality or substance."
the
symbol
And
hence, unquestionably, the Masonic philo-
sophy must be one
in
form and
those various systems of divine worship cient Mysteries"
with which
it
w ith
substance
was
the
T
"An-
"originally in-
corporated," and so true is it that Freemasonry and the "Ancient Mysteries" are identical in every feature,
an'd
teachers insist
yond any
so
persistently do all
upon establishing
possibility of
dispute,
our Masonic be-
this
identity
that
Past Grand
Master Mackey affirms of the North East Corner ceremony in the Entered Apprentice degree, that is the only one of all the ceremonies of initiation it
which cannot be traced back
to
any pagan
origin.
RITE OF INVESTITURE.
297
In the "Symbolism of Freemasonry," p. 175? ^ie says
:
"It may be noticed in conclusion that the cornerstone seems to be peculiarly a Jewish symbol. / can jind no reference to it in any of the ancient pagan rites rmd the EBEN PINAH, the corner-stone
which
frequently mentioned in Scripture, apMasonry to have had unlike almost every other symbol of the order an exclusively so
is
pears in its use in
temple origin."
The
foregoing quotations might be indefinitely
multiplied from
the various manuals and monitors
of the lodge as well as
of those
from the authorized teachings
who mould and
fashion
Masonic thought,
But enough, and a great deal more than enough, has already been said, to prove with the force and accuracy of a both
in
Europe and America.
mathematical demonstration
that
every
rite
and
every ceremony through which the Masonic candidate is made to pass on the night of his initi-
from the time he enters the "preparation room" the "upper chamber" of the building where
ation, in
the
lodge
is
held, until he
again reaches the side-
walk, the sworn slave of Masonry, have
borrowed from the
secret
all
been
worship of the sun-god of
the ancient pagans, and that the religious philosophy of Speculative
Freemasonry, and the religious
osophy of the Baal worship of Samaria, are cally the same.
phil-
identi-
CHAPTER
XIII.
THE MASTER'S CARPET. sonic
Form
Emblems.
ports.
Covering.
Lights.
Jewels.
Why
Its
sup-
Ornaments.
Furniture. Situation.
Having now disposed
Mr. Barton:
Ma-
so called.
of the lodge.
of
all
the
initiatory ceremonies, and having satisfactorily account-
ed for the existence of each one of them as a Masonic rite,
the next subject
demanding onr
regular order of lodge work,
is
attention in the
the discussion of the
symbols and emblems on the "Master's Carpet." the early days of Speculative Freemasonry,
pagan philosophy was only yet
when
In its
infancy, and long before it carried itself so haughtily and defiantly as it does to-day, the symbols and emblems of the in its
used to be rudely sketched with chalk or, charcoal on a certain part of the- lodge different degrees
room
floor,
on the night of
particular spot
initiation,
was always reserved
and as that
for the exclusive
came
to be calWorshipful Master, led the "Master's Carpet," and from that the name
use of the
it
has long since been applied to
lems
in general, as
uals in
the Masonic emb-
well as the charts and man-
which they are now universally
The symbols to
all
which our
delineated.
of the Entered Apprentice degree
attention
must now be mainly
directed,
WHY are nine
Form
in
SO CALLED.
number, having
299
direct allusion to
the
Supports, Covering, Furniture, Ornaments, Lights, Jewels, Situation and Dediof the lodge;
like
and,
cation,
its
all
the preceding ceremonies of
every one of these emblems, without any
initiation,
exception, has been "borrowed"
from the "Ancient
Mysteries," or secret worship of Baal, and their for-
mer
position in that idolatrous system
is
distinctly
pointed out in the monitors and standard works of the institution.
On
however, the
the night of his initiation,
candidate
is
given a far different explanation of these
emblems, by the Worshipful Master. Freemasonry is but a wicked system of sworn deception, fraud, and "cunning craftiness," from beginning to end; and hence the promoters of its antichristian philoso-
phy real
are
always very careful,
meaning of
ground,
at
first,
pretended mysteries in the backsuch time as the initiate has
its
taken the Master Mason's obligation, is
bound
against the terrible
ture of the
line
of
its.
pagan
pre-
into
which, perhaps, he This peculiar fea-
institution furnishes
origin, have
one more
been borrowed
other elements of corruption in a direct
from the "Ancient
to the
it is
he dare not revolt
bondage
Masonic
its
when
so fast that
has been unsuspectingly insnared.
like all
keep the
or, at least, until
sumed he
proof
to
manner
in
which
Mysteries."
As
relating
a similar practice of fraud
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
300
and deception was carried out in the "Ancient initiations," we have the following truthful statement from the pen of that eminent Mason, Dr. George Oliver.
In his "History of Initiation,"
he says:
p. 80,
"The Mysteries being
connected with the services of religion, the miserable jugglers, who profited by magnifying the absurd fears of superstition, carried on the deception to its utmost extent, and to the
moment of their powers." The "miserable jugglers" of
latest
profited
by
the
"Mysteries,"
the deception of their candidates,
the
miserable jugglers of
power and cisely
of
the
Freemasonry derive their from a similar source, and in pre-
profit
same manner, and between both
hierophants
there
is
coincidence that in the ception
is
We in detail,
the
also
Masonic
classes
further
marked
institution
the de-
this
knowingly practiced and to its fullest extent. shall now examine these different emblems representing each one precisely as
chart
or "carpet,"
and the meaning
it
sophy of Masonry,
and giving
conveys
in the
as furnished us
its
it
true
is
on
origin
religious philo
by the authorized
teachers of the order.
THE FORM OF THE LODGE. From the NORTH. ritual
we
Masonic
learn
that
of
the
"the
form
lodge
is
long
square,
that of an ob-
SOUTH.
extend-
FORM FO THE LODGE.
30!
ing from East to West, embracing every clime be-
tween the North and South." ("Hand Book,"
And of
p.
92.)
Dr. Mackey, in referring to this universal form
Masonic lodges, explains
Lodge,"
in
his
"Manual
of the
p. 44:
"There is a peculiar fitness in this theory, which is really only making the Masonic lodge a symbol of the world." And in the "General A hi man Rezon," p. 76, it is further asserted that "the double cube form is an expressive emblem of the united powers of light and darkness in the t
creation."
Also
in the
of
"Symbolism
Freemasonry,"
p.
102, we read: "The form
of a Masonic lodge is said to be a parallelogram or oblong square, its greatest length being from east to west, its breadth from north to south." And again on p. 104 it is stated that "a Masonic lodge is therefore a symbol of the world."
The
reason
why
this
the
Masonic philosophy,
the
same page, where
symbol is
is
made
use of in
given in a footnote on
said that "to the
vulgar and untaught eye the heaven or sky above the earth seems to be co-extensive with the earth, and to take the same form, enclosing a cubical space, of which the earth was the base, the heaven or sky the upper surface;" and Dr. Mackey further adds, that "it is to this
symbol
notion of the universe the the Masonic
refers."
The a
lodge room then
symbol of
god, and of the
it
its
brought before us
as
governed by the sunform expressed in the language
the universe,
cubical
ritual
is
is
made
to represent the united
pow-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
3 02
ers of light
which
is
them. real
and darkness, and the constant
supposed
Or,
in
to
conflict
be always going on between
other words, the lodge
room
is
the
Masonic heaven, where the "god of nature," A. O. T. U." always presides, where his
the "G.
symbol
is
always
where
displayed,
wor-
his
ship always practiced, and when the "good Mason" dies he is simply transferred from this is
lower heaven or
Olympus
of
the
this
"lodge below," to the
craft,
called
Mount
"Grand Lodge
the
above."
THE SUPPORTS OF THE LODGE. In reference to
this
symbol, the Masonic
ritual
gives the
following explanation:
"The
Ma
s
o nic
lodge, bounded only by the extreme points of the Compass, the highest heavens," (as in the last
emblem,) "and
the lowest depths of the central abyss, is said to be metaphorically supported by three great pillars, de-
nominated Wisdom^ Strength and Beauty" The above figure represents these supports given on the chart, and their positions are explained as follows by the Masonic text books: as
"Manual
of the
Lodge," by Mackey,
p. 46:
SUPPORTS OF THE LODGE.
303
"Of these, the Column of Wisdom is situated the East part of the lodge, and is represented by The Column of Strength the Worshipful Master. is situated in the West part of the lodge, and is represented by the Senior Warden, and the Column of Beauty is situated in the oouth part of the lodge, a id is represented by the Junior Warden." in
And
again, in the "Traditions of Freemasonry,"
by Pierson,
p. 55:
"The emblematical
foundations, or support of a
Masonic lodge, are three pillars denominated Wisdom, Strength and Beauty" And now our next inquiry must be, where did
"Masonic fathers" of
the
1717 find these pillars?
And why are they thus represented in Freemasonry? The answer comes from the "Grand East," and from i'.s
infallible
ruling there
is
and there can be no
appeal.
"Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 56:
"In the Ancient Mysteries these three pillars represented the great emblematical Triad of Deity, as with us they represent the three principal officers The three corresponding pillars of the lodge. of the Hindu Mysteries were also known by the
names east,
of
'west
Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, and placed and south, crowned with three human
heads."
the in
We
have
best,
if
it
on the evidence of one of
then,
not actually the best informed
America, that
this
emblem
of the
Mason
three pillars
has not only been borrowed from the "Mysteries" of
Hindostan, but
that
they actually retain the
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
304
same names and tution that
Masonic
insti-
they formerly did, or do now, in the
Wisdom
And remembering
Brahma.
"secret initiations" of
the
the
positions in
of
Solomon, the Strength of Hiram, King Tyre, and the Beauty of the designs and work of Hiram, "the widow's son," we can easily of
understand the
base
the
adoption
which
cunning
of these worthies as the
prompted Grand
first
Masters of the system, the better to hide its pagan origin, and to enable its infidel founders to "carry out
with greater
their base deception
But the three
we
pillars,
facility.
are further informed,
refer directly to the three principal officers of
lodge, and hence,
the
understand the true meaning
to
of the symbol still more clearly, amined in that connection.
it
must be
also ex-
THE THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS. The
figures
on the following, page represent
the three principal officers of the lodge, standing in
the Worshipful Master in
their respective stations
the
East, the Senior
Junior tion
Warden
naturally
situated?
whence which
at
in the
arises,
What do
did the first
government?
Warden South.
why they
Masonic led
in the
are
And now these
really
revivalists
to this
West, and the the ques-
officers
represent?
thus
And
borrow the idea
peculiar
form of lodge
EAST.
WEST. The Brahma, Vishnu and Siva of Freemasonry.
306 In the " Symbolism
we
of Freemasonry," p.
106,
read:
" The three principal officers of a lodge are, it needless to say, situated in the east, the west and the south. bearing in mind that the lodge is a symbol of the world or the universe the reference of these three officers to the sun at its rising, is
Now
setting and gest itself."
its
And
Meridian height must
its
in the
He
once sug-
"Freemason's Guide," by Sickles,
p. 66, this direct reference to the
asserted.
at
sun-god
is
further
says:
"
its its
The Worshipful Master represents the sun at rising, the Senior Warden represents the sun at setting, and the Junior Warden represents the
sun
at
Meridian."
every symbol, ceremony and emblem of Freemasonry, we meet nothing but the sun-god In
the "Ancient initiations"
the "Ancient Mysteries"
the old secret worship of Baal.
Master Mackey,
whence
in referring to
But Past Grand
the
Hindoo Mys-
particular Masonic emblem has been revived, and showing the coincidence between those " Mysteries " and the Masonic institution, teries,
this
gives the following copious explanation as the reason
why
the three principal lodge
officers
of Masonry
are placed east west and south.
"Symbolism of Freemasonry," " In the
which
are
Brahminical
among
mitted to us, and
pp. 116, 117:
initiations
of Hindostan,
the earliest that have been trans-
may
almost be considered as
the.
THREE PRINCIPAL OFFICES.
307
cradle of all the others, of subsequent ages and various countries, the ceremonies were performed in vast caverns, the remains of some of which at Salsette and Elephanta and a few other places, will give the spectator but a very inadequate idea of the extent and splendor of these ancient Indian
lodges^ "
The interior of the cavern of initiation was lighted by innumerable lamps and there sat in the east, the west and the south the princical Hierophants or explainers of the Mysteries, as the representatives of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva." "
Now
Brahma was
the supreme deity of the from the sun-god
Hindoos, borrowed or derived of their Sabean ancestors and
were but manifestations of
And "
Vishnu
and Siva
his attributes."
again on page 108:
We
learn from the Indian Pantheon that the sun rises in the east, he is Brahma, when he gains his meridian, he is Siva, and when he sets in the west, he is Vishnu."
when
Now
if this is
not
an
exact
picture
masonry and its symbolic teaching the sun or sun-god of its pagan there
is
no use of
in
words.
the
the three principal officers
who
west
ations, sat in the east,
sented the sun-god stations, at rising,
of Free-
reference
worship, the
trying to understand
In
meaning
in
Brahma at
Mysteries conducted the initisouth
his
meridian and
the Masonic mysteries
the
are situated in like manner,
real
Hindoo
and in
to
then
three east,
and repre-
three at
principal
setting.
principal
west
In
officers
and
and represent precisely the very same sun-god
south "the
308
Worshipful Master,"
(as
are assured above) " re-
we
Warden Warden the
presenting the sun in the east, the Senior
and the Junior
the sun in the west,
sun
And
in the south."
hence,
it
must unquestion-
MaBrahma
ably follow that the Worshipful Master of a sonic lodjje O
is
name
but another
for
the
of the sun-worship of Hindostan, the Senior
den but another name
Warden It
Vishnu, and the Junior
for
name
but another
for Siva.
could not be possible for
nor
lish a clearer coincidence,
proof be
adduced
to
War-
identify
Masonry could
the
to
estab-
any stronger
secret
religious
philosophy of the Masonic system with the ancient secret sun or Baal worship of pagan mythology.
But
let
ject.
more, what Past Grand
us hear once
Master Pierson has Alluding
to say, in
to the three
dom, Strength and Beauty,
relation
Masonic
in the
and their direct reference to
god of Hindostan, he goes on
to
this sub-
pillars,
Wis-
Hindoo Mysteries,
Brahma
or
the
sun-
to explain.
"In the
east) as the pillar of Wisdom, this the sun-god -was called Brahma; in as the pillar of Strength, Vishnu. And in the South, as the pillar of Beauty, Siva, and hence, in the Indian initiations the representative of Brahma was seated in the east, that of Vishnu in the west and that of Siva in the south. very remarkable coincidence with the practice of
/. deity the west)
e.
A
Ancient Masonry."
And
so
then,
the
only
difference
between
COVERING OF THE LODGE. the
Brahmin lodges
lodges the
of
09
Masonic
of Hindostan and the
England and America
that instead
is
names Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, found
former,
Freemasonry
uses
the
of
in the
terms Worshipful
Warden and Junior Warden. The ceremonies are precisely the same, the positions of Master, Senior
the Hierophants are the same, the duties the same, and the only difference is in the change of name, and, as we are informed elsewhere, this arises from
change of country.
THE COVERING OF THE LODGE. In regard to this symbol
the
Masonic ritual
explains that:
"The covering is
no
less
of
the
than that
lodge clouded canopy or starry
decked heaven where
ail
Masons
hope at last to arrive by the aid of that theological ladder which Jacob in his vision saw extending from earth to heaven." ("Hand Book," p. 93.)
good
This symbol is also derived from the "Ancient Mysteries," and has direct reference to the old sun-
worship or sabaism of antiquity, proven by and ladder
as
is
abundantly
the following reference to both the canopy in the
Masonic text-books.
In the "Manual of the Lodge," by p. 40:
Mackey,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
310
The lodge continues throughout this degree to be presented to the initiated as a symbol of the world, and hence its covering is figuratively supposed to be the " clouded canopy," on which the host of stars
*
is
which
represented. here referred
*
*
The
mystical ladder
symbol that was " widely diffused among the religions of antiquity i e. in the Ancient Mysteries "where, as in Masonry, it was always supposed to consist of seven steps, because seven was a sacred number. In some of the Ancient Mysteries the seven steps represented the seven planets and then the sun was the topis
to
is
a
most."
Again pp.
117,
in
the
"
Symbolism of Freemasonry,"
118.
"
The lodge, as a representative of the world, of course supposed to have no other roof than the heavens." is
"This mystic ladder which connects the ground lodge with its roof or covering, is another important and interesting link which binds with one common chain the symbolism and ceremonies of Freemasonry and the symbolism and floor of the
of the ancient initiations."
rites
And
Pierson, referring to this same symbol
"Jacob's Ladder," in his
" Traditions
of
of
Freema-
sonry, p. 50, uses the following language:
" In the ladder we find another remarkable coincidence in the use of the same symbol in the Masonic institution, and the ancient mysteries to inculcate the same idea." I
word
have
a
strong
desire
to
emphasize
of these extracts, but in the absence of
every italics
FURNITURE, LIGHTS, JEWELS. and with stances,
I
the calmness possible under the circum-
all
will just
remark, and do
qualification whatever, that to conceive
the
how
old Baal
be
could
language
$11
it
without any
so,
would be impossible
of Freemasonry with " or sun-worship of the " Mysteries the identity
expressed
than
it
is
in
any
here
or
stronger
affirmed
plainer
these
in
quo-
tations.
FURNITURE, LIGHTS, JEWELS. It is
only necessary to refer very
briefly to these
collective
symbols and
in this
because they have
form,
been discussed somewhat extensively been shown already, and it has that with one tures
they
single
all
the
exception
refer to
the
Holy
Worshipful
Scrip-
Master or
the representation of 'the
sun-god or "G. A. O. T.
U." of Masonry.
are three
niture in every
There
Masonic lodge,
plained on page 123, the
articles
as
lights les
above
to
three burning
arranged cut,
in
a
the
three
triangular
and representing
form,
also
Master
to the
There
craft.
tapers or
are
three
tallow
cand-
as
the
in
the "sun,
moon
and Master of the lodge," and there are three
movable jewels, the square,
ex-
Bible, Square and
Holy
Compass, the Square being dedicated and the Compass
of fur-
heretofore
level
im-
and plumb, again
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
312
referring to the three
sun-god
in his three separate
west
east,
and
south,
which way you turn you
principal
investigate,
in
or
officers,
to
the
manifestations in the
No
respectively.
matter,
what emblem
Masonry, or
you cannot get outside of the
in-
fluence of sun-worship.
In reference to the symbol of the lights or the
"three burning tapers," the lodge book explains as follows.
"Manual "
The
of the Lodge," by Mackey, p. 51:
three
lights,
three
the
like
principal
and the three principal supports refer undoubtedly to the three principal stations of the sun' its rising in the east, its meridian in the south, and its setting in the west and thus the symbol of the lodge, as typical of the world, continues to be officers
preserved."
Now
as the
Worshipful
Master
in
own
his
proper person represents the sun, and
as
here that the three principal
and the three
officers
principal supports also represent the it
follows
as
an undisputable
various symbolisms are absorbed
personated
Worshipful
that
fact
in
by the Master, who representative
sun,
of the
it
is
stated
therefore all
these
and are directly is
therefore
the
in
the
sun-god
Masonic philosophy the one chief object of venerthe symbol of the god of ation and reverence
Masonry.
ORNAMENTS OF THE LODGE. THE ORNAMENTS. In relation to this
symbol
Masonic
the
declares
ritual
"the ornaments of a
that,
lodge are the Mosaic Pave-
ment, the Indented Tessel and the Blazing Star." "
Manual of the Lodge," Here
one, and
then, I
we
presume
p. 49.
find three it
emblems included
in
needless to add that these.,
is
preceeding ones have been derived from pagan temples, and refer in an especial
like all the
the
old
manner ancient first
to
the
Sabaism
Egyptians
where
or star- worship of the " were the "
Mysteries
practiced.
In reference to " Mosaic Pavement,"
Masonry
teaches as follows:
Mosaic pavements, consisting of stones of varso disposed as to represent different shapes or forms, were common in the temples of "Falthe ancients" i. c. in the temple of Baal
ious colors,
lows says that they represented the variagated face of the earth, in the places where the ancients formheld their religious the Lodge," p. 49. But how did the " erly
"Manual of
assemblies.
Blazing
Star
"
creep
into
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
314
Freemasonry and what lesson, if any has taught in the Masonic philosophy?
it
ever
Dr. Mackey, having already quoted John Fallows as good authority on Freemasonry, it will surely be pardonable in us
to
follow
his
and learn what he has to say concerning bol
among the early Egyptians. In his celebrated work "
Freemasonry," pp.
emblem
sonic
"
14,
15,
The
example this
sym-
Mysteries
he alludes to
this
of
Ma-
as follows:
will here remark that the Anubis or Dog useful to the ancient Egyptians, is the Blazing Stai of Masonry, and although the craft are ignorant of its origin as a Masonic symbol, yet they are actually taught the moral drawn from its " in his " Monitor original emblematical use. The Mosaic Pavement is emblematic of husays: I
Star, so
Webb
man
checkered with good and
the Beautiemblematic of those blessings and comforts which surround us and which we hope to obtain by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by the Blazing Star in the center." life,
ful Border which surrounds
it,
evil,
is
" This
symbol is peculiarly if not exclusively applicable to the Egyptians who inhabited the Delta and who, by placing a reliance upon the warning, providentially given by this star and in consequence retiring to the higher ground with the produce of their agriculture might enjoy the "comforts" that surrounded them."
SITUATION OF THE LODGE.
The Masonic
ritual prescribes that
must be^ situated due
east
every lodge and west, and this custom
SITUATION OF THE LODGE. like all the other customs,
315
symbols and ceremonies
of the institution has been derived from the situation of pagan temples of the ancient sun- or Baal-worship, as is evident from the following explanation. " Manual of the
Lodge,"
"The
p. 55.
of lodges or their position east and west is derived from the universal custom of antiquity. The heathen temples," says Dudley, "were so constructed that their length was directed towards the east, and the entrance was by a portico at the western front, where the altar stood so that the votaries approaching for the performance of religious rites, directed their faces toward the The primitive reason east, the quarter of sunrise. for this custom undoubtedly is to be found in the early prevalence of .$7^-\vorship, and hence the spot orientation
that luminary first made his appearance in heavens was consecrated in the minds of his
where the
worshippers ence.
as a
place
entitled
Freemasonrv retaining
in
to
peculiar
rever-
symbolism the the world and conits
typical reference of the lodge to stantly alluding to the sun in his apparent diurnal revolution, imperatively requires, when it can be done that the lodge should be situated due east and west, sO that every ceremony shall remind the
Mason of
How
the progress of that luminary." the teachers
strangely anxious
masonry must be,
to establish the identity
of Freeof Free-
" Ancient masonry with the Mysteries," when it is " " that even the very lodge imperatively required
rooms of the order must be west, because of a
similar
situated
custom
due
east
and
which obtained
of the pagan temples where the secret worship of Baal used to be formerly practised. in
the
situation
CHAPTER THE POINT WITHIN A
XIV.
CIRCLE.
Refers to the Sun.
Lodge dedications. Borrowed from the Mys-
Represents the Phallus or Baal-peor of
teries.
Condemned by pagan worship. Supported by Masonic ministers.
.
Paul.
St.
The Sym-
bol of Masonic licentiousness.
Mr. Barton: "
ter's
Carpet
The
emblem on
is
that
the
"Mas-
now demands
and the one which
attention,
special
last
curious
commonly known among Masons
our
representation, " The Point
as
within a Circle."
The more we masonry, the closer
discuss
principles of Free-
the
we examine
of darkness and investigate the
and ceremonies which of
bers
ing
its
it
uses in
imagery," (Ezekiel
wickedness and fested
in
idoiatory. its
the
construction
From
the
accredited teachers
aming
its
make
it,
that
more we
the immensity of
at
of
its
its
entire system of
unanimous testimony of thus
elicited
different elements,
strated as clearly as
illustrate
are over-
wonderful ingenuity mani-
the
at
12) in
viii.
religious philosophy, the
its
whelmed with astonishment
hidden works
its
numerous symbols the " dark cham-
it is
it
in the
has
power
far,
while
been
all
ex-
demon-
of language to
both in whole and in part,
in
its
POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE. outward form and
Masonic
institution
inward secret working the
in its
an
is
exact
" Ancient Mysteries," and that
symbols, emblems and
317
counterpart the
all
ceremonies,
now em-
which are
rites
of the
ployed with so much pretended reverence and mock solemnity in conferring
and
rites
ceremonies
secret
the
in
practised
that
used
to
the
initiatory
be
formerly
introduction of candidates into the
worship of Baal or
But
heathenish degrees, are
its
every single feature with
identical in
Osiris.
the explanation given in the Masonic text books of this emblem of " The Point within a
Circle" ive
in
we
are furnished with
such an
mass of additional evidence
as to
its
accumulatreal
char-
and philosophy, that in fact it would be more than sufficent of itself, and in the absence of any acter
other proof, to brand Freemasonry as the must cor-
rupt and
institution
demoralizing
that
the
world
ever saw.
Freemasonry and falsehood might without any impropriety be used as synonymous terms, but in that pertains to
the
and
history
meaning
of this
symbol and from the duplicity and cunning so geniously displayed in
from
all
sible to conceive
its
concealing
but the "trooly
loyal,"
how even
it
is
the very
himself could invent anything to beat
The
first
statement
made
in
the
all
in-
real character
scarcely posfather
of
lies
it.
Masonic text
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
3 .8
book
in relation to
"The Point within
a Circle"
is
as
follows:
"Manual
of the
Lodge," by Mackey,
p. 55:
"Modern Masons dedicate their lodges to S:. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, 'who were two eminent patrons of Masonry / and since their time there
is
represented in every regular and
well-governed lodge a certain point within a
embordered by two John the Baptist and
circle
parallel lines, representing St. The St. John the Evangelist.
point represents an individual boundary line of his duty,"
member,
the circle the
POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE.
The foregoing symbol
figure
as represented in
out the world, and by
Manual we
the
the following that the SS.
of
its
an exact copy of this
every lodge room through-
accompanying quotation from
learn that as
is
319
.
sets
Freemasonry
forth
its
First, pretended meaning: eminent were Christian patrons John
Masonry; second,
that since their time the "Point
with a Circle" has been represented in every reg-
and well-governed lodge;
ular
parallel lines
John
represent St.
third, that
the
two
the Baptist and St.
John
the Evangelist; and fourth, that the point re-
member and
presents an individual
boundary
Now any of
the circle the
line of his duty.
there
is
not a single
these statements, but the
word
of truth in
whole averment
is
one continuous falsehood from beginning to end.
"The Point within
a Circle"
is
not only a pagan
symbol, referring to the sun-god of Masonic wor-
and borrowed directly from the "ancient initiations" of the old Baal mythology, ship from
but
it is
first to
in fact as
lacivious idol
last,
near a true representation of that
the Baal-peor of
decency will permit
Masonry
to represent
it
in
Moab
Grand High
the
as
common
Priests
of
books intended for general
This and a great deal more concerning circulation. this vicious symbol will appear evident from the fol-
lowing Masonic testimony. In regard to the "two parellel lines"
we
read
3 20
in the
"Manual
of the
Lodge," by Mackey,
p. 57:
"The
tivo parallel lines which in the modern lectures are said to represent St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist, really allude to par-
ticular periods in the SUN'S annual course. particular points in this course the sun is
At two
found on
the Zodiacal signs, Cancer and Capricorn, which are the summer and winter solstices. is in these points, he has reached
distinguished as When the sun his
greatest
northern and southern
limit.
These
points, if we suppose the circle to represent the sun's annual course, will be indicated by the points
where the
But the parallel lines touch the circle. days when the sun reaches these points are the 2istof June and the 22nd of December, and this will account for their subsequent application to the Saints John, whose anniversaries the has placed near those days."
two
So then the "two perpendicular instead of referring to the
and the "Beloved
lines,"
"Forerunner of Christ,"
Disciple," really
tropic of Cancer to the
parallel
Church
allude to
the
north and the tropic of
Capricorn to the south of the equator, while the itself alludes to the apparent course of the sun through the circle of the Zodiac. Even a com-
circle
mon almanac
will furnish sufficient proof that the "Point within a Circle" is a constant symbol of the sun. But again we read on the same page:
"So the
true interpretatoin of the point within the same as that of the Master and Wardens of a lodge. * * * The Master and Wardens are symbols of the sun the lodge of the universe, or the world; the point also is the symbol of the same sun, and the surrounding circle of the universe while the two parallel lines really
a circle
is
POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE.
32!
point NOT TO TWO saints, but to the two northern and southern limits of the sun's course."
The in
this
parallelsm so distinctly set
startling
last
extract
is
worthy
forth
of attentive notice.
The Worshipful Master
is the symbol of the sunof the the and universe; the point is also lodge god a symbol of the same sun-god and the circle of
and therefore the point and the Masare one, while the circle and universe are also
the
universe,
ter
Now
one.
bearing this in mind,
be better enabled the Masonic
we
to realize the true
shall
perhaps "inwardness" of
philosophy, as expressed in the quota-
on pp. 325, 326. the "Traditions of Freemasonry,"
tions that follow,
But 84,
in
Mr. Pierson
ations
of this
also gives
p.
very elaborate explan-
extraordinary symbol of the Masonic
system, and everywhere
refers
it
to
the old sun-
worship of the ancient pagan world. He says: "The point 'within a circle became a universal emblem" /. e. among the pagans "to denote the temple of the deity and was referred in the planetary circle in the center of which was fixed the sun as the universal god and father of nature." "In the Druidical rites the point within the and the cube were emblems of Odin."
circle
"The Hindoos was
believed that the
correctly represented
by
Supreme Being
a perfect sphere, with-
out beginning and without end." And so then, in order to ascertain the true interpretation
of
must seek for
"The Point within a Circle," we alone we have found all it, where
3 22
other symbols and ceremonies of the Masonic
the
system, in the old Baal worship of paganism and
among
the
Druids and
Hindoos.
But where did
"Masonic fathers" discover the
the
lines?
And who
first
two
parallel
introduced them into the sys-
tem? In the "Traditions of Freemasonry,"
answer:
find the
"The
p.
87,
we
"
mysteries
among
the Chinese and Japan-
came from India and had similar rites. In these a ring supported by two serpents was emblematical of the world protected by the power and wisdom ese
of the Creator and that is the origin of the two parallel lines (into which time has changed the two serpents) that support the circle in our lodges. the two perIt is supposed that this addition of pendicular parallel lines to the point within the circle was introduced by Dunckerley, as we find no allusion
to
them previous
to
his
revision
of
the
lectures."
And
no possible doubt may exist as to the Masonic system and the true import and design of this symbol, Mr. that
real philosophic teaching of the
Pierson again
asserts, in his Traditions, pp. 87, 88:
evident then that the sun either as an object of worship or of symbolization has always formed an important part of both the 'Mysteries' and the system of Freemasonry. * * * * The parallel lines will indicate the limits of the sun's extreme northern and southern declination when he arrives at the solstitial points of Cancer and Capricorn." "It
is
But not only does within a
Circle," in
this
symbol of "The Point
all its
parts of parallel lines,
POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE.
323 I
point and circle, refer directly to the sun in
its
parent annual course, and therefore to the
fictiti-
ous sun-god of pagan worship, but tively affirmed, that, like the
great pillars"
is
also posi-
of the "three
Wisdom, Strength and Beauty
had a distinct existence bearing the same
it
in the "ancient initiations,"
name
that
from that source
does to-day in
it
sonry, and, consequently, that ferred
it
emblem
ap-
it
Ma-
was wholly transMasonic system,
into the
without even the slightest change. In relation to this fact
among many "History of
we have
the following,
other proofs, from Dr. Oliver in his Initiation," p. 88,
where,
in describing
the mysteries of Greece, he says:
"The
some of the symbols of the equilateral triangle, the square, the perfect square, the cube and a point 'within a circle, which was a symbol of the universe, because the most excellent body," (the sun) "ought to have the most excellent place, viz. the center." following are
Pythagoras
in
All these pagan symbols are to be found to-day every Masonic lodge and chapter in the world. Again, on p. 181, when 'describing the Scandi-
navian mysteries:
"The most prominent symbols in these celebrations were the cross and ring, already mentioned, the ash-tree, the POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE, the rainbow and a cube, the emblem of Odin." But now the most important fact of all, in relation to this notorious Masonic symbol, remai ns to be stated, and the explanation here given of it by
who are most
those
ledge of
and
in
virtue, ficient
interested in imparting a
know-
the wonderful mysteries of
Freemasonry, extraordinary morality and proclaiming when rightly understood, ought to be sufof itself to condemn this whole miserable its
system of duplicity and demon worship to lasting infamy. Hear what Past Grand Master Mackey teaches in his
"Symbolism
of Freemasonry," p. 353.
"The
'point 'within a circle is derived from the ancient sun-worship, and is in realty of phallic oriIt is a symbol of the universe, the sun being gin. represented by the point, while the circumference is
the universe."
And
again on p. 352:
"The lines touching the circle in the symbol of the point within a circle are said to reprent St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, but they really refer to the solstitial points Cancer and Capricorn in the Zodiac."
And
lastly,
in
the
"Manual
of
the
Lodge,"
p. 56:
"The point 'within a circle is an interesting and important symbol in Freemasonry, but it has been so debased in the interpretation of it in the modern lectures that the sooner that interpretation is forgotten by the Masonic student, the better will it be. The symbol is really a beautiftd but somewhat abstruse allusion to the old SUN-WORSHIP, and introduces us for the first time to that modification of ancients as the -worship of the it, known among the
Phallus."
And now the Phallus ?
our next inquiry must be, what was
And what
the nature of that ancient
POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE. phallic worship, to which as
we
are
325
here credibly
informed, this Masonic symbol so distinctly refers? Hear the authoritative explanation of Masonry, as expressed in its text books and lodge monitors. In the "Symbolism of Freemasonry," by A. G.
Mackey,
1
p.
we
12,
read:
"Perfectly to understand this symbol, I must refer, as a preliminary matter, to the worship of the Phallus, a peculiar modification of sun-worship, to a great extent among the nations
which prevailed of antiquity."
"The Phallus was of
the
a sculptured representation virile or male organ of generworship of it is said to have ori-
metnbrum
and the ginated in Egypt, where, after the murder of Osiris by Typhon, which is symbolically to be explained as the destruction or deprivation of the surfs light by night, Isis, his wife, as the symbol of nature, in the search for his mutilated body, is said to have found all the parts except the organ of generation) which myth is simply symbolic of the fact that the sun having set, its fecundating and ination,
vigorating power had ceased. The Phallus therefore as the symbol of the male generative principle was very universally venerated among the ancients,
and that too
"He
is
as a religious rite."
supposed by some commentators to be
the god mentioned under the name of Baal-peor in the Book of Numbers, as having been worshiped by the idolatrous Moabites."
The language
of
this extract
is
so very plain,
any person of even average intelligence can readily understand its meaning, but our Masonic that
teachers,
should be
not
willing, perhaps, that in relation to this
made
any
mistake
matter, ex-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
326
press themselves in terms the lodge book.
Hear p.
the
"Manual
still
of the
more
explicitly,
in
Lodge," by Mackey,
56:
"The Phallus was an imitation of the male generwas represented usually by a column which was surmounted by a circle at its base, in ative organ. It
tended for the cteis or female generative oi'gan. This union of the Phallus and the cteis which is well represented by the point tvitJiin the circle was intended by the ancients as a type of the prolific powers of nature which they worshipped under the united form of the active or male principle and the passive or female principle."
And
again, in the
"Symbolism
of Freemasonry,"
352 "Phallus representation of the virile member which was venerated as a religious symbol, very universally by the ancients. It was one of the modifications of sun-worship, and was a symbol of the fecundating power of that luminary. The Masonic point within a circle is undoubtedly of P-
phallic origin."
And P-
353
lastly, in the
"Lexicon of Freemasonry,"
:
"The Phallus was mcmbrum virile, which
the
wooden image
of
the
being affixed to a pole,
formed a part of most of the pagan mysteries, and was worshiped as the emblem of the male generative principle. The phallic worship was first established in Egypt. From Egypt it was introduced into Greece, and its exhibition formed a part of In the Indian Mysteries the Dionysian mysteries. it was called the lingam^ and was always found It was in the most holy place in the temple. adopted by the idolatrous Israelites, who took it
POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE.
32^
from the Moabites When in the Wilderness of Sin, under the name of Baal-peor." And now what information do we gather from voluminous Masonic testimony ? And what instruction do we receive in relation to the "Point withall this
in
a Circle"
lers of
from the Most Worshipful Grand
Masonry
As we
by and by, when discussing the Master Mason's deEgyptian legend
the
shall learn
in
gree, Osiris, the chief deity or sun-god of is
ru-
?
said
have
to
been
treacherously slain
Egypt, his
by
brother Typhon, his body cut into fourteen different parts and buried places.
search
Isis,
for
supposed
organ of titious
mutilated body of
have found
generation.
books assure
us,
was
all
For
representation,"
many
different
the wife of Osiris
or nature
the
to
or concealed in as
the this
which
in the
parts
she the
in
her
her husband, but one
made
is
the
a "fac-
Masonic
text-
shape of a "sculptured
column, made of wood, and surrounded by a circle at its base, representing the cteis or female gener-
Isis,
that divine
in the
old
and
this she set up in the temple of honor might be paid to it. This monstrous abomination, as we are informed
ative organ,"
foregoing extracts, was the Phallus of the
pagan worship, and which we are positively asis now represented in every Masonic lodge
sured
throughout the world, under the figure of "The
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
328
Point within a Circle."
Being supposed to be a it was sometimes also
part of Baal or the sun-god,
and was always and everywhere worshiped with licentious worship. This was the called Baal-peor,
chief
men
of
as
we
read in the
Numbers, and
chapter of
twenty-fifth
cause the
the Moabites,
of
deity
Israel
it
was be-
joined themselves to this
and took part in its wicked worship indulging in the most flagrant licentiousness in honor of it, that twenty-four thousand of them abominable
were
slain.
same
this
idol
of the
And
the
alluding
worship,
speaks of
it
highest reprobation,
when he
advises
'phallic
Ephesian Christians the
Apostle Paul,
unfruitful
to
works
prove them.
For,"
in
all
(Eph.
this,
claim Christ,
v.
of darkness, but said
n,
12.)
the ministers of
to to
and to lead
be
terms the
"have no fellowship with
he,
"it
is
rather rea
shame
speak of the things that are done of them in cret."
to
to
se-
And
yet notwithstanding our churches those who
commissioned
by
the
Lord Jesus
preach the gospel of the grace of God, men from darkness to light, and the
very representatives of that same Apostle Paul these men I say go into those dark dens of infamy
Masonic lodges, join themselves to same Baal-peor, solemnly swear to mainvery tain and support the wicked religious philosophy of which it forms an important part, use whatever in and
this
sin,
called
POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE fluence
in
they possess
their example,
329
others to follow
1
inducing
and when questioned on the subject
by even one of
their
own
congregation, they either
haughty, defiant reply, or else positively hide their wickedness.
give a
And now
is
We
be made.
to
one other feature of
which
to
symbol
pressive
ought
there
at
brief
least
member and
individual
sents the
to
this ex-
allusion
have learned that the point
represents the male generative organ, that sents an
lie
Worshipful Master,
also that
it
repre-
it
repre-
while at the same
time the circle represents the lodge, the universe
and the boundary all
putting
line
of
Masonic duty.
these facts together, and taking
connection with the other meaning of
and also with the further ship
was always a
require
licentious in character,
wives,
Masons gation all this
Mason
mothers, are
of
this
does not
is
one of the
Masonic teaching, and that the is
only restricted so far as the
sisters
and daughters of
Master
concerned, as prescribed in the obli-
the third
degree.
And
yet
to conceal
abomination and wickedness, and to recom-
mend Freemasonry of the
it
wor-
very great deal of penetration to under-
results of
individual
in
the circle,
fact that the phallic
stand that concubinage or free-love possible
Now, them
to
Holy SS. John
notorious
public favor, the are placed on
symbol, while the
figures
either side of
Word
of
God
33<>
is
a
circle.
nation,"
people,"
of
as
represented
the
this
the
it
if
Surely,
and
open
being
" sin
"
on
the
righteousness
vertex
of
exalteth
a reproach to any can scarcely be expected that the people that
is
land can long escape the sore judgments of
Almighty
for the
they are giving to
support
this
terrible
and
encouragement form of idolatry
and especially for the apathy and indifference with
which they regard its very existence in the pulpit. May the Lord soon hasten the time \vhen this fearful
when when
"covenant with
hell shall
be disannulled" and
"agreement with death shall not stand," the Lord Jesus Christ alone shall be the onthis
ly object of
confess that
the Father."
worship and when "every tongue shall only is Lord to the glory tf God
He
CHAPTER XV. THE MASONIC LEGEND.
The Masonic revival. How effected and why. Osiris and Hiram one and the same character. Legend of Hiram Leg-end of
AbifF.
We are
Barton :
-.
Osiris.
Both
identical.
now done with
the "Les-
which
constitute
ser Mysteries" or those initiatiory rites
We
have Masonry. examined all its ceremonies, have investigated all its symbols and the fearful truth has been made the
first
section
of symbolic
only too apparent, that every part of Freemasonry
emphatically
god of
the
its
proclaims its
pagan origin and that
worship and religious philosopy
" the old sun-god of the " Ancient Mysteries
is
the
Egyptians or the Baal of the idolatWe must now, my dear Henry, turn our attention to the sublime degree of Master Osiris of the
rous Israelites.
Mason and which
is
to a discussion all
regarded by
of that celebrated legend,
Masons the world over,
as
being decidedly the most impressive and instructive of
all
way
the
Masonic
of eminence
"Legend of the
rites,
the
"
Builder."
and
which
legend
pretended
is
held
among
sublimity
or
Temple legend,"
Some
idea
this
the fraternity
by the
be formed
may
of the very high estimation in which ful
called
is
wonder-
and of
and great importance
as
its
an
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
33 2
integral part of the
Masonic
from the
institution
references
following
descriptive copied monitors and text books of the lodge.
from
the
"Symbolism of Freemasonry,"
pp. 228,229: important and significant of the legendary symbols of Freemasonry is undoubtedly that which relates to the fate of Hiram Abiff, commonly called by way of excellence, the " Legend of the Third Degree."' "
The most
" This legend has been considered of so much importance, that it has been preserved in the sym-
bolism of every
Masonic
rite.
No
matter what
modifications or alterations the general system may have undergone no matter how much the ingenuity or the imagination of the founders of rites may have perverted or corrupted other symbols, abolthe leishing the old and substituting new ones gend of the Temple Builder has ever been left untouched to present itself in all the integrity of its ancient mythical form.
And by
again in the
Sickles, p. 195,
"
we
" General
Ahiman Rezon,"
read:
The
ceremonial of the degree of Master Maunquestionably the most important, impressive and instructive portion of the Ritual of Ancient Freemasonry. That portion of the rite which is connected with the legend of the Tyrian Artist is well worthy the deep and earnest study of the
son
is
thoughtful men.
(Well,
we
are studying
it
thought-
and earnestly.) But it should be studied as a myth and not as a fact. Against the notion that it
fully
the representation of a scene that actually occurred in the temple, it may well be urged that outside of Masonic tradition there is no proof that an event such as is related in connection with the Temple Builder ever transpired and besides the is
THE MASONIC LEGEND.
333
is older by more than a thousand years* than the age of Solomon. There are characters // impressed upon it which cannot be mistaken.
ceremony
is
thoroughly Egyptian"
And now selves,
who
is
who- is
the questions naturally suggest themthis
"Hiram Abiff"
or "Tyrian artist,"
much apparent respect and whose " legend," as Dr.
referred to with so
in the foregoing extracts,
Mackey expresses it, "has become so intimately interwoven with Freemasonry as to make to all appearance apart of its very essence?" How did the "Masonic fathers
"
come
how
did
this
celebrated
To answer
originate?
factory manner, and
And
"
Temple Legend
these
the
at
further understanding of the
Masonic that
is
philosophy,
Freemasonry,
religious
man Hiram where, when and
to incorporate this
with the Masonic mysteries?
in
inquiries
same
time
a
first
satis-
get a
character of the
true
we must
to
"
always
as before stated,
is
remember
the science of
symbolism by means of which every Mason
professedly engaged in erecting a spiritual temple
in his heart,
pure
and
spotless,
and
to represent
which the temple of Solomon has been adopted, as The fact is, that the whole the most suitable type. conception of the Masonic idea by
the Apple-tree wonderful scheme throughout cunningly devised and carefully executed. Solomon, the principal character, connected with the
tavern philosophers
was
a
construction of the Jerusalem temple,
was a man,
334 supposed to have been endowed with
all
ivisdom\
Hiram, King of Tyre, the next noted personage luded
to
in
the
sacred
narrative,
al-
01
supported
it were, King Solomon in carry" ing out that great undertaking, while Hiram, the
strengthened, as
widow's son," by his surpassing skill as an artist, beautified and adorned the edifice. Now, in re" Ancient the with all their cereviving Mysteries," monies and symbols, and
in
seeking for appropriate* " three great
characters to represent the
Wisdom, Strength and Beauty," festations
of
the
in
sun-god
south, as they existed
pillars
of
or the three mani-
the
east,
west
and
in the " Ancient Initiations,"
who
could be found to answer every purpose more And suitably than Solomon and the two Hirams?
hence, as a matter ately
of course, they
dubbed the three
first
were
immedi-
"Most Excellent Grand
Masters" of this grand humbug, although we have abundant proof, from the very best and highest Masonic testimony on record, that one of them at least
King Solomon
knew no more
of the
mys-
of a Masonic lodge, as now constituted, than he did of the Marble cypher or the battle of Bunker teries
Hill.
That important selection being once effected by the Masonic fathers, the rest of their revival work
became
name
quite simple.
of the hero-god
They merely changed in
the
the
Egyptian mysteries
THE MASONIC LEGEND. from Osiris
legend similar in
"Ancient
all
Initiatians
Hiram
of
that
to
that
record
the
to
composed a
Abiff,
respects to "
335
found
the
in
manner of
his
pretended death, changed another name here and there to conceal the true character of the institution, and lest
mean pagan
the
should be "
in
scripts
discovered, 1720, as
James Hardie,
are
New
" burned
their
credibly
informed by
manu-
Freemason's Monitor,"
borrowed the
First they
p. 20.
they
we
in his "
miserable swindle
of the
origin
secret
worship of
Baal, as a substitute for the religion of Christ,
they
into
interspersed
its
ritualistic
names of Solomon and Hiram the favorable acceptance
and
lastly
to
both of
jugglery
recommend
Jew
then the it
to
and gentile,
they unblushingly appropriated the Holy John to render it ac-
Bible and the names of the SS.
All
ceptable to the Christian public.
was
in
fore
it
its
even
its
had acquired a very
cording to
the beginning of
as
it
ranks,
deceiving
some of the
continents,
its
best
principal
they could do so
solid
foothold,
new
older and gained
grew
however
this,
wicked career, and be-
into
and
its
midnight
purest
leaders,
but ac-
accessions
men
lodges of both
(when they found
with impunity,) gradually threw
off the flimsy cloak
of hypocrisy
which
in
its
in-
principles were only for a time enveloped, and proclaimed to the world its fidel
and
antichristian
real philosophy.
And
strange
as
it
may appear
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
336
Freemasonry
is,
to
say
of
the least
it,
almost as
popular to-day as Christianity itself, while its heathen mysteries are as much respected and upheld even by ministers of the gospel, as are the mysteries of the Christian
with the " Ancient
faith.
Initiations
absolute
Its
"
identity
however been
has
long since made manifest by all its principal teachers. Every one of its symbols, ceremonies and rites, as
we have
have been traced back
found,
with the
most unerring accuracy to the secret initiations of Baal, and this celebrated legend of Hiram AbifF has in an especial manner been indisputably
shown
have been the very self-same legend which formerly existed in every form of sun-worship throu
to
and
out the pagan world,
is
in
realty
L
to-day
ie
religion of India and Japan.
This
fact
is
so
continually
mentioned and
is
always affirmed with so much positive assurance by authors and most popular teachers all the leading of the Masonic
institution,
that
if
we
reject
their
testimony concerning their own, best beloved system, then it would be hardly consistent in us to accept
The
human
testimony on any subject whatever.
identity of the
Hiram of Masonry with
" " Ancient Mysteries sun-god of the
ready fully disposed
has been
the al-
of on pp. 235, 236 neverthe-
now
compare both legends the Masonic and Egyptian I shall refer once more less, as
I
propose
to
THE MASONIC LEGEND.
337
few of the proofs heretofore given, and only
to a
very
briefly. tc
Traditions of Freemasonry," p. 159:
" The legend and traditions of Hiram Abiff form the consummation of the connecting link between Freemasonry and the ancient mysteries. And again on p. 240:
We
" readily recognize Osiris of the Egyptians, the sians, the
And
in
Hiram AbifF
the
Mythras of the Per-
Bacchus of the Greeks," &c. " Freemason's Guide," again from the
by
Sickles, p. 236:
" " Osiris and the Tyrian Architect " are one and the same."
Hiram
i. e.
Abiff
being undoubtedly true then, that the legend of Hiram has merely taken the place of the legend It
of Osiris and that as here expressed by
book, "Osiris and
Hiram
are
the
lodge
one and the
same,"
the next point of interest perhaps, which ought
demand our
attention,
would
and
to ascertain exactly
related, so as to
be,
what
be able
to
Egypt.
in
On
every this
particular subject,
points tending in any
obtain
way
a
des-
mysteries,
facts or incidents
they determine beyond any
possibility of mistake, that the
responds
to
legends of the
cription of those ancient
to
as
Masonic legend corwith the legend of indeed
on
all
other
to establish the coincidence
between Freemasonry and the ancient secret initiations of sun-worship, we have the fullest possible
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
3^8
information and in the very clearest terms from
all
our Masonic teachers.
In the " Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pier-
we
son, p. 229,
" teries
read:
Everywhere, and in all their forms the myswere funereal in their character and cele-
brated the mythical death and restoration to life of some divine or heroic personage and the details of the legend and the mode of death varied in the different countries where the mysteries were practised.
And
again on p. 232 he says:
" Each legend represented the death by violence of some particular person; with some it was a god, with others a demi-gocl and with others a great warrior or person who had conferred signal benefits
upon man
in agricultural pursuits or in the arts
and sciences.
In consequence of such death something was lost; there was then a search made for that which was lost, a finding of it or of a part of it or of something that was adopted as a substitute for it a beginning in sorrow and lamentation and an ending in joy and rejoicing. Such is a brief summary," he continues, "of the legend that accompanied the ceremonial of each of the systems of the mysteries of which we have any account, either historical or traditional that has ever been practised on this globe."
Having been thus made acquainted with the mysteries were all funereal in their
fact that the
character,
the
death
and
that
of some
they everywhere celebrated " as the re" cherished being
presentative of the sun-god
light by
night
or
and darkness,
the let
destruction us
of
now com-
THE MASONIC LEGEND. the
pare
Legend of the
that of Osiris,
and
"
in that
339
Architect" with
Tyrian
ascertain
way
a cer-
to
tainty the coincidence that exists between them.
LEGEND OF HIRAM The ram
following
AbifF,
Master
a
which
is
ABIFF.
that wonderful legend of Hi-
rehearsed by
to every candidate at the
a Master
from
is
Mason, or rather
dead level
the Worshipful
time
after
he
he is
is
made
"brought
to a living perpendicular."
" Fifteen Fellow Crafts seeing the temple about to be completed and being desirous of obtaining the secrets
of a
Master Mason or the Master's word
whereby they might travel into foreign countries, work and receive Master's wages, entered irto a horrid conspiracy to extort thviri from our Grand Master Hiram AbifF or take his life. But reflecting with horror upon the atrocity of the crime twelve of them recanted, the other three, however, persisted in their
murderous design.
Our Grand Master Hiram AbifF was the hour of at that
bor
hour,
high twelve.
It
while the craft
to refreshment,
to
slain at
was his usual custom were called from la-
enter into
the
unfinished
"sanctum sanctorum' or " Holy of Holies" of King Solomon's temple, there to offer his adorations to the Deity and draw his designs upon the trestleboard. The Fellow Crafts who persisted in their murderous design knowing this to be his usual custom placed themselves at the South, West and East gates of the inner court there awaited his return,
of the
temple and
THE MASTER'S CARPKT.
340
finished his usual exercises he attempted
Having
gate, where he was met by the first ruffian, Jubela, who thrice demanded of him the secrets of a Master Mason or Master's word and being thrice refused he struck him to pass out
by the South
with the twenty -four inch guage across the throat. He then attempted to retreat by the West gate, where he was met by the second ruffian Jubelo, who also demanded of him the secrets of a Master Mason, or the Master's word, and being again refused he struck him with the square across the breast.
He now attempted to make his escape by the East gate, where he was met by the third ruffian, Jubelum who in like manner thrice demanded of him the secrets of a Master Mason or the Master's word, and upon a like refusal, he struck him a with the setting maul on the forehead which felled him dead upon the spot. violent blow
buried him in the rubbish of the twelve or twelve at night, when low temple and conveyed him a met by appointment, they westerly course from the temple to the brow of a hill west of Mount Moriah, where they buried him in a grave due east and west, six feet perpendicular, and planted an acacia at the head of the grave to
They then until
conceal it, and that the place may be occasion thereafter ever require it.
They then attempted
to
make
known
should
their escape out
of the country.
Our Grand Master was sing until the arriving
following day,
at the
known to be miswhen King Solomon
not
temple and finding the
craft in con-
THE MASONIC LEGEND.
34!
being informed and no designs upon the trestle-board, he inquired where was our Grand Master Hiram AbifF. He was informed that he had not been seen since high twelve yesterday, and fearing that he might have been indisposed he ordered strict search and due inquiry to be made in and about the several apartments of But the temple to see if he could not be found. strict search and due inquiry having already been made and our Grand. Master Hiram AbifF being nowhere to be found, he feared that some fatal accident had befallen him and ordered the Grand cause, and
fusion he
inquired
that there
was no work
the
laid
out
Secretary to cause the several rolls of the
workmen
be called, to see if any were missing returns be made as speedily as possible.
and that
to
Upon roll-call three Fellow Crafts were found be missing, namely, Jubela, Jubelo and Jubelum, who from the similarity of their names were supposed to be brethren and men of Tyre. About this time the Fellow Crafts who reto
canted presented themselves before clad in white gloves
cence, freely
and
aprons,
acknowledged
King Solomon, tokens of inno-
their premeditated guilt
and most humbly implored
his pardon. King Soto them divide ordered themselves into parlomon
and travel three East, three West, three North and three South, (with others, whom he should appoint) in search of the ruffians and return not withties
out tidings.
The
party
the temple, on pa,
fell
in
who
pursued a westerly course from coming down near the port of Jop-
with a wayfaring
man
of
whom
they
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
34 2
inquired
he had seen any strangers pass that informed them he had, three, and des-
if
way.
He
cribed
them
salem,
'
as
seeking
workmen from a
the temple at JeruEthiopia, but not
into
passage
having King Solomon's pass, were unable to obtain a passage and returned back into the country. Deeming these to be tidings of importance they returned back to communicate them.
He
then ordered them
to disguise themselves with before, positive injunctions to find the ruffians and with as positive assurance that if they did not, the twelve Fellow Crafts would be deemed guilty of the murder and severally suffer for the crime committed.
and travel
They
as
departed a second time and after several
days offruitless search, and when on their return one of their number, becoming more weary than
down upon the brow Mount Moriah to rest and refresh
the rest, sat
tempting to
arise,
which
of a
hill,
himself.
west of
On
at-
he accidentally caught hold of an
giving way, excited his curihe hailed his companions, and uposity, whereupon on their return and examination found what had acacia,
easily
the appearance of a
new-made
this
meditating upon heard the following clefts of an adjacent rock.
who
And
grave.
whilst
singular circumstance, they horrid exclamations from the
The "
O
first
was the voice
throat had been cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots and buried in the rough sands of the sea at low water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, ere I had consented to the death of so great a man as our Grand Master
of Jubela,
exclaimed,
that
my
THE MASONIC LEGEND. Hiram
The
Abiff."
343
second was the voice of Ju-
O
" that my left breast had exclaimed, been torn open, my heart plucked out and given as a prey to the wild beasts of the field and the fowls
who
belo,
air, ere I had been accessory to the death of good a man as our Grand Master Hiram AbifF." The third was the voice of Jubelum who ex-
of the BO
claimed in tones of greater horror than the others, that my body had been severed in twain, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes and
"O
the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven, so no more trace or remembrance might be had
that
vile and perjured a wretch as I, ere I had caused the death of so great and so good a man as our Grand Master Hiram AbifF. Ah, Jubela and
of so
it
Jubelo, it
was
I
is
I
who
who am more
guilty than
struck the fatal
blow, they rushed
it
you both; was I who
killed him!" Whereupon in, seized and bound them and brought them before King Solo-
mon, who upon
a due conviction and
their guilt ordered
them
to
be
confession of
taken without the
gates of the city and be there executed according to their several imprecations whilst hidden in the clefts of the rock.
King Solomon then ordered
the Fellow Crafts
search of the body and when found to observe whether the Master's word or a key to it or
to
go
in
anything pertaining to the Master's degree be on or about the body. The body of our Grand Master Hiram AbifF was found in a grave dug clue east and west, six feet perpendicular, a westerly course from the temple,
down
to
rest
where a weary brother
and refresh himself,
but there
sat
was
344 nothing found on or about the body, by which could be designated, except the jewel of his which they bore up to King Solomon.
it
office
He then ordered the Fellow Crafts to form a solemn procession to go and assist him in raising the body and as the Master's word was then lost, he proposed that the first sign made upon arriving at the grave, and the first word spoken after the body should be raised, should be adopted as the sign and word for the regulation of all Master's lodges until future generations should find out the right."
Such
is
the celebrated legend
Builder," the
name of
mysteries, and
now
of "
let us refer to its
the
the
great antitype
the equally famous legend of Osiris
name of
Hiram
sun-god of the Masonic
the
the sun-god
of the
the
King, or
" Ancient
Mys-
teries."
LEGEND OF In the "Traditions
we
OSIRIS.
of Freemasonry,"
p. 229,
read:
"
Osiris,
King of Egypt,
indescribable benefit on
all
willing to confer an the nations around him, by
communicating to them the arts of civilization, left the government of his kingdom to the care of his wife Isis and made an expedition of three years to benevolent purpose. he fell a sacrifice to the intrigues On of his brother Typhon who had formed a conspiracy in his absence to destroy him and usurp effect his
his return
his throne.
At
a grand
entertainment,
to
which
LEGEND OK Osiris
was
were
present,
invited,
OSIRIS.
when none
345
but the conspirators chest
Typhon produced a valuable adorned with work of gold. He had secured
with-
out suspicion a measurement of the person of Osiris and had caused the chest to be made of such proportions as
would exactly
fit
his
hody. During the en-
tertainment, and while the gue^s were extolling the beauty of the chest, Typhon promised to give it to any person present, whose body it should most conveniently hold. Osiris was tempted to try the experiment, but was no sooner Jaid in the chest, when the lid of it was nailed cVwn and thrown into the river.
The body of
Osiris
thus
committed to the
mercy of the winds and waves, wa^ ^ast up at Byblos in Phoenicia, and left at the foot cf a tamarind tree.
As
soon
as
the unfortunate
Isis
was informed oV the death of
Osiris,
and that
his
body had been
shut up in a coffin, in the extremity of sorrow and despair at the loss of her husband, she set out in
company with Thoth
in search of the body.
Uncertain as
to the route she ought to pursue, and agitated, her heart lacerated with grief, uneasy in mourning garb, making the air re-echo with her lamentations, she interogates every one whom she
meets.
After encountering the most extraordinary adventures she is informed by some young children that
which contains the body of her husband had been carried by the waters out to sea and thence to Byblos, where it was stopped and was now rethe coffin
posing upon a plant
(erica) which had put forth a superb stalk. Isis, actuated by a divine impulse, arrived in Byblos and discovered the coffin and
engaged herself as nurse for the King's Children. a reward for her services she demanded that the precious column should be given to her. Disengaging the coffin from the branches by which it was covered she took out the body and sent the branches to the King who deposited them in
As
the temple of
Isis.
She then returned to Egypt where her son Horus reigned and deposited the body in a secret
place,
ment.
intending to give it a splendid interthe treachery of Typhon she was again of the body which was severed into
By
deprived fourteen parts and deposited
in
as
many
different
places. Isis, with unparalleled zeal and perserverance undertook a second journey to search for these scat tered remnants."
And rative
in
Dr.
Mackey
his
" Masonic
finishes this interesting nar-
Lexicon," p. 130: " however of the piece body," he says, she could not find, the membrum virile. For this u
One
she substituted
a factitious
she consecrated and
Phallus
to
be found as the emblem of fecun-
all
astronomical.
Such Osiris
representation which the name of
under
the ancient mysteries." This legend," he further states
dity in *'
is
which
is
Osiris
was the
the celebrated legend
of Egypt,
as
" was purely
sun, Isis
furnished
us
the moon."
of the sun-god
by
the
most
BOTH LEGENDS COMPARED. authentic
Masonic documents
in
347
the world
and
in
Past Grand Master Pierson further observes in his " Traditions of Freemasonrelation
ry,"
p.
to
which
231:
"The Masonic
reader will be struck with the remarkable coincidences which the above legend presents with one with which he is acquainted"
Concerning
this
legend and
all
the others of
the sun-god of the " Mysteries,"
by whatsoever name that myth had been worshipped, whether as Osiris in Thebes, or as Baal in Samaria and Jezreel, we have the following general description in addition " Traditions of to that already given, from the
Freemasonry," "
p. 232:
The legend
of every one of the different phases of the mysteries irrespective of country or language, had the same general character, in fact were all indentical except in the name of individuals. have presented that of the Egyptian mysteries, because it has been generally regarded as the parent of all others."
We
This being the case then and having both the Masonic and Egyptian legends fairly before us and also
remembering
nish
all
these
that
historical
our Masonic facts
for
the
teachers sole
fur-
purpose
of proving that the legend of the third degree identical
with
all
the
legends of antiquity
let
is
us
now examine
carefully and enumerate one by one the various incidents connected with the supposed
death of the hero-god,
as
formerly
rehearsed in
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
34&
the secret worship of the sun in the old temple Baal, and
same
now
as they are
secret
in
worship
rehearsed
the
in
of
the very
temples of
different
Masonry. In the Egyptian legend of Osiris
we
notice the
following principal details:
There
1st:
:
There
a
is
of some valuable
possession
Osiris possessed a
thing.
2nd
the
is
Kingdom.
Typhon and
conspiracy.
his
fellows conspire against Osiris,
There
gd:
had a 4th
:
is
a conflict.
with
conflict
There
a
is
Typhon and
his fellows
Osiris.
death.
Osiris
is
slain
and en-
closed in a chest, cjth
:
is
6th:
The death slain
by
by the hand of a brother.
is
his brother
The body
is
Osiris
Typhon.
buried at the foot of a tama-
rind tree, yth:
There
is
a
first
search.
Isis
searches for her
husband's body. 8th:
She interogates every one
o,th:
The
search
finds the
loth:
There
is
whom
body and disposes of is
the scattered
she meets.
accidentally successful.
a second search.
Isis
it.
Isis
searches for
remnants of the body of Osiris
a second time.
nth:
There
is
a finding.
of the body but one.
Isis
finds all
the
parts
BOTH LEGENDS COMPARED. 1
There
2th:
One
is
a loss.
is
a substitution.
349
of the body
part
is
missing, i
There
gth:
substitutes
Isis
the
Phallus for the missing part.
Now those
identity
Masonic legend and note the between the two. In the Masonic legend
There
1st:
these various incidents with
all
compare
related
the
in
sessed the Master's
2nd
:
There
a
is
There
4th
:
There
is
Fellow
Hiram.
Three
conflict.
ruffians attack
high twelve.
at
a
Fifteen
conspiracy.
a
is
Hiram AbifF
pos-
word.
Crafts conspire against
$d:
Hiram
the valuable possession.
is
Hiram
death.
is
slain
by Ju-
belum. 5th:
This death
is
by the hand of
a
brother.
Hiram is slain by his brother Jubelum. The body is buried at the foot of a tama6th: rind or acacia tree\
yth
:
There
is
a
first
They
9th:
This search
ruffians are
disposed loth:
whom
accidentally
found in the
clefts
they meet*
successful.
of a
rock
The and
of.
There
Crafts
is
Fellow
ruffians.
interogate every one
8th:
Twelve
search.
Crafts search for the
go
is
a
second
search.
in search of the
body.
Three Fellow
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
35
nth:
There
is
The body
a finding.
is
found in
a grave dug due east and west. 1 1
2th:
There
3th:
There
spoken
is is
a
body
discover
our investigation
that
is
at
The
raised
length
even
word
Master's
substitution.
after the
Thus we
The
a loss.
is
lost.
word
first
subtituted.
is
the result of
as
the
in
particulars the Masonic legend of
very minutest Hiram AbifF and
Egyptian legend of Osiris or Baal are one and the same. All the incidents connected with the
the old
death of the hero-god the finding for that
the search for the body
the loss of one part and the substitution
which was
lost,
are
identically
the
same,
the only difference being that the name Osiris was " and the name the " Masonic fathers
by
dropped
of Hiram AbifF was substituted
This
is
origin of
doubted
its
its
place.
strongest
proof
hitherto furnished of the
pagan
unquestionably
which Masonry has
in
the
religious
philosophy
and
of" the
un-
every conceivable feature it the identical religion of the " Ancient Mysteries." fact that in
is
CHAPTER
Murder of Hiram
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY.
A
ically false.
date
god
kneeling in his
Candi-
with night. Buried
conflict
Is
concealed.
Search for the Search
Loss of Master's word. Procession.
the
Personates
pray.
discovery.
hah-bone.
histor-
substitute for Osiris.
to
Jubelum. Body a tamarind tree. cidental
XVI.
at
the
of
Ac-
body.
Substitution of
Prayer
by
foot
ruffians.,
for
sun-
slain
Mah-
at the grave.
Raising of the body.
The
Mr. Barton:
of the
representation
celebrated
drama or death
pretended
of
scenic
Hiram
based
upon the foregoing legend is unquestionably the most interesting if not the most important portion of the whole Masonic system, and
AbifF,
that which gives to the Master Mason's degree the character of " Sublime." But nevertheless, like is
every other part of the Masonic philosophy, it is a "sublime" falsehood, and in the end becomes to " a " sublime
the candidate
ever transpired
farce.
the building
at
on the very contrary,
it
is
No
of the
such event temple, but
distinctly stated in the
Scriptures that Hiram, the widow's son of
only was not
slain
pleted," but that
" before
the
Tyre not temple was com-
he actually finished
all
the
work
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
35 2
he had
make
to
for
King Solomon
vii,
40,
for
the
house
of the Lord. In "
I.
Kings
And Hiram made
we
read:
the lavers and the shovels,
and the basins. So Hiram all the work that he made
made an end of doing King Solomon for the
house of the Lord."
and
And again in II. Chron. iv, ?f\ "And Hiram made the pots, and the basins. And Hiram finished was
that he
to
make
for
King
the shovels, all the -work Solomon for the
house of the Lord."
Hiram, in the manner previously explained, having been adopted as the hero-god of
But
Masonry
to substitute
Osiris
or the sun-god of the
"Mysteries," the scenic representation of his pretended death is performed with all the mock solemnity imaginable, and the candidate is made to represent
him
in
every single element of the Masonic legend was the mode of initiation into the
because that
" Greater
must
Mysteries" and true or
establish
beyond
any
false,
question
Freemasonry its
perfect
with that secret system of sun-worship. It Droof of this we read in the " Lexicon of Freeidentity
masonry," p 130,
as follows:
" The Mysteries of Osiris formed the third de* gree or summit of the Egyptian initiations. In these the Murder of Osiris by his brother Typhon was represented and the god was personated by the candidate."
In perfect
harmony with
this
explanation
we
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY. have
its literal
of
counterpart in the Masonic philoso-
might be correctly read "the mysof Hiram form the third degree or summit
phy, so that teries
353
it
Ancient Craft Masonry.
Hiram by
his brother
In these the death of
Typhon
is
represented and
Both legod gends and both scenic representations are exactly the
personated by the candidate."
is
the same, and
all
there
is
to
be done,
is
to
change one name for another and use the present tense in describing the ceremonies of the lodge. Again:
"Typhon was the symbol of winter which destroys the fecundating and fertilizing powers of the This sun, thus as it were, depriving him of life. was the catastrophe celebrated in the mysteries, and the aspirant was made to pass fictitiously through the suffering and death of Osiris." Again
in the "Traditions of
Freemasonry,"
p.
233:
"The
candidate
in
these initiations
was made
through a mimic representation or repetition of the conflict and destruction of Osiris and the eventual recovery of his body, and the explanation made to him after he had received the full share of light to which the painful and solemn ceremonies through which he had passed, had entitled him to pass
constituted the secret doctrine, the object of
all
the
mysteries."
This ter
is
precisely
Mason's degree.
what takes place
The
candidate
is
in the
Mas-
made
to re-
present the death of the sun- god or the "fecundat-
ing and fertilizing power of the sun," under the
fie-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
354 titious
name
of is
presentation
this idolatrous
Abiff,
and
the last great link
system of
this
dramatic
re-
which connects
demon mythology
to the
We
old Baal or
sun-worship of the "Mysteries." this drama in detail and follow
now examine
shall
the candidate in flict,
Hiram
all
the various incidents of his con-
death and the subsequent disposal of his body,
as related in the legend of Osiris.
Having passed through degree, and
having
the
resumed
section of the
first
his clothing
in
the
room, and being invested with his a small plumb, suspended from and with apron his neck, he is ushered into the lodge and all preparation
necessary
which by the
is
preparations for the sublime (?) to
follow
having
been
already
Senior Deacon as detailed in the
Book,"
pp.
194,
195,
the
candidate
is
drama
made
"Hand
called
to
the East and addressed as follows, by the Worshipful
Master.
Worshipful Master: "Bro. Hunt, you now no doubt consider yourself a Master Mason, and as such entitled to all the rights and privileges of A Master Mason, do you not?"
The
candidate either nods his head in affirma-
tion, or else
answers "I do."
Worshipful Master: "I presumed you did from the jewel you wear, it being the jewel of one of the principal officers of this lodge [alluding to the small plumb hanging from his neck]. But, my brother, it becomes my duty to inform you that you
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY.
355
neither do I know have yet a rough and rugged road to travel, one beset with ruffians, and it may be with murderers, and should you lose your life in the conflict, yours will not be the first. But remember in whom you placed your trust and he that endureth unto the end the same shall be saved.' On a former occasion you had some one to pray for you, but now you have none; you must pray for You will therefore suffer yourself to be yourself. again hoodwinked, kneel where you now stand, and are not yet a Master that you ever shall be.
Mason
;
You
c
pray, either mentally or orally as you see fit, but when done signify the same by saying 'Amen,' aloud."
The
Deacon now
Senior
steps forward
and
hoodwink
securely over the candidate's eyes and causes him to kneel on both knees,
again fastens a
as
it
up, all
were, to pray.
The Worshipful Master
removes
and gives three raps, calling their feet, and thus standing,
his hat
the brethren
to
stands
some minutes, till the candidate is suphave done praying and says "Amen"
they await for
posed
to
aloud.
The figure on next page accurately represents the minister or saloon-keeper as he
is
again blindfolded
and kneels once more to make a mockery of prayer in a Masonic lodge, with the brethren standing round and hugely enjoying ance.
Having
and make seated.
his
The
said
"Amen"
progress,"
his miserable
he
the
is
appear-
ordered to "arise
lodge
being again
various incidents detailed in the
pre-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
356
vious legend of
Hiram now begin
The
assisted to
candidate
is
Deacon and conducted Warden's
ruffian (or
who
a Master
Mason
his behalf,
strikes
thrice
him
be enacted.
by the Senior the usual manner once
they approach the Junior
he
station in the South,
pretended
Jubela,
in
When
round the lodge.
to
his feet
perhaps
demands
is
accosted
by
a
a real
one), named
him
the secrets of
of
or the Master's word, and being, in
by the Senior Deacon, he with the twenty-four inch gauge
thrice refused
lightly
across the throat.
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY.
He
then rushed towards the Senior Warden's
is
West, where he
station in the ruffian
secrets
357
is
met hy a second
named Jubelo, who also demands of him the of a Master Mason or the Master's word,
and being again refused he square across the
him with the
left breast.
and
Faint
strikes
bleeding as
it
were, he
is
hurried along to the "East gate," but in the east corner
belum,
he
who
like
in
manner demands
and upon a like refusal he
strikes
him
him backward dead, and in
this
He
manner
is
the
now
There
is
session at
incidents
in
Hiram, or the
claimed to have had a valuable possession.
a conspiracy to obtain that valuable pos-
any hazard.
Then
that conflict ends in death, hand of a brother.
The
blow with and pitches
supposed to be
first five
the legend of Osiris are performed. is
him the
held for the purpose
into a canvas,
six of the brethren.
candidate,
of
a
a leather mallet called a "setting maul,"
by
north-
attacked by the third ruffian, Ju-
Master Mason or the Master's word
a
secrets of
is
now
figures
follows the conflict
and that death
on the following
the sun-god personated
by
the
is
by the
page represent
candidate, passing
through these scenes of fierce and terrible conflict with the conspirators, representing Typhon or the powers of darkness, at the South, West, and Northeast.
353
THE MASTER
S
CARPET
EAST. Fig. III.
Fig.
I.
WEST. The Candidate representing the Sun god Night or Darkness.
in his Conflict
with
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY.
Now
understand
to
the candidate
that
Hiram which,
all
remember
us
Bgal, or
Osiris, or
represents
are
let
all this,
359*
one and the same principle, is "the fertilizing and fec-
and that that principle
the sun" "the sun-god." undating powers of also bear in mind that there is supposed to
Let us
be a constant, unceasing conflict going on between this sun-god and night or darkness.
Now morning, until
at
the sun,
in
appearing
the
in
east
the
rises higher and higher in the heavens Meridian he attains his highest point of
The moment he moment he
elevation in the SOUTH.
arrives at
the "south gate" however, that
descend and there receives,
as
begins to
were, the
it
blow from Typhon or night. Continuing
first
to decend,
and constantly hurrying towards the "west gate" he at length sets behind the western horizon and there the sun-god
enough
after
and so
in
a
relentless
of
the
candidate), as
two
having received
weak and wasted
still
lingers on,
After the setting of the
but a feeble light (represented by the
is
feeble condition
come
supposed, symbolically, to re-
second blow.
ceive the
sun there
is
engaged
enemy,
in
until at
condition
last
darkness everywhere prevails it
blows,
twilight
deadly conflict with his
he
night swoops down upon
received, as
natural
is
terrific
is
entirely
the earth
over-
and
the sun-god having
were, the final blow which deprives
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
360
him of mortar
On page 358 Fig. i represents the between light and darkness at the
life.
strife
Meridian; Fig.
2 represents the conflict in the
which causes the sun-god his
represents
West
disappear, and Fig. 3 death, when light becomes entirely
extinct and night
is
to
triumphant.
The
lights in the
lodge room are also turned down, and everything is
shrouded
in
gloom,
in
the loss of the beloved
Osiris,
is
explained in
personated by the
termed the ^ Aphanthe "Symbolism of Free-
This whole scene
candidate.
ism^ and
mournful sympathy with
is
masonry," p. 317, as follows. "In each of the initiations of the ancient mysteries there was a scenic representation of the death or disappearance of some god or hero whose adventures constituted the legend of the mystery. That part of the initiation which related to and represented the death or disappearance was called the Aphanism. freemasonry 'which has in its ceremonial form been founded after the model of these ancient mysteries, has also its aphanism in the third
degree."
The candidate having been struck by ting maul of Jubelum and thrown back canvass as already stated,
back on the
floor
is
then
and covered up.
laid
the setinto the
upon
his
All the breth-
ren except the three pretended ruffians
Jubela, Ju-
belo and Jubelum
and these,
retire
to their seats,
standing near their victim and realizing in some measure the enormity of their crime, determine to
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY.
361
conceal the body "in the rubbish of the temple until
low twelve or twelve
at night,
to
meet again and give
a
They then
it
when
more decent
they agree
burial."
lay hold of the canvass and slowly
convey the dead body of Hiram or the sun-god to the south-east corner, where they cover it with anything that comes next to hand, representing its concealment in the rubbish, while Jubelum sits near "to watch," and the other two repair toward the
west end of the lodge, as the
ritual
expresses
it,
"to
dig a grave."
In the meantime the Master or Secretary strikes
"low twelve" on a gong or that purpose, indicating
always kept for midnight and hence the bell
complete annihilation of light.
Jubela and Jubelo
again stealthily approach the spot is
where the body
concealed and after mutual recognition and
quiry between the supposed that
they convey
where
it
a
ruffians,
westerly
it
is
in-
agreed
course to a spot
grave has been prepared and Accordingly the dead candidate, or
a pretended
there bury
it.
murdered sun-god, is again lifted up and borne slow and solemn procession on the shoulders of
the in
the brethren to the Senior Warden's station,
he
is
finally
interred, or laid
on the
where
floor in a
due
and west position, and the Senior Warden's column is placed standing near his head to repre-
east
sent the
acacia or "tamarind tree," at the foot of
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
362
which the body of the legend.
once to
The
make
darkness^
triumphed.
to
Osiris
was
buried, as related in
three "ruffians" then propose at
their escape,
Typhon, or night and
appearance has now completely the "fertilizing and Osiris or Baal all
fecundating power of the sun"
is
now
apparently
buried out of sight, the lodge becomes a house of
mourning, and Isis or nature weeps for the loss of her husband. Referring to this melancholy scene and at the same time conclusively proving what has been already stated, that the so-called "higher
degrees" are but
so
"Sublime degree of follows in the
"Book
many developments Master Mason," we
of the
read
as
of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite," pp. 355, 356: M.-.P.-. "My brethren, the power of darkThe ness has prevailed over the prince of light. All earth mourns and is wrinkled with frost. nature laments, and we share the common sorrow. Excellent Senior Warden, let prayers be offered up in the tabernacle for the return of light and the re-ascension of the Sun.
Senior Warden: Most Puissant, our ancient taskmasters on the banks of the Nile mourn for The Chaldeans lament for Bel (or Baal) Osiris. and the Phoenicians for Tammuz. The Phrygian"
women
clash their cymbals and weep for Atys; while far in India the Brahmins pray for the return of
Cama."
M.'.P.-. We, like our ancient Masters weep the type to us of the sun, of light, of for Osiris life. brethren, for Osiris! Weep for Weep,
my
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY. light lost, and life departed, and the beautiful oppressed by evil."
good and the
This from such "high" authority proves beyond any power of denial that the dead candidate in the Masonic lodge and the Osiris or Baal of the "Mysone and the same characters, whiie
teries" are
also explains as clearly as
true
meaning
similar scene
Ezekiel
of is
it
it
can possibly be done, the viii.
14, 15, 16,
where
a
described as being impiously prac-
tised in the secret
worship of the idolatrous Jews. to the door of the gate of the Lord's house which was toward the north; and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz. Then said he unto me, hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again and I will show thee greater ABOMINATIONS than these. And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they 'worshipped the SUN toward the east" Precisely what is done in a Masonic lodge and
"Then he brought me
as
an act of worship.
The
figures on the following
candidate in
Fig.
i
the
have been
slain.
and
in
Fig.
due east and west,
Now
before described.
three positions
represents him where he
east corner of the
bish,
page represent the
In Fig. 2 he
is
lies
supposed to in
the south-
lodge, concealed under the rub3 he
is
buried in a grave
at the foot of
to understand the reason
dug
a "tamarind tree." for these different
W. M.
Fig. II
Fig.
/
s.
The Candidate
w.
representing Osiris
J.D. slain
by Tjphon
borne by the river Nile to B, and buried
at
D.
at
A,
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY. movements of the
candidate's
body,
365
we must
refer
When
Osiris once more to the Egyptian legend. slain by Typhon and his body enclosed in a
was
Sea.
remembered
will be
it
chest,
that
he was thrown
Nile and borne out to the Mediterranean
in the river
This is represented by conveying the candibody from A to B. The winds and waves of the Mediterranean, it
date's
further
is
course,
where
it
tree,"
in
bore Osiris' body a westerly
asserted,
"to
a
called
place
Byblos
in
finally reposed at the foot of
tree, thus
manner represented by bearing the body from B to D and burying it as before
like
candidate's
described
Phoenicia, a tamarind
of a "tamarind" or
the foot
at
"acacia"
reproducing scene the sixth in the Osirian
legend.
As soon
as
the supposed ruffians have effected
their escape, as alluaed
a
commotion
in the
to
on
p. 362, there is
lodge room.
quite
Every one seems
be trying how crazily he can act, but after a few minutes the Worshipful Master raps with his to
gavel, and
Hiram
is
all
again
reported
is
prefectly
missing
still.
Grand Master
no work
is
laid
out
and no designs are upon the trestle-board. About this time an alarm is heard at the door, and the
announcement
who
of
is
made
that twelve
course are Master
Fellow Crafts
Masons under the name
of Fellow Crafts, "are without, clad in white gloves
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
366 and aprons
who
say they have important tidings to
communicate, and desire an audience with with
his
ma-
who
the
., Worshipful Master, throughout the whole of this ceremony represents King Solomon. The Fellow Crafts are admitted,
jesty,
i.
and proceeding the east.
at
They
once to the Master's station in
relate at
facts
connected with the
ram,
their
own
length
all
the supposed
Conspiracy against
share in the wicked plot at
Hifirst,
now, freely acknowlguilt, they on their
their subsequent recantation, and
their
edging premeditated bended knees "most humbly implore his pardon." In relation to the meaning and use of the
number
12
in the
Masonic system the lodge book
explains as follows, "Mackey's
Manual"
p. 100:
The number
12 was celebrated as a mystical number in the ancient system of sun-worship of which it has already been said that Masonry is, a The number there re-philosophical development. ferred to the 12 signs of the Zodiac, and in those t;
which the Builder" [z. <?.,[ Hiram the symbol of the sun, the twelve F.-.C.'. refer to the twelve signs in which alone the sun is to Masonic
"is
rites in
made
be found."
THE FIRST SEARCH.
The
seventh act in the Masonic drama
performed.
King Solomon
low Crafts divide themselves
now
orders that these "Felinto parties
three east, three west, three north in
is
and
travel,
and three south,
search of the ruffians and return not without
tidings."
All the brethren of course take theii
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY. 3ats
except three
are
always supposed
to
be
posted and thoroughly drilled in doing what
well is
who
36';
technically called the "floor-works" and these
proceed with their search to represent
Egyptian legend,
They
searching for
the
Isis, in
body
now the
of Osiris.
pass out by the "preparation- room" door and
enter the
lodge again after a few minutes by the
ante-room door, where they meet the Junior Deacon, carelessly lounging and representing a "wayfaring
man," when the following dialogue takes place, performing the eighth
act as related in the legend.
INTERROGATITG WHOEVER THEY MEET.
lo,
Fellow Craft: (in search of the ruffians ^'HalHave you seen any strangers pass this
friend!
way ?" Junior Deacon: "I have; three." Fellow Craft: "What sort of appearing men were they?" Junior Deacon:
"They appeared
to
be work-
men from
the temple at Jerusalem seeking a passage to Ethiopia, but not having King Solomon's pass, were unable to obtain a passage and returned back into the country."
Fellow
Craft:
(addressing his companions)
these are the very men of whom we are in search, [turning to Junior Deacon] You say returned back into the country?" they
"Why,
Junior Deacon: Fellow Craft:
"They (to his
did."
compinions) "Why, go up and report
these are important tidings; let us this to
King Solomon."
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
3 68
The
following engraving represents the Fello V
every one
Crafts interrogating
in the prosecution of their
rogated every one the
body
whom
whom
they meet
search, just as Isis inter-
she met
when searching for
of Osiris.
their conversation
Having reported
with the
"wayfaring man," and having received strict injunction from King Solomon (the Worshipful Masto
ter)
be sure and find "the
more continue Isis,
is
They
also
their "search,"
pretended
to
ruffians," they
once
which, like that of
be long and wearisome.
pass out the "preparation
room" door
as be-
fore and returning after a short absence
by way of the ante-room door, they approach the spot where the candidate
be very
tired,
is
lying.
and
all
One
of them, pretending to
feeling
more or
less
dejected
because of the fruitlessness of their efforts to find
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY. "the ruffians," he
sits
down
near the head of the sup-
posed grave, as he says, "to self."
Having made up
369
their
rest
and refresh him-
minds
to continue the
search in another direction, this weary brother
to
is
and go along, and on attempting upon do so, accidentally as it were, catches hold of the to "arise"
called
acacia or
little
column standing near the candidate's
head, and pretending to have pulled calls
upon
his
companions
while wondering
at
"this
hear three horrid
they
from the
it
to return.
up by the roots, They do so, and
singular circumstance,"
exclamations
preparation-room, and
proceeding
recognizing
the
voices of the escaped "ruffians," they finally rush in, seize
and bind
captivity before
And
Master). is
represented
them and bring them in mock King Solomon (the Worshipful thus the ninth item of the legend
they accidentally find the object of
their search, just as Isis discovered
body
the
first
her husband's
time.
THE SECOND SEARCH. The
"ruffians" being disposed of
according to
"ancient usage," and as prescribed in the several penalties of
Crafts are
Symbolic Masonry, the three Fellow
now commanded
to
"go
in search of the
body and when found to observe whether the Mas-
to
word
or a key to it or anything appertaining the Master's degree be on or about the body."
ter's
This second journey
in
search of Hiram's body
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
37 is
second journey undertaken by in search of the body of Osiris and as the
to represent the
Isis
latter
like
of
was found
a
in
mutilated condition, so
manner the Fellow Crafts discover
Hiram
in
similar
a
condition.
the
And
in
body
thus
the
eleventh and twelfth incidents of the Osirian legend
Having found the body, they now Master's word or a key to it, according
are represented.
search for the
to the orders of
King Solomon.
The above engraving
represents
two saloon keepers and
Crafts
a Jew
the Fellow
peddler
as
they scratch and fumble over the body of the dead candidate
Doctor of
Divinity
tending to search for
which
of course they
the
know
or
gambler
"Master's
pre-
word" and
well he never possessed.
After a while, however, they lay hold of the little plumb, previously mentioned as being suspended from his neck, and pretending even to be ignorant of
what
that
is,
or to
what
especial
use
it
might
be put, they conclude to report the whole matter to
King Solomon, and
"if
he said nothing about the
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY. Master's
word
or a key to
They accordingly do certained
bevond
was found,
and
as-
although the body word was unfortunately
doubt, that
yet the Master's
the last great incident of this unearthly mystery
lost,
in
a
they would not." it being then
it,
this,
37!
coincidence with the legend of Osiris
its
then
is
represented.
THE SUBSTITUTION.
The Worshipful Master
rising to
and
his feet,
from
the very reverently receiving plumb " brother who presents it, pronounces it indeed the the
Grand
Jewel of our
Hiram
Master
and
AbifF,"
then continues as follows: "
There can be no longer a doubt of his unYou twelve Fellow Crafts will now form a solemn procession and go and assist me in raising the body; and, my worth's companion of Tyre, (addressing the Senior Warden as Hiram, timely end.
7
King of Tyre)
the
since
word
Master's
now
is
propose that the first sign made upon arriving at the grave and the first word spoken after the body shall be raised, shall be adopted as the sign and word for the regulation of all Masters' lost,
I
lodges until
future
p.
In the mysteries of called called
Circle
Phallus,
in
the
Mah-kah-bone. "
we have
out
the
119.
of
mysteries
And learned,
was
the substitute
Osiris,
Hiram,
it
is
as " the Point within a
represents the Phallus
previously
find
shall
generations
"Hand Book^"
right."
and
as
represents
shipful Master, and lastly as the
it
also,
the
Worshipful
as
WorMas-
372 ter represents the
fore
in the east, there-
sun-god rising
undoubtedly follows that Mah-hah-bone
it
name
the real
O. T. U." of
its
is
Masonry, the "G. A. which Freemasons are alworship,
of the
of
god
pronounce "with awe and reverence," and which, in fact, they are solemnly (?) sworn never to speak above their breath, and even then only "upon to
ways
And
the five points of fellowship."
questionably the case, the religion of in
all
consistency to be called
being un-
Masonry ought
the "Mysteries
as the religion of
Mah-hah-bone,"
this
Egypt was
of
an-
ciently called the "Mysteries of Osiris."
But
to continue.
The Master and
brethren, as
above indicated, approach the spot where the candiall this time, and his hood-
date has been lying during
wink being now
slipped
off,
they march in solemn
procession three times around the pretended grave,
singing a "doleful ditty"
The the
Doctor of
p. 218).
Divinity
still
lying on the floor
Saturday night and drawing twelve o'clock. This man thus lying there death.
shamming close to
("Hand Book,"
following cut illustrates this procession with
It is
expected to occupy some Christian pulpit on the approaching Sabbath. How does this picture suit is
you?
You
My
Christian?
can this lodsre
ask
man
room
floor
can a dear this
man be
a
Mason and
a
sir, answer your own question, minister lying here on the
be a Christian?
He
is
undoubted-
THE MASONIC TRAGEDY. sworn worshipper of Baal,
ly a
now
representing
for in fact he
Baal or
the
373
Tammuz
is
just
of
the
"Ancient Mysteries." Tell me then, through all his initiatory ceremonies thus far, and more especially in present position, can
his
of
I
ho
you say
that he
is
a follower
Lord Jesus Christ?
And now whence why is it performed The answer is given,
ceremony come, and the Masonic lodge-*-room ?
did this in
as in the case of all the other
ceremonies of Masonry, that it was directly borrowed from the pagan religion of the "Mysteries." In Sharp's "Egyptian Mythology," p.
10,
we
read that:
"The Isis
death of Osiris was piously lamented by sister Nephtys; and once a year the
and her
Egyptians joined their priests in a melancholy procession through the streets, singing a doleful ditty ^
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
374
Maneros or Song of Love which was to console the goddess for the loss of her husband." called the
And "
"joined
because
the
Egyptian
their priests in
a
sun-worshippers
melancholy procession,
"singing a doleful ditty" in commemoration of the death of Osiris, so the Masonic fraternity or the
modern Baal worshippers,
in imitation of their ancient
brethren, join their priests in a similar procession for precisely the
and
same purpose.
The procession being ended, they again surround the body and by request of " King Solomon" two attempts are made to raise it, but both fail in consequence of its supposed putrefaction, in the first "the skin slipping from the flesh," and in
instance,
the other "the flesh cleaving from the bone."
Master and brethren then kneel and another prayer
is
urostrate
mumbled
in
minister
as
The mock
solemn blasphemy over the above represented by the
MASONIC SYMBOLS. engraving.
At
the
375
close of this so-called
prayer
the Master takes hold of the candidate's right hand
by the strong grip of
a
Master Mason, or "lion's paw," as in the annexed figure,and with the assist-
ance of the Senior
him
den
raises
on
the "five
War-
to his feet
of
points
fellowship" and whispers Mah-hah-bone into his ear. All the lights are again turned on, there is a very general feeling of pleasurable relief,
the "Mysteries," so
monies "that were begun as Pierson expresses
now ended
in
it
and thus,
also in
is
it
in
as
it
was
in
Masonry, the cere-
sorrow and lamentation," 232), "are
("Traditions," p.
joy and rejoicing."
The annexed
figure
correctly
represents the Master and candi-
date on the "five points of fellowship," while this
word"
Mah-hah-bone, the
name
speakable
Masonry,
And
"Grand Masonic
is
thus,
of
the
un-
god of
being communicated.
my dear Henry, every
incident recorded in the "Legend of Osiris," as being connected with his supposed tragical
death, the subsequent search of
ing of his body,
is
literally
Isis,
reproduced
in
and the
find-
the Masonic
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
376
drama
in relation
to the
supposed death burial, and
pretended raising of Hiram Abiff. Osiris has a valuable possession a kingdom. Typhon and his fellows conspire against Osiris. The conspirators have a conflict
with Osiris. Osiris
slain
is
his
by
brother
Typhon. Osiris'
body
is
buried at the foot
of a tamarind tree.
There
is
Isis
accidently
a
first
for Osiris.
Isis
is
buried at the foot
of an acacia tree.
search by
Isis.
discovers
the
the
bv body of
second search
a
is
mutilated
Isis discovers, the is lost,
body, but one
part
There is a first search by the Fellow Crafts. The Fellow Crafts accidently dis-
Every
There is a second search bv the Fellow Crafts for the mutilated body of Hiram. The Fellow Crafts discover Hiram's body, but
word
Isis substitutes the the lost part.
literal
Jubulum. Hiram's body
cover the three ruffians.
body.
There
Hiram has a valuable possession the Master's word. Fifteen Fellow Crafts conspire against Hiram. The three ruffians have a conflict with Hiram. Hiram is slain by his brother
the
Master's
is lost.
Kinjr Solomon, alias the shipful Master, substitutes hah -bone for the lost part.
Phallus for
WorMali-
single point in the mysteries of Osiris has
counterpart in the
its
mysteries of Masonry, so
that no doubt can possibly remain as to the absolute identity of both systems.
Hiram
Even
the
manner of
raising
Masonic lodge, the position of the WorMaster over the prostrate candidate (as seen shipful on p. 375), and the means adopted for his supposed in the
restoration to life
represented
and have
"the lion's
among the hieroglyphics
all
were actually
paw"
of ancient
Egypt
been borrowed from that source alone.
The accompanying complex figure w as copied by the Abbe Pluche from the collection of Montfaucon, and T
which he says Friars of
is
painted on a
La Place
mummy at the
Austin-
des Victoires, representing the
death and resurrection of Osiris.
MASONIC SYMBOLS.
The
sign of Leo, or the lion,
is
377
transformed into a
couch, upon which Osiris is laid out as dead, under which art three canopi of various capacities, denoting the state of the Nile at different periods.
The first is
terminated by the head of the dog-star, which gives
warning of the approach of the overflow of the
river;
by the head of the hawk, 'the symbol of the Etesian wind, which tends to swell the waters, and
the second,
the third,
when
by that of the Virgin, which
the sun had passed
would have nearly subsided. large Anubis the dog-star
indicates that
that sign the inundation
To this
superadded a who, with an emphatic is
gesture,turning towards Isis,who has an
empty throne
on her head,intimates that the sunfiy the aid of the lion,
had cleared the
difficult pass of
the tropic of Cancer,
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
378
and was
now
in the sign of the latter,
a state of exhaustion, to proceed
on
his
way
instrumentality of relieved
from
wonted this
and although in a
to the South. It
Leo
through the
is
The
him from the clutches
in
condition
the sun-god,
that Osiris,
his perilous condition.
of the lion wrests
the spirit of
would soon be
strong
is
paw
Typhon, or night and darkness, and places him in his
course.
Anubis, the dog-star,
event(see page 224).
of
is
the herald of
Here we see the archetype
of the raising or restoration of
our Grand Master
Hiram by the "strong grip or lion's paw," and it will be seen that the position of the Worshipful Master,
when is
in the act of raising the candidate(as
a fac-simile of that of
on
p.
375)
Anubis over the body of
Osiris (Fellow's Mysteries, p. 22).
"We may distinguish two points in the heavens,"says Dupuis,when explaining the philosophy of the Osirian Mysteries, "which limit the duration of the creative action of the sun, and these two points are those where the night and the day are of equal length. Scarcely has the sun in his annual route attained one of these points than an active and prolific force appears to
emanate from his rays and to communicate movement and life to all sublunary bodies which he brings to It is then that the reslight by a new organization. urrection of the god takes place, and with his, that of all nature. Having arrived at the opposite point that power seems to abandon him and nature" (or Isis)
"becomes sensible of his weakness. It is Atys whose It is Adonis wounded mutilatioji Cybele deplored! in the virile parts of which Venus regretted the loss; it is Osiris precipitated in the tomb of Typhon, and
MASONIC SYMBOLS. whose organs of generation the
379
disconsolate Isis never
found.'"
And I shall add,as the modern it is
Hiram
counterpart of either,
Abiff, "buried in a grave
west, six feet perpendicular,"
dug due east and
with the supposed
This, and this only,
the Master's word. interpretation of the
Masonic drama.
is
the true
Through
fecundating power
of the sun's rays, nature, as
becomes pregnant
in
forth in
loss of
Spring and Summer, and brings and hence in the Pagan mythology Autumn,
of Egypt, the earth, or
more properly nature, was
rep-
resented as difemale and a goddess, and designated the
the
were,
it
name
by
of Isis, while "the fecundating and fertiliz-
ing power of the sun" was represented as a male, and the chief deity, or the ruler and governor of nature,
and was called Osiris or Baal. reaches the
seem
Autumnal equinox
to decay,
and
as
But when the sun his
prolific
powers
he passes farther south
his rays
becomeweakerand weaker,until
at last,during the win-
months, nature becomes entirely barren. Typhon, or the genius of evil and darkness, has finally prevailed
ter
over the sun-god, and Osiris again, nowever,
rejoices into
or
slain.
He
by the sign, Leo or the
after the vernal equinox,
come.
is
when
is
restored
"lion's
paw,"
the earth once
more
bloom and Typhon, or Winter is overconflict between day and night,
The supposed
light
and darkness, which recurs through the
diurnal motion of the earth,
was another phenomenon
3 8o
which gave rise to this philosophical myth, as already illustrated and explained on pp. 358 and This 359. is
the same death and resurrection
represented in the
the
Master
so graphically
Mason's
pretended death and burial of
degree
by
the candidate,
and his subsequent raising by the "paw of the lion," and the god recognized in this Pagan philosophy the god of nature, or the fecundating
sun
the god to
is
whom
power
prayers are
Masonic worship. The names given to this deity, as has been already explained, were in different countries,
was the
Hiram
of
this idol
as
we
Osiris of
is
so that the Baal of
Egypt, and
is
of the
offered in fictitious
different
Samaria
unquestionably the
Masonry. In the eighth chapter of Ezekiel designated by the
shall see hereafter,
is
name
of
Tammuz,
the self-same deity
and,
whom
every Mason, minister, as well as rum-seller, must personate in degree.
the
sublime mysteries of
the
third
CHAPTER TAMMUZ.
Identical with
XVII.
ship revealed to Ezekiel.
The
green.
His secret wor-
Hiram.
The
beautiful virgin.
acacia or ever-
The
all-seeing
Forty-seventh problem of Euclid.
eye.
wine, and pared.
oil.
The
mitted.
Corn,
Romanism and Masonry com-
beast and
Henry's
his image.
Case sub-
resolve.
"Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house,which was toward the north, and behold there viii.
sat
women weeping
for
Tammuz."
(Ezekiel
14).
Now, who was
Tammuz? What did he repreAnd what is meant by "women sent, anything? weeping" for him? You will remember, my dear this
if
Henry, that
it
has been demonstrated over and over
again as clearly as possible, that the Osiris of the old
Egyptian Mysteries and the Hiram of modern Freemasonry are one and the same; also, that Osiris and Adonis were but
names applied by people the same principle the sun-
different
of different countries to
god, or "the fecundating and fertilizing powers of nature."
Now,
let
us examine
has to say concerning
what Freemasonry
Tammuz and
his identity
with
the hero-god or the Baal of the old Pagan Mysteries. In the "Lexicon of Freemasonry," by Mackey, p. 19, 1 read:
in
ADONIS, MYSTERIES OF: "The Mysteries, which Egypt, the cradle of all the Pagan rites, had been
consecrated to Osiris in passing over into Phoenicia to Adonis. Adonis, in the Phoenician
were dedicated
language, like Adon, in the Cognate Hebrew, signifies Lord or Master. THE IDOL TAMMUZ, mentioned in the eighth chapter of Ezekiel, was considered by Jerome, and after him by Parkhurst, as identical
with Adonis."
Again, in the "Symbolism of Freemasonry,"p. 3-4: "In the mythology of the philosophers Adonis was a symbol of the sun, but his death by violence, and his subsequent restoration to life, made him the analogue of Hiram Abiff in the Masonic system and identify the spirit of the initiation in his Mysteries, which was to teach the second life with that of the third degree of Freemasonry."
From
all
this
testimony, then, which could
be
once perceive that easily multiplied, you Tammuz and Adonis are identical, and inasmuch as will at
Hiram, it
Osiris
and Adonis are
also identical, therefore,
unquestionably follows that the Hiram of the Mas-
ter
Mason's degree
is
precisely the
that formerly worshiped
same character
by the wicked and
as
rebell-
Jews under the name of Tammuz. But we have yet a fuller explanation concerning the
ious
worship of the
women
this idol, the
lamentation
made
for
him by
of Judah, and his absolute identity with
the Baal of Ahab's time in "Godwyn's, Moses and
Aaron,"
as follows:
"The sun was also worshiped by the house of Judah under the name of Tammuz, for Tammuz, saith Hierom, was Adonis, and Adonis is generally inter-
MASONIC SYMBOLS.
383
prctcd the sun, from the Hebrew word Adan, signifying do minus, the same as Baal, or Moloch, formerly did the lord or prince of the planets. The month which we call June, was by the Hebrews r died Tarn muz; and the entrance of the sun into the ;< ni cancer was in Jews' astronomy termed Tekupha t \inun About the HZ, the revolution of Tarn muz. ;ne of our Saviour, the Jews held it unlawful to -onounce that essential name of God, Jehovah; and 'stead thereof, read Adonai, to prevent the heathen blaspheming that holy name by the adoption of the name Jove, etc., to the idols. Concerning Adonis whom some ancient writers call Osiris, there are two things remarkable. The death, or loss of Adonis, and the finding of him again; as there was great lamentation at his loss, so was there great joy at his finding. By the death or loss of Adonis, we are to understand the departure of the sun; by his finding again, the he seemeth to depart return of that luminary. twice in the year; first, when he is in the tropic of cancer, in the farthest degree northward; and, secondly, when he is in the tropic of Capricorn, in the farthest degree southward. Hence, we may note, that the Egyptians celebrated their Adonai in the month of November, when the sun began to be farthest southward, and the house of Judah theirs in the month of Tune, when the sun was farthest northward; yet both were for the same reasons. Some authors say that this lamentation was performed over K\-\i?uage in the night season; and when they had sufficiently lamented, a candle was brought into the room, which ceremony might mystically denote the return of the sun, then the c priest, with a soft voice, muttered these words, Trust " yc in God, for out of pains salvation is come to us? i
;
;
Now
We learn from this corroborative testimony, then,that the idolatrous
Jews in Jerusalem worshiped the sununder the name of Tamrnuz, that they made an god
image of
a
man, which they
laid
tuce)as dead, that lamentation
out(on a bed of
was made
let
"in the night
season" over this supposed dead body, and that the
being so represented
as
dead was
in other countries
recognized as Osiris, Baal or Adonis.
Mason's degree there resentation, as
we
by violence and formance shrouded
is
in
is
is
and
In the Master
same scenic rep-
A man
have already seen.
is
slain
This tragic per-
laid out as dead.
invariably at night; the lodge
room
is
gloom and darkness, grief and lamenta-
tion for the loss of the ent,
precisely the
at last,
when
sun-god, or Hiram,
hero-god
is
everywhere appar-
a sufficient time has elapsed, the
is
again restored to
light
life,
is
introduced, and in the language of Hutchinson, as in the above extract, the candidate
is
raised
"from the
grave of iniquity to the faith of salvation." Thus, then, there can be no question whatever as to the identity of Tammuz with the Hiram of Masonry, and neither can there be any doubt
as to
the
absolute
Masonic worship and its positive and condemnation by the Word of God. And emphatic inasmuch as God himself not only revealed to Ezekiel
idolatry
of
the secret mysteries of the
Tammuz
worship, but also
pronounces, in verse eighteen, a most terrible judg-
ment on the wicked and back-slidden worshipers,so we are undoubtedly to learn from the same Scriptures that it is
his divine will that the secret mysteries of
should be also
revealed, and that the
false
Hiram
and idola-
MASONIC SYNBOLS.
385
trous worship of that ancient idol (though under a
mod-
name) be forever banished from his church and from any fellowship whatever with the Gospel of ern
Christ.
But there
is
yet another important link
which con-
Hiramic mysteries, and which demonstrates still further that the idolatrous worship which used to be practiced in Jerusalem, In honor of Tarn-muz^ is literally reproduced to-day in Freemanects the Osirian and
sonry, an dis engaged in by those ministers,class-leaders, Sunday-school superintendents and other proin the madness of their blind eternal allegiance to the swear folly, voluntarily despotic laws and edicts of that stupendous system.
fessing Christians,
who,
In witnessing Masonic funerals you have doubtless
observed that every a
member
of the fraternity carries
sprig of evergreen, which he
finally deposits in
grave of the deceased, with the exclamation, "Alas, my brother!" This evergreen is the acacia so
the
often mentioned in the ritual of the Master Mason's
supposed to have been planted the head of the grave where Hiram's body is said
degree, and which at
to
is
have been buried, and
which
also led
accidental discovery of his remains.
to
the
(See Hand-
book, p. 210.) Concerning the origin of this Masonic
emblem, and the reason why
occupies so prominent and and ritual we have lodge the following explanation from our Masonic teachers.
a position,
both
it
in the
In the "Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 207,
we
read as follows:
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
386
'.'In all the ancient systems of religion and mysteries of initiation there was always some one plant consecrated in the minds of the worshipers and participants by a peculiar symbolism, and therefore held in extraordinary veneration as a sacred emblem. Thus, the ivy was used in the mysteries of Dionysius, the myrtle in those of Ceres, the erica or heath, in the Osirian, the lettuce in the Adonisian, the misletoe in the Celtic, and the lotus, or water-lily, in those of India and Egypt. The coincident symbol of Freemasons is the cassia, or acacia"
And
again on page 212.
"One fact is admitted, that the Masonic sprig (of acacia) is a substitute for the lotus, the erica, the ivy, the myrtle, the misletoe, etc., the sacred plant of the Ancient Mysteries." This is precisely the very same evergreen shrub, or branch, which
is
also referred to in Ezekiel
viii.
17,
and the religious services and secret mysteries with
which
that
emblem was
associated in Jerusalem,
the idolatrous Jews, are precisely the
same
by
religious
ceremonies, and the same secret mysteries, with which it is
connected in our
own
clay in the
Masonic lodge.
thing for the house of Judah," says Jehovah, speaking to the prophet, "that they commit the abominations which they commit here? For "Is
it
a light
they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger, and lo, they put the branch to their nose." (Ezekiel viii. 17.)
This branch also the
palm
is
the acacia of Freemasonry, and
it is
or evergreen of the false worship of
Rome. But, to conclude our investigation of thesublime( ?) mysteries of
Hiram
Abiff, I shall offer a
few more
MASONIC
proofs,
though
SYMBOLS.
in a collective
form, from the emblems
of the Master Mason's degree (and these shall he the last) to
show
that not even the
most minute particular
demonstrate the absolute identity of our wanting, modern system of Freemasonrv with the old Baal, or to
is
Tammuz,
or Osirian worship of the "mysteries."
THE HIEROGLYPHIC FIGURE.
The accompanying
figure occupies a conspicuous
and prominent place on the "MASTER'S every Masonic lodge room and
in
CARPET"
in
every Masonic Man-
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
388
any note throughout the world. It consists, as we are informed in the ritual ^see "Hand-book," p. 235), of a "beautiful virgin weeping over a broken ual of
column. Before her
a
book open
acacia, in her left an urn;
;
in
her right hand an
behind her Time, standing,
unfolding her ringlets and counting her hair."
what
is
the real origin of this figure?
Who
it into Masonry ? And whence was the idea emblem borrowed?
duced this
Now,
first intro-
Its true history is
found
in Pierson's
of
"Traditions
p. 220, as follows:
of
Freemasonry," "Within the last fifty years there has been added to the American emblems of Freemasonry that which is
sometimes termed a 'hieroglyphical figure' a female weeping over abrokencolumn,a book open before her; in her right hand a sprig, in her left an urn; Time standing behind her with his fingers enfolded in the This figure was designedly ringlets of her hair. the Rev. Jonathan Nye, for the Hieroglyphic Moni-
The published by Jeremy L. Cross, in 1819. was derived from the legend of Isis weeping at Byblos, over the column torn from the palace of the king, which contained the body of Osiris, while Horos, the god of Time, pours ambrosia on her hair." (See p. 346.) tor,
idea doubtless
THE ALL-SEEING EYE.
The Abbe
Pluche,in refer-
ring to Osiris, the cheif deity of the Egyptians, in his "His-
tory of the .Heavens"
{His-
toric du
relate
that
CzW),goesonto
MASONIC SYMBOLS. "That luminary (the sun),
as
it
389
was the grandest
object in nature, had also its peculiar character, or mark, in the symbolical writing. It was called Osiris. to the most judicious and most the ancients, signified the inspector,the coachman, or the leaders/iff king fine guide,the moderator of the stars,Mtf soul of the world, the governor of nature" ( The god of Masonic worship is termed the "Great Architect of the Universe" the "Supreme Ruler of the Universe.") "From the energy of the terms of which it was composed it signified, in general, the governor of the earth, which amounts to the same And it is because they gave that name and sense. function to the sun that it was expressed in their writing sometimes by the figure of a man bearing a sceptre, sometimes by that of a coachman carrying a whip, or plainly, by AN EYE." (See, also, Pierson's "Traditions," p. 231, where the same account is
This word, according
learned
among
literally given.)
This, then, is the origin of the Masonic emblem called the "All-Seeing Eye," which, as we have seen,
nothing more than a symbol of the sun, made use of by the ancient Egyptians, and from them descended is
Masons. To make it represent the true God would be in direct violation of the Divine command. (See Ex. xx. 4, 5; Isa. xl. 18, 25.) to the
THE FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEM OF EUCLID.
And now, as
to the true origin of the
Problem of Euclid to
which
I
deem
it
as a
Forty-seventh
Masonic emblem, and the
necessary to refer.
In the "Traditions of Freemasonry," by Pierson, p. 83, I read as follows:
"The mysteries among the Chinese and Japanese came from India, and had sim-
last
run MASTER'S CARPET.
39
The
ilar rites.
was one
equilateral triangle
of their
symbols"(as it is in Masonry ), "and so was the mystical Y, both alluding to the Triune God, and the latter being the ineffable name of Deity, and for which symbol the modern Masons have substituted the Fortyseventh Problem of Euclid, from its similarity in shape,
having
lost the
Even
explanation of the original symbol."
the symbol of corn,
wine and
Masonic consecrations, and which in the ritual of the
is
oil,
also
used in
all
mentioned
second degree, as referring to the
wages of a Fellow Craft, or to Masonic truth, is borrowed from the old Baal worship of the mysteries,and alluded to by Hosea, when reproving the Israelitish Church for her wicked idolatries: "For she did not know that I gave her corn and wine and oil, and multiplied her silver and p-old, which she prepared for Baal." (Hosea ii. 8.) There is but one key which can unlock the real secret
is
of Freemasonry, and but one source
from which
to
meaning of all Masonic symbolism, and and that source are plainly furnished us in the following extract, from one of the standard and most popular manuals of the order. In the "General Ahiman Rezon, or Freemason's obtain the true
that key
Guide," by D Sickles, 33 p. 56, we read as follows: "It is our duty, then, to make Freemasonry the object of Past.
a
We
profound study. We must consult the must stand by the sarcophagus of the
murdered, but restored, Osiris, in Egypt; enter the caverns of Phrygia and hold communion with the Cabiri penetrate the Collegia Fabrorum of ancient Rome, and work in the mystic circles of Sidon. In ;
MASONIC
SYMBOLS.
$9!
word, we must pursue our researches until we find the THOUGHT that lay in the minds of those who created the institution and founded our mysteries. a
Then tveskatlknow This i:-
is
exactly
precisely
what we
what they mean."
have done, and the result
We have carefully examined every part
before you.
Masonic system and philosophy from the cable and hoodwink of the "preparation room" and the
of the li>\c
''Lesser Mysteries" to the grave of Osiris, as
dug on the brow of the foot of a tamarind it
a hill tree.
and
we saw
body buried at have traced back
his
We
every ceremony, accounted for every symbol, and pointed out the true source and significance of all its
We
emblems.
Tammuz,
have stood by the supposed couch of or Adonis, in Jerusalem, and heard the
lamentations
We
made over him by
have been
plains of India
to the
the
women of Judah.
Wilderness of Sin, and to the
and Persia, and have witnessed, with
loathing and disgust, the lascivious worship of
Pcor and
the
Lignam.
Baal
We have even knelt before the
blazing altars of Popery, sat as attentive listeners in the Councils of Lateran and Trent,and have ransacked the musty old documents of the Vatican.
We
have
done precisely what Masonry itself commands us to do, and as the result of our examination and study
what have we found ?
We have demonstrated beyond
the possibility of a doubt or contradiction, that Free-
whole and
and
masonry both
in
truly the secret
worship of Baal, or the sun-god,
in part, is literally
as
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
39 2
worship used to be practiced among the old Pagan nations, and that Romanism is its exact coun-
that
we have
In a word,
terpart.
that
question,
idolatrous old
Freemasonry
discovered, beyond a the
is
Pagan Beast, and
vile,
that
miserable, is
Popery
the
of that Beast.
Image The Pontifex Maximus
very express
of
Pagan Rome we have in
the Pope; the Collegium in
the sacred College of
Cardinals: the
Pagan
priests of various classes
crowns we have
their shorn
with
shorn-headed priests of Romanism and in the varying classes of monks and nuns; the multiplication of derni-gods we have in the in the
canonization of the saints; the ancient ceremonies of the Pantheon
we
have
Rome
in
at this
very hour
almost unchanged; the wafer called the "Mola"
have
in the
unbloody sacrifice of the
we
Mass; the inter-
mediate state between hell and Elysium, as sung by Virgil,
we
have
Domitian and
in
purgatory; and the cruelty of
his tools
and
their persecution of the
we
have vividly represented in the infadetestable conduct of the Pope and his cardimous, Christians
Romanism
nals for generations past.
ably the
image
of
what Pagan
while Freemasonry
is
Rome
the veritable
is
unquestion-
formerly was,
Pagan beast
of the
"mysteries," without a single material change. (Rey. xiii.
15.)
I
am
aware, however, that the commonly
accepted interpretation
among
anti-masons,
is,
of that
this
passage, especially
Romanism
is
the Beast
MASONIC SYMBOLS.
and that Masonry
is
the Image, but ilpon a closer
examination of the whole chapter
found that
if
393
either view of the case
will be
I
think
is
the correct one,
it
have here ventured to suggest will be found to accord more with the real meaning of
the interpretation
I
the prophecy.
Let us compare, for instance, the mysteries of in the Master Mason's degree with the
Hiram Abiff
mock solemn a \viiy
mysteries of the
the "sacrifice of the
Romish Mass.
Take
Mass" from Romanism
and you destroy it; strike out the sacrifice of Hiram from Freemasonry and there is nothing left. Both undoubtedly, Pagan ceremonies, performed by Pagan priests in Pagan temples, with altars that are
are,
Pagan, lighted candles that are Pagan, lustration that are Pagan, and with the chief priests of both systems decked out
Both
in
tions the little in the
the
gaudy vestments of Paganism.
sacrifices are also
round -wafer manipulated by the
"unbloody
"Mola"
sacrifice of
first instituted
be offered
as
but theatrical representa-
an
by Numa, and commanded
"unbloody
Roman-Pagan worship, while ulated
by
sacrifice" in the
made
to pass
related in the
through
common
all
to
old
the candidate, manip-
the chief hierophant, or priest, of
literally represents Osiris, or Baal, or is
priest
the Mass," being the
Masonry
Tammuz, and
the mythical scenes
legend of the "Mysteries."
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
394
In the annexed figure
the
we behold
representa-
Rom-
tion of a
ish priest in the
act of
performing his Latin Mass. Before
him
is
with
the altar
its
lighted
candles,
beside
him
are his assistants, while in his
hand he holds the
round wafer, or "Mola," called the host, which has just been transubstantiated into a god, and which little
is
now
real
about to undergo a destructive change
body
of Christ
the
being seen under the form of
bread, and the real blood of Christ under the form of
now the priest eats the one and drinks the Can we imagine this to approximate, even in
wine, and other.
the remotest degree, to Christian worship, or sible for us to conceive that Paul, or
is it
Peter, or
pos-
John
ever engaged in such a stupid, meaningless and idolatrous
ceremony?
there
we
Now,
let
us turn to page 358, and
behold, in like manner, the Masonic priest
engaged performing the tragedy of Hiram Abiff. Here we have the altar and the lighted candles, as in
in
the Mass, here the assistants, and here, too,
alone a
little
is,
not
wafer, but a veritable man, which, for
MASONRY AND ROMANISM. the time being as
in
converted into a hero-god,and which,
is
other instance,
the
destructive change,
Jubclum,
395
is
now
by being
precisely as
about to undergo a the
slain at
hands of
used to be done in the old
it
Pagan worship of the "Mysteries." In the Romish Mass, also, as you may observe,*the priest
is
the chief actor, the altar
is
the stage, the con-
gregation the spectators, and the church the theatre, while in the Master Mason's degree the Worshipful
Master
the star
is
members
actor, the
East
is
the stage, the
the spectators, and the lodge the theatre.
Mass
But, while the
is
a theatrical representation of
the various incidents connected with the passion and
death of the Redeemer, though
same relation
it
holds precisely the
to the history of Christ that
Henry VIII. John ,
II.,
Richard
III.,
or any other of the historical
plays of Shakspeare do to the characters and times
which they represent, the tragedy
of
Hiram Abiff
is
a
theatrical representation of a veritable
Pagan myth, with no allusion whatever to Christ, but on the contrary, his
name
absolutely
Scripture passage in which in
comparing the
two
as
expunged even from any it
may
Pagan
occur.
And
institutions,
hence,
Free-
masonry must unquestionably be the substance (as being the most Pagan) and Romanism the shadow, or Image. further.
me
But
This
after the
is
I shall
how
not pursue the subject any
the question presents itself to
most careful and thorough investigation
THE MASTER'S CARPET.
396 of the I
am
two systems, and with
unable to comprehend
my knowledge how
of both
their relative posi-
tions could be otherwise changed.
And now, my dear Henry,
I
confidently submit
my
have fully explained to you the real secrets of a Master Mason's lodge( of which nineteen twentieths case.
I
of the Craft are themselves ignorant).
I
have traced
Masonic system back to think I have clearly established
every single part of the
its
original source.
its
I
thoroughly anti-Christian and
Pagan character, and now, that I hope you are tolerably familiar with its false philosophy and worship, you can exercise your
own judgment
intelligibly ,and seek affiliation
midnight idolatrous lodges of duty, honor and conscience
Henry
I
:
am very
with the
Freemasonry, or not, as
may
dictate.
thankful,indeed,
my dear father,
for the very clear and complete exposition
given
me
of the
you have whole Masonic philosophy and its
undoubted heathen origin, and you may that instead of having any desire to I
am
firmly resolved, with God's
rest assured,
become
a
Mason,
assistance, to
oppose being fully persuaded that man is wicked and corrupt enough by nature, without voluntarily
it all
I can,
returing to
Pagan
pi'actices,
and swearing to support
and maintain a Pagan religious
institution.
APPENDIX. (NOTE A, p. 27.) The following is the manner of admitting a new member into a tribe of Gypsies, together with the oath and
articles,
Mannder
or
as administered
roguish
Strowler.
by the principal (See
Fellows'
Mysteries, p. 224.)
"The name
of the person is first demanded, and a then given him in its stead, by which he is ever after called, and in time his other name is quite Then standing up in the middle of the forgotten.
nick-name
is
fraternity, and directing his face to the Dimber-Damber, or prince of the gang, he swears in this manner, as is dictated to him by one of the most experienced: " 'I, Crank-Cuffin, do swear to be a true Brother,
obey the commands of the great Prince, and keep his counsel, and not divulge the secrets of my brethren. " 'I will never leave nor forsake this company, but observe and keep all the times of appointments, either by day or by night, in any place whatsoever. " I will not teach any one to cant; nor will I disand will
in all things
Tawney
;
close
aught of our mysteries
flog me to death. " 'I will take
my
to
them, although they
prince's part against
all
that shall
oppose him, or any of us according to the utmost of my ability; nor will. I suffer him, or any belonging to us, to be abused by any strange Abrams, Rufflers, Hookers, etc., but will defend him or them as much as I can against all other outlyers whatever. 44 I will not conceal aught I win out of Libkins,or from the Ruff mans; but will preserve it for the use of " the company.' 4
APPENDIX.
39^
The canters have, it seems, a tradition, that from the three first articles of the oath, the first founders of a certain boastful, worshipful fraternity, who pretend to derive their origin from the earliest times, borrowed of them both the hint and form of their establishment; and that their pretended derivation from the first Adam is a forgery, it being only from the first Adam -
Tiler.
The same author has given the meaning of the cant terms here used as follows: Abrams,shabby beggars; Rufflers, notorious rogues; Hookers, petty thieves; Libkin, a house to lie in; Ruffmans, the woods or bushes; Adam-Tiler, the comrade of a pickpocket,
who
receives stolen goods or
money and
scours off
with them.
(NOTE
B, p. 38.)
As an apt illustration of the practical working of Masonic Charity, even to a dead brother, the following is copied in full from the "Voice of Masonry," for June, 1879, PP- 478-480.
SAD DISREGARD OF MASONIC DUTY E.'. SIR WILLIAM ROUNSEVILLE'S REQUEST FOR MASONIC BURIAL DISREGARDED! !
One
of the saddest events within our knowledge of of Knight Templarism is that which we now have to record. It pains us exceedingly to speak of it, but duty to the dead and to the living cannot now be waived. There are times when "silence is golden," and we devoutly wish that this were such a
Masonry and
time, but
it
is
not; the
we must obey mere expediency may
tive
and
command
it.
There
of duty is imperaare other times when
prevail and govern, now it can not,foran irreparable injury has been done to Masonry The right ind, especially, to Knight Templarism. of Masonic burial has been willfully disregarded and
APPENDIX.
399
not to rebuke the uncharitable, un-valiant and unmagnanimous act, would greatly imperil the present and future prosperity of the entire Fraternity, therefore, while the VOICE would gladly spread over this un-Masonic deed the broad mantle of charity, and forever shut it from mortal view, it can not dare not. Now, let us state the facts, as we see and understand them. For years past Eminent Sir WILLIAM ROUNSEVILLE was a constant sufferer from partial paralysis, caused by overwork in behalf of his family, his church, and Never receiving compensathe Masonic Fraternity. tion for his services that enabled
him
to
make
pro-
vision for a time of distress, about three years since he" found himself almost destitute, and would have died of want rather than have called on the Fraternity
for the assistance to which he his horror of being in any
was entitled^ great was way dependent on what
own then
straitened circumstances.
might be esteemed charity. A visit of his son-in-law, Mr. G. S. Knapp, to him in Peoria, then revealed his need of aid. Mr. Knapp immediately made arrangements to remove Bro. RouNSEViLLE,and his wife and daughter to Chicago, and there to provide for them as best he could in his
was aided by Bro. ROUNSEVILLE'S son,William, now a young man past twenty-one years of age. Bro. ROUNSEVILLE was unableto perform any manual labor,and his only way of earning anything was by his writing for the VOICE, for which he was paid an In this he
average of ten dollars, monthly. Knowing his need of help from the Fraternity, we called attention to the fact, in the VOICE, and applied, by letter, to the brethren in Peoria for aid to him, and they responded.
We
thought then, and still think, he should have received aid from the Grand Lodge Charity Fund, and we so wrote the then Grand Master, and received the response that when the Masonic Bodies to which Bro. ROUNSEVILLE belonged had exhausted their ability to contribute to his relief, then the Grand
APPENDIX.
400
Lodge could and would aid him, which was all right as a rule, but exceptions had been made, promptly and and without hesitation, in cases no more meritorious, and thus the precedent for aid to him had been it should have been The granted. character already alluded to, and his desire that we should say no more of his need in the VOICE, and let him suffer rather than burden the Craft in Peoria, deterred us from further public
established, and trait
in
his
procure him Masonic assistance. During time Mr. Knapp, and the son, William were doing all in their power, and their earnings came by their daily labor, not from business, or landed estates, *or government bonds, to render Bro. ROUNSEVILLE'S condition as comfortable and pleasant as possible. They did their whole duty, while the Masonic Fraternity did not do theirs. For the fetter there is the excuse that many were not aware of Bro. ROUNSEVILLE'S residence in Chicago, nor of his pecuniary and physical distress, and this partly accounts for the inattention shown him, both before efforts to all this
and after
his death.
In the latter part of April last, Bro. ROUNSEVILLE had an attack of erysipelas, from which it was believed he would recover, but early in May, his paralytic trouble complicated his case so that it became apparent he could not long survive. Monday morning, Alay 5, it was evident his death vvas near at hand.
The dearest wish he had concerning his body had been expressed to his friend, Sir John B. Gavin. and hethen proceeded to do his part toward fulfilling it. He, and William Rounseville, Jr., came to our office, and, not
word, w^hich, not being given to us misled us, and the consequence was we went on with our work, entirely in ignorance of Bro. ROUNSEVILLE'S dangerous illness and of his finding us
in, left
as received, entirely
which occurred the following day. Bro. Gavin proceeded from our office to the office of Eminent Sir Gil. W. Barnard, Grand Recorder of death,
4O1
APPENDIX. the
Grand Commandery
of Illinois,
who, on hearing
statement of the facts, immediately mailed the following letter:
a
CHICAGO,
111.,
wrote and
May
5,
1879.
C. F. HITCHCOCK, Esq. Dear Sir and Prater Bro. WILLIAM ROUNSEVILLE is not likely to live over to-night. The Masons here desire to grant his request, to be buried with Masonic honors but, no one seems to know his standing in lodge, etc. Will you kindly telegraph John B. Gavin, 87 West Lake street, Chicago, what his standing is, and, if good if the Masons of Peoria desire to take any part, in the affair?
With
fraternal regards, I
GIL.
To "I
this
am
courteously yours, Gr. Sec.
W. BARNARD,
was added the postscript:
am just
leaving the city for a
week
or I
would
have answer sent: o me."
At the same time, Sir John B. Gavin wrote and posted the following letter: CHICAGO, 111., May 5, 1879. E. ERLER, Recorder Peoria ComDear Sir WILLIAM ROUNSENo. j. mandery VILLE, Past Eminent Commander of Peoria Commandery, No. 3, is now dying, and, as a friend of his and his family, and being also a K. T., he requested me to see that the Fraternity took charge of him. When I saw him last night he was hardly able to talk, and could scarcely recognize any one, The doctor thinks he may unless an old friend. off drop any moment, or may linger a few days.
MICHAEL
lodge or commandery of Peoria, of member, express their wish to have the Fraternity here take charge of the matter and so write us, I don't know how we will be able to do so. He has been sick and absent from the meetings of the different bodies so long, not through his fault, but by Ifis misfortune, that few know him as a
Unless the
which he
is
a
Mason, except by
his
writings in the
VOICE OF
APPENDIX.
402
MASONRY. of his
life,
wish, and
The March number which
it is
is
full of
also the
contains a sketch
Now, what
interest.
wish of
all
the
Masons
I
I
have
spoken to, is to have Peoria Commandery request Chicago Commandery to take charge of him, and do honor to the man who has been an honor to the Fraternity.
Please let us hear from you immediately, for, in case he should die, something will have to be done quite soon.
Yours
respectfully,
JOHN B. GAVIN.
That (Monday) evening a regular conclave of Chicago Commandery was held, when Eminent Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE'S condition and request were formally made known by Sir John B. Gavin, who is a member thereof, and, after due consideration, the first three officers were appointed a committee, with
The following power to act in the matter. morning the letters above named and copies were received in Peoria, by the Sir Knights, to whom they were addressed, and they immediately gave Eminent Sir C. F. Hitchcock attention thereto. promptly sent the following telegram full
:
PEORIA, 111., May 6, 1879. GAVIN, 87 West Lake Street, Chicago Brother ROUNSEVILLE is in good standing in all Desire Chicago Commandery to take the bodies. C. F. HITCHCOCK. charge and bury him.
To JOHN
B.
This was soon delivered to the Eminent Comof Chicago Commandery, Sir Alexander White, who put it in his pocket, and subsequently
mander
Mr. Knapp's residence, spending, we are informed, not over two and a half minutes in making inquiries, giving the family no information, and manifesting no desire to see the deceased. But Eminent Sir C. F. Hitchcock did .not stop at sending the above telegram; he also wrote and called at
posted the following letter:
APPENDIX.
403
PEORIA, 111., May 6, 1879. Dear Sir Esq., Chicago, 111. and Prater. I am in receipt of Sir Knight Gil. W. Barnard's letter stating condition of Sir Knight
JOHN
B.
GAVIN,
WILLIAM ROUNSEVILLE, and wired you, this mornChicago Commandery to take charge
ing, request to
Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE is Past Eminent Commander of Peoria Commandery, and He is, and in good standing in the several bodies.
and bury him.
ever has been, held in high esteem among the Fraternity of Peoria; of late years unfortunate in business adventures, but always ready and willing to do to the extent of his ability. It is not probable that any of the Masons here would desire to take part in I do not know as it would be conthe services. venient for any to be present. In behalf of Peoria
Commandery, and the Masons of Peoria, would respectfully request Chicago Commandery to take charge of his remains and bury him with Knightly honors.
We
do not know anything respecting the circumunderstand he has been stances of his friends. living with a son or daughter, and suppose they are able to meet the expense of his funeral, but whatever expenses it may be necessary for Chicago Commandery to incur, can send the bill to me for settle-
We
ment. C. F. HITCHCOCK. Courteously yours, E.\ C.'. Peoria Commandery, No. 3.
was received by
Sir Knight Gavin Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE'S death had then occurred. The Eminent Commander of Chicago Commandery, Sir Alexander White had also sent the following telegram:
This
l<|tter
Wednesday morning, May
7.
CHICAGO,
To CHARLES
F. HITCHCOCK,
May
6, 1879.
Eminent Com-
mander of Peoria Commandery Knights Templars Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE died this P. M. He
44
APPENDIX.
requested to be buried by the Fraternity. Chicago Commandery DECLINES TO ACT unless Peoria Com-
mandery GUARANTEES PAYMENT OF EXPENSES INCURRED. If you desire Chicago Commandery to The act, send full instructions by wire immediately. expenses willbe AT LEAST TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS.
ALEXANDER WHITE,
E.-.C.-.
900 West Madison
Street.
This telegram was delivered to Eminent Sir C. F. Hitchcock at about 11-30 o'clock P. M. Feeling that he could not take the responsibility of answering immediately, he waited until morning. Then he sought advice from members of the respective bodies. The general expression was: "7 his is unusual. The 1
amount seems extravagant.
Reasonable
We
we
expenses
will pay. don't see how we can pay or raise that amount, and, as tivo hundred dollars is the least
amount named,
it
three or four hundred
may be
dollars." The question was asked by every one: can't the remains be brought to Peoria?" and will pay the expenses of agreed in saying:
"Why
"We
bringing him and the family here, and their return, and give him the largest Masonic funeral here for Accordingly Eminent Sir C. F. Hitchcock years." sent the following telegram:
PEORIA,
To
ALEXANDER WHITE,
Madison
Street, Chicago,
111.
May
7,
1879.
900 West withdraw our
E.-. C.-.
We
request to Chicago Commandery; we can4't bear the Carftthe remains be sent to Peoria? expense.
C. F. HITCHCOCK, E.-.C.-.
This telegram reached Sir Knight White prior to Knight Gavin's call on him with the above letter. Then he said the telegram superseded the letter. Sir Knight Gavin was accompany by Sir H. H. Pond, Generalissimo of Chicago Commandery, and one of the committee appointed with full power to act, and they jointly urged and begged Sir Knight White to comply with the request of Peoria Commandery. Sir
APPENDIX.
405
No. 3. He replied that not a dollar should be granted for expenses, that not a man should turn out, and that ended it. Then, mortified beyond the
power
of
words
to express, the Sir
Knights named
him. To the question: "Can't the remains be sent to Peoria?" he deigned no reply, and imparted no information of it to any of the friends or family. left
The enormity of his offense will more clearly appear when it is stated that there had been no call on his commandery by Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE or his relatives to bear any part of the burial expenses, but only to turn out, and perform the burial service. But further, had there been such a call the utmost necessary expenses could not have exceeded one hundred and twenty dollars. This would have included a good burial case, ten carriages, hearse, and It would not have paid for a band and a flowers. display of plumes, but of that there was no need. It was about 2 o'clock P. M., of Wednesday, and every effort made by Sir Knight Gavin to secure Masonic burial for Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE'S remains had failed. In despair, he and Sir H. H. Pond
wended
Sir their way to Mr. Knapp's residence. U Knight Pond said: I never can face the family with such news; you will have to impart it." Oh, direful task! but it was performed. How? Sir Knight Gavin rung the door-bell. It was answered by Mrs. Knapp, daughter of Eminent Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE. With blood stilled, and cheeks paler than those of the corpse within, he entered the house, and then, overcome by his emotion, fell back against the door. Mrs. Knapp, burdened with grief, exclaimed:
" What
is the matter?" and he found voice to answer: utterly refuse to do anything." to that moment, all the family had entertained an exalted opinion of Masonry, and therefore, the shock to them was terrible ; they could not understand why their request could not be granted and they concluded that all Masonic profession was the grossest
"They
Up
;
APPENDIX.
406
sham and hypocrisy. But they could not be idle, and again Mr. Knapp, and the son, William, performed the service that was due from the Masonic Fraternity. To them the highest praise is due, and there can be no wonder at their feeling that Eminent Sir Alexander White has inflicted upon Eminent Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE, upon them, upon all his relatives and friends, and upon Freemasonry, an irreparable wrong, for which he should be expelled from all Masonic rights and privileges. This can be better understood when it is stated that they knew the service Sir Knight ROUNSEVILLE had rendered the Order; that they were familiar with his articles on Masonic funerals; thatthey had seen the look of serenity which had spread over his countenance when Sir Knight Gavin assured himjust before he died, that his request for Masonic burial would be fully complied with, and that their faith in Freemasonry, up to that time, was unshaken. They sent for us to visit them and explain the wrong, if
we could. What could we say, but that it was a blunder caused by inexcusable ignorance, or an abuse of Freemasonry unparalleled within our experience or knowledge. They insisted that we should expose that others this wrong, might be saved from a To the best of our similar experience hereafter. ability we have performed the duty, keeping in view throughout the welfare of all concerned, and penning no word herein with any other feeling than that of the
deepest
that Eminent Sir request for Masonic burial
sadness,
ROUNSEVILLE'S complied with.
Knight was not
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