Biblical Content and/or Christian Interpretation of Masonry

[Skip Sampson]

And thanks for not disappointing me with your predictability.

No problem. Also predictable was that you'd avoid providing your answer, the content of which we both know. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Skip Sampson]

I already indicated there were exceptions.

As I observed in my note; however, these are not exceptions to the general rule; they are the rule and you are still in error. Cordially, Skip.

 

[Rev Wayne]

Also predictable was that you'd avoid providing your answer, the content of which we both know.

Tit for tat, my man. Did you really think you could avoid answering questions, dodge straightforward challenges, engage in avoidance by transplanting discussions from one thread to another, and then turn around and think you have a right to start whining when the same thing comes back to you? What goes around comes around, you reap what you sow, get used to it, and find someone who really gives a passing hoot about anything you've got to say--which lately has been less and less?

As I stated in beginning the thread, there's quite a bit of material and very little comment will be made on it. I have presented no argument concerning the content, only a notice that I am posting it in response to Mike's expressed desire that I do so.

Yes, I could easily locate enough sources to prove that the smidgin of citations you posted are hardly sufficient to be representative, and that there is considerable weight of opinion in the other direction. But this is not the first time I've attempted to respond to Mike's request for this. The last one was derailed by similar responses, to which I took the time to respond, not considering the amount of time it would take to give due amount of attention to the questions asked. The end result was, things quickly went off on tangents, and the task was never completed. Hence the notice this time around, and hence my choice to simply decline response for the time being.

 

[Rev Wayne]

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There are abundant reasons for believing that Freemasonry had no stated lectures before the great revival in 1717; and the disquisitions enjoined at that period were compiled by Drs. Anderson, Desaguliers, and other worthy and learned brethren, from ancient records, and the viva voce information of experienced members of the four old lodges then in active operation. It is evident, from a copy of these primitive lectures in my possession, that the compilers intended to associate Freemasonry, to a certain extent, with Christianity. Thus, at the very outset, in the first degree, we find the candidate assuming to have been recommended by "the brethren of the holy lodge of St. John," and professing the Christian doctrine of "ruling and governing his passions, and doing to others as he would have others do to him." He also refers a significant part of the ceremony to an observation of Jesus Christ, "Ask, and ye shall have ; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." They had also a tradition of St. John the Evangelist being invited to take upon himself the Grand Mastership of the Order. Now, although this tradition may be of no authority, yet its very existence proves that our ancient brethren were desirous of connecting Masonry with Christianity by a decided and unequivocal link.
In the lecture of the second degree, we again find a reference
to "the Lodge of St. John;" and, which is more to our present purpose, we have also an explanation of the Masonic meaning attached to the title " Great Architect of the Universe;" who is plainly declared to be Jesus Christ. These are the words:—"The Grand Architect and Contriver of the Universe, or He that was taken up to the top of the pinnacle of the Holy Temple." In another course of lectures, used a few years later, called the "Old York Lectures," we find the five steps in this degree referred to "the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." The ceremonies of the third degree were openly explained by learned brethren, not many years after the revival of Masonry, to be typical of Christianity. And it does not weaken the force of the argument, to urge that these direct references were expunged from the system at the revision of the lectures consequent on the Union of Ancient and Modern Masonry in 1813; it is enough to shew that they existed in the earliest known ritual; and hence constitute an evident proof that Freemasonry, at its revival, was considered applicable to that religion which is the perfection of Judaism, and the glory of the whole earth.
I have been led into these observations by the receipt of a letter from an eminent Mason in India, who has obligingly furnished me with some objections against Freemasonry, which appear to be urged with great force and effect in our eastern dependencies, and tend to obstruct the progress of the Order amongst the inhabitants of those distant regions. They are made to assume the form of three separate arguments, and are stated as follows:—
1. "It is objected that a true Christian cannot, or ought not, to join in Masonry, because Masons offer prayers to God without the mediation of our Redeemer, through whom alone our prayers can meet with acceptance."
2. " It is objected that we inculcate the principles of brotherly love and charity as peculiarly incumbent on us because we are bound by the ties of Masonry; whereas such acts, to be acceptable to God, should proceed from a love of God, reconciled to mankind through the sacrifice of Christ; any other motive being not only not acceptable, but sinful." 3. " Objects that the mention of the Lord's name in the Lodge is a contravention of the third commandment. It is fully acknowledged that this Name is never introduced with levity, but with the greatest reverence; yet, is not its use in some degree objectionable, in the same way as is its heedless introduction into any ordinary discourse ?"
These objections are specious in appearance, but extremely superficial when submitted to the test of critical examination. They all originate in a mistaken idea of the nature and design of Freemasonry. It is assumed to be a system of religion; whereas, in fact, it merely embraces one branch of religion, which is common to all the modes of worshipping God that exist upon the earth. “It is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.” The arguments, therefore, are unsound, and the conclusion groundless; as will appear from a slight examination of their tendency.
1. This objection pronounces it improper to offer up prayers to God without a reference to the mediation of Christ. Now, although prayer is undoubtedly of much greater efficacy when used in the redeemer’s name, yet it will not be difficult to prove that the offering up of such prayers is not without precedent, even amongst the formularies of devotion which have been prescribed for the observance of Christians. Nor will it be necessary to cite the extreme cases of Socinians and Roman Catholics—the former denying the efficacy of Christ’s atonement, and the latter in some cases using the mediation of the Virgin and Saints, in proof of the position. In the Liturgy of our own church, we have no reference to the mediation of Christ in many of the prayers. For instance, in the prayer of St. Chrysostom, the collect for Trinity Sunday, the bishop’s prayer in the confirmation service, and, most of all, in that divine prayer which Jesus Christ recommended to his disciples for their daily use. This constitutes an undeniable proof that those pious and holy men who compiled our formularies, did not maintain the exclusive opinion that prayer to God would be unacceptable, even though under peculiar circumstances, the name of Christ were not directly used.
It may however be demanded of the objectors to verify their assertion, that our prayers have no reference to a Saviour; because nothing can be more incorrect; for in all our appeals to God, His Name is actually used, and His mediation implied.
The legitimate prayers of Freemasonry, are short addresses to the Great Architect of the Universe, for a blessing on our labours. Now, who is this divine Being whom we thus invoke? Why, according to the interpretation of our ancient Brethren—“Him that was carried to the top pinnacle of the Holy Temple,” or Jesus Christ. Nor is Freemasonry singular in this interpretation. St. Paul says, “Jesus Christ laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of his hands”; or in other words that he is the Grand Architect of the Universe. One of our ancient Masonic parallels, St. John says—" All things were made by Him." The Scriptures abound with testimonies to this fact; and as our prayers are all addressed to this glorious Being, I see no force in the objection, although grounded, as it evidently is, on the supposition that Jews, Turks, and Hindoos may join in the prayers, and apply them to the supreme object of their respective adoration. Our ancient Brethren, in the construction of an universal system, have adopted a style in their addresses to the Throne of Grace, which, while it may be undoubtedly applied to the God of the Jews and Mussulmans, is still more particularly applicable to the Redeemer, under the Christian Covenant, because it is the very title by which he is designated in the inspired writings of the New Testament; and therefore every Christian Mason, in appealing to the Grand Architect of the Universe, ought to be fully impressed with the salutary truth, that his prayer is directed to God, through the mediation of Christ; precisely according to the precedent in the Collects for the third Sunday in Advent, and the first Sunday in Lent, as set forth in the formularies of our Church.
The same reasoning will apply to the Tetragrammaton, or Name of Jehovah used in the Old Testament, which is universally understood to mean the Messiah or Christ. Some of the Rabbins believe that the Messiah will reveal himself to man by this Name; and our Saviour did so; and commanded his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, which Trinity is comprehended in the name Jehovah. The first letter JOD signifying the Father; the second HE, the Son; and the third VAU, the Holy Ghost; the repetition of the letter HE referring to the humanity of Christ, as the former HE refers to his divinity. (Oliver, “On Freemasonry. And on the Objections of Some of the Anglo-Indian Clergy.” Freemasons’ Quarterly Magazine, 1845, p. 393-96)

If the most determined opponent could make up his mind to devote himself quietly to the study of the true principles of Masonry, and if he would take the trouble to inquire into the operation of these principles, his objections would be undoubtedly removed. When he saw the cheering results of Masonic benevolence, when he saw the orphan clothed, and fed, and educated, when he saw the distressed Mason relieved, and the aged provided for, conviction could not fail to strike his senses, and he would feel inclined to say—"Let me assist in bearing your burden; you are fulfilling the royal law of Christ; and I am now anxious to have a share in this good work." Indeed, nothing can be more delightful than the practical operation of Masonry, in administering to the wants of others. In the performance of these duties we meet on the level; we lay aside all party differences, and pursue the great work of benevolence in peace, harmony, and brotherly love. (George Oliver, History of the Masonic Persecutions in Every Quarter of the Globe, p. 424, n. 15)

Brother the Rev. JAMES WATSON, Lancaster. 1794. "Masonry has the Omnipotent Architect of the Universe for the object of its adoration and imitation; his great and wonderful works for its pattern and prototype; and the wisest and best of men of all ages, nations, and languages, for its patrons and professors. But though masonry primarily inculcates morals and the religion of nature, it has caught an additional spark from the light of revelation and the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. And though masonry continues to burn with subordinate lustre, it lights the human traveller on the same road ; it breathes a concordant spirit of universal benevolence and brotherly love; adds one thread more to the silken cord of evangelical charity which binds man to man, and crowns the cardinal virtues with CHRISTIAN graces."
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[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/font]Brother the Rev. JETHRO INWOOD, Deptford. 1799. "Masonry is truly the sister of religion; for she boasts her efficacy in all its native influence; and is continually the assistant promoter of like principles and of like actions. The central point of all her innumerable lines, squares and circles, is the love of God. And upon this central point she builds her faith; from it she derives her hope of glory here and hereafter; and by it she squares her conduct in strict justice and universal charity. The central point of all true Christianity and of all true Masonry is, the love of God." "Masonry is dedicated only to the Gospel. It has nothing in its institution but what both the law of Moses and of Christ will fully allow and universally sanction. To be masonic is to be truly religious in both its parts; first seeking and cherishing in our hearts the true fear of God, and then from this principle bringing forth all the amiable fruits of righteousness, which are the praise and glory of God." [FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/font]
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[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/font]Brother WILLIAM HUTCHINSON. Edition 1814. "In forming this society, which is at once religious and civil, great regard has been given to the first knowledge of the God of nature, and that acceptable service wherewith he is well pleased. This was the first and corner stone on which our originals thought it expedient to place the foundation of masonry. They had experienced that by religion all civil ties and obligations were compacted, and that thence proceeded all the bonds which could unite mankind in social intercourse; thence it was that they laid the foundation of the edifice on the bosom of religion. It is not to be presumed that we are a set of men professing religious principles contrary to the revelations and doctrines of the Son of God, reverencing a deity by the denomination of the God of nature, and denying that mediation which is graciously offered to all true believers. The members of our society at this day, in the third stage of masonry, confess themselves to be CHRISTIANS; the veil of the temple is rent, the builder is smitten, and we are raised from the tomb of transgression. The master mason represents a man under the Christian doctrine, saved from the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation."[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/font]
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[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'][/font]The mass of evidence here collected, which needs no comment, will be abundantly sufficient to establish the fact, that our best and wisest brethren have been uniformly of opinion, that the true design and end of masonry is religion. It is indeed in vain to look for excellence in any system which is not founded on this basis; because all our hopes and all our fears are enfolded in the belief of a God, and a future state of rewards, to be attained by faith and obedience to his commands, and of punishments to be inflicted for a wilful and habitual violation of his laws. But the design of this little work embraces a still wider and more comprehensive field of inquiry. I must show that the system of freemasonry is more congenial with the spirit of Christianity than with any other religion ever practised amongst mankind. And this will be satisfactorily proved by an attentive consideration of the lectures of masonry, and the mechanism of initiation.

-----Oliver, The Star in the East: Shewing the Analogy Which Exists Between the Lectures of Freemasonry, the Mechanism of Initiation Into its Mysteries, and the Christian Religion (all citations)

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[Rev Wayne]

The legend of the third degree typifies in a remarkable and effective manner a doctrine of the greatest importance, and was adopted by our ancient Brethren to establish the most awful truth connected with human salvation,—THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY; and our transatlantic Brethren have constructed a compound symbol as a pictorial representation of this doctrine. It consists of a beautiful virgin standing before a broken column, as an emblem of the expert architect H A B, placed on a platform of three steps to indicate the three stages of human life, with a cup in her left hand signifying Faith, a sprig of cassia in her right pointing to heaven, as an emblem of Hope, and before her is the Book of Life to represent the resurrection, or the triumph of faith over death and the grave. (Oliver, The Freemason’s Treasury, p. 332)

There are, indeed, many uninitiated persons, who, while they outwardly affect to regard the Order with indifference, actually take a very great interest in its proceedings, and watch our motions with a scrutinizing eye. To all such persons the activity of our Provincial Lodges, openly displayed, presents a favourable view of the Craft; and as, in most cases, the unimpeachable conduct of the Brethren exemplifies their profession, we are at no loss to account for the rapid increase, both in numbers and respectability, which have strengthened and improved the Order in the present day. Such meetings as these, where sacred charity is blended with social mirth, and the mutual interchange of benevolent feelings, do indeed show Freemasonry in its true light, as an institution which fosters and improves the best affections of our nature; and carries into active operation the favourite maxim of the wisest and most holy of beings—"do unto others as you would have them do to you." (George Oliver, History of Freemasonry From the Year 1829 to 1841, Jno. W. Leonard, 1855, p. 64)

The third degree is the cement of the whole: it binds men together by the mystic points of fellowship, as in a chain of indissoluble affection, and teaches them to love their neighbour as themselves, as the best means of evidencing that the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts. But it does more than this, it asserts positively the resurrection of the body, and points to a future state, in which those who have endured sufferings in this world to preserve their virtue and religion from profanation, shall meet a suitable reward, while the wicked shall be cast out as unworthy of a place in the heavenly country, and receive the horrible punishment they have imprecated on themselves. (Oliver, The Star in the East, Showing the Analogy Which Exists Between the Lectures of Freemasonry, the Mechanism of Initiation Into its Mysteries, and the Christian Religion, p. 131)

Fear God and keep his commandments, says a certain Degree of Masonry, after king Solomon, for this is the whole duty of man. I would recommend to you the practice of Temperance, not so much to preserve your constitution untainted, as to prepare for its final dissolution. I would recommend the practice of the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do to you, not so much to preserve the peace and order of civil society, (which notwithstanding it cannot fail to do,) as to inspire in your own bosoms a love of virtue and good will to man. I would recommend Benevolence and Charity, not merely to provide for the necessities of indigence, but to introduce into your soul the fine feelings of humanity, and an extended philanthropy which may embrace in the bonds of love the whole human race. In a word, I would press upon you the practice of Virtue, and not so much for its own sake, as in obedience to the divine command; and in humble imitation of Jesus Christ, whose beneficence was extended to his most obdurate enemies ; and who has promised everlasting happiness to all who follow his pure and holy example. If then to your faith you add the virtues of a good life; if you do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God, you have a protection against the fear of death, which nothing earthly can remove or take away; for you have the promise of scripture, that in this case, your latter end shall be in peace. (Oliver, Signs and Symbols Illustrated and Explained, Lecture VI, p. 127-28)

The lamb was always esteemed an emblem of the purest innocence; and hence the Redeemer of mankind received the significant appellation of "the Lamb of God," because he was immaculate, and without spot or blemish. And the colour White as an unequivocal symbol of Light and Purity, has been honoured and venerated in all ages, by every nation and every people since the creation of light out of darkness. Even the primitive christians adopted a custom so universally prevalent, so consonant with reason, sanctioned by the usage of all antiquity, and authorized by the solemn ordinances of a religion which had been instituted by the Deity himself; for not only did the Jewish Prophets symbolize purity t and impeccability § by this colour; but the spotless Author of our religion is said to have been clad in raiment White as Light at his transfiguration, and White as snow after his resurrection. And the angelic messenger who appeared to the holy women at the sepulchre, was invested with a garment of the same colour. Many years after this, the divinity condescended to promise that every Christian who should overcome the temptations of the world, should be rewarded with a WHITE STONE as an undeniable passport into the paradise of God. In a region blest with everlasting perfection, this colour receives its final and most exalted mark of distinction.
The glorified inheritors of those heavenly mansions, after being washed and purified in the blood of the LAMB, shall be clothed in White Raiment, ride on White horses, and be seated on White thrones for ever and ever.
Supported and encouraged by these animating authorities, the early followers of Jesus Christ, invested the catechumens with a White Robe, like that worn by the heavenly vision which encouraged Judas Maccabeus to purge his country of its impurities, tt accompanied by this solemn charge; "Receive the White and undefiled Garment, and produce it without spot before the tribunal of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may obtain eternal life." In like manner Freemasons, when they invest a candidate with this distinguishing badge of their profession, tell him that it is the most exalted dignity that can be conferred; and exhort him not to disgrace it by actions which may reflect discredit on the Order into which he has had the honour to be admitted. (Oliver, ibid., p. 203-05)

Christian Churches and Masonic Lodges are built due east and west, and the most holy place is in the east. Tertullian informs us, that the early Christians prayed with their faces turned to the east, in imitation of a like practice observed by St. John the Evangelist. The reason assigned for it is, that when placed in this posture, we should reflect on the creation of the world, and the crucifixion of Christ; because the garden of Eden, an emblem of that celestial paradise which is the object of all our hopes and wishes in this world, was placed in the east; and Christ being crucified with his face to the west; it follows, that when we turn to the east, we behold, as it were, the Saviour suspended on the cross, working out the salvation of sinners by the sacrifice of himself. An opinion anciently prevailed, founded perhaps on the sixty-eighth Psalm and the thirty-third verse, that the visible glory of Christ was situated in the eastern part of the heavens. The passage as translated by the Seventy, runs thus, "Sing unto God, who ascendeth above the heaven of heavens on the east." It was indeed a generally received opinion of the early Christians, that God was worshipped
towards the east, and Satan renounced towards the west. When consigned to our last retreat, the corpse is laid in the grave due east and west, with its feet to
the former quarter; that at the resurrection the renovated man may at once behold the bright vision of judgment; for we are certain, from the express declaration of Christ himself, that at the last day he shall appear in the east, seated on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Hence we deduce the propriety of the custom which is used in many of our peculiar ceremonies. The candidate in each degree is placed with his face to the east for the purpose of receiving instruction. During the Lectures, the brethren necessarily face the east. Should a brother desire to address the Lodge, he must still turn towards the east; and even during our social refreshments we uniformly observe the same practice. For these united causes, I have been somewhat particular in enumerating a few of those reasons which induced our ancient brethren to adopt a custom equally rational and consistent with the primitive rites of genuine religion. (Oliver, Ibid., p. 232-34)

I am far from affirming, however, that the analogy of Freemasonry with Christianity is universally conceded by the fraternity. Our ranks contain many individuals, whose opinions are entitled to respect, who reject the hypothesis as an untenable proposition; and are ready to maintain that the glorious Symbol which forms the subject of this volume is alien to the system of Freemasonry. And they assign as a reason for their theory, that as Freemasonry dates its origin at a period far anterior to the revelation of the Christian scheme, its elements cannot legitimately contain any reference to that great plan for the salvation of the human race. The argument, however, is inconclusive, because it is at variance with fact. Freemasonry, in whatever part of the globe it may at present exist, contains the Emblem before us, sanctioned by all Grand Lodges, and rejected by none. And it is interpreted by a process agreeing with our own explanation ; embodied in the authorized Lectures, as propounded by the united wisdom of the two great sections of the fraternity assembled in the Lodge of Reconciliation, which was constructed for the sole purpose of placing the Order on its proper basis, by revising the Lectures and regulating the ceremonies on the true model of primitive observance. Freemasonry must be interpreted according to the form in which it is actually presented to the senses, and not by any hypothetical propositions of what it was or might have been at a given period which is too remote for any records to exist that may explain its mechanism or peculiar doctrines, and respecting which our traditions are too imperfect to lead to any certain result. And the present lectures of the Order actually contain a pointed reference to all the principal types of Christ or the Christian dispensation which are found in the Hebrew Scriptures, from the creation of the world to the actual appearance of the Messiah, when the sceptre had finally departed from Judah. The Freemasons of 1720, in the earliest system of Lectures known, explained the masonic phrase, T G A O T U, to mean, "Him that was placed on the topmost pinnacle of the temple;" which applies to Jesus, and to him alone, as no other personage on record was ever placed in that inaccessible situation. The revised Lectures of Bro. Dunckerley, used up to the middle of the century, denned the Blazing Star as "representing the Star which led the wise men to Bethlehem, proclaiming to mankind the nativity of the Son of God, and here conducting our spiritual progress to the Great Author of our redemption." The Hutchinsonian Lectures, used twenty years later, explained the three lights or luminaries by "the three great stages of masonry; the knowledge and worship of the God of nature in the purity of Eden — the service under the Mosaic law, when divested of idolatry — and the Christian revelation. But most especially our Lights are typical of the holy Trinity." And in the system of Lectures which prevailed at the latter end of the century, and up to the union in 1813, the five steps of the winding staircase were represented as indicating "the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The authorized Text Book of the United States of America confirms this view of the design of Freemasonry; and it will be remembered that the Royal Arch is pronounced by the English Grand Lodge as the completion of the Third Degree. The account of this degree commences thus, "This degree is more august, sublime, and important, than all which precede it. It impresses on our minds a belief of the being and existence of the supreme Grand High Priest of our salvation, who is without beginning of days or end of years ; and forcibly reminds us of the reverence due to his Holy Name." And that there may be no mistake in the meaning of "the supreme Grand High Priest of our salvation," the degree is opened by a passage from St. Paul's Epistle to the Thessalonians,2 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly," &c. Having thus laid the foundation of my proposed edifice on a solid basis broad and deep — on the antiquity of its pretensions, and its undoubted reference to an universal religion (Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, pp. xvi-xix, preface)

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[Rev Wayne]

Genuflection was used in the infancy of the world, as an act of devout homage to God; for it is in reality a just expression of humility and reverence from a created mortal to the Great Author of his existence. Pliny says, that "in the knees of man there is reposed a certain religious reverence, observed even in all the nations of the world. For humble suppliants creep and crouch to the knees of their superiors ; their knees they touch, to their knees they reach forth their hands; their knees they worship and adore as religiously as the very altars of the gods."
In the system of christianity, this custom is universally prevalent in obedience to the repeated injunctions of Christ and his Apostles. Here it is described as a proper and approved act of devotion; and one of the Fathers of the Church has conferred a still higher character upon it. He says, "when we bow the knee, it represents our fall in Adam; and when we rise, having received the benefit of prayer addressed to the throne of grace, it is a type of our restoration in Christ by the grace of God, through whom we are able to lift up our hearts to heaven." The candidate for Masonry is directed to bend his knee with a similar reference. He is in a state of intellectual darkness, as far as regards the science into which he is about to receive initiation. His mind unenlightened with the bright rays of Masonic knowledge, bends before the divine illuminator, in the humble hope that his understanding may be opened and his mental faculties improved by the process of initiation, commenced with a devout supplication to, and a firm reliance on, that Great Being whose favour alone can convey protection and assistance in every difficulty and danger he may be called on to sustain, as a trial of his patience, fortitude, and zeal. (Oliver, Ibid., p. 230-31)

The Holy Bible forms the basis of this great moral machine. It rests on the altar of Omnipotence, and proclaims the rewards of faith and practice; while the Ladder connects earth with heaven, where the perfect mason hopes to consummate his worldly labours, and
receive the recompence of his fidelity.
(George Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, Showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, p. xli)

"As the tressel board is for the master to draw his designs on, the better to enable the younger brothers and the more expert Fellow Crafts to carry on the intended building with order, regularity, and success; so may the Holy Bible be justly deemed the tressel board of the Grand Architect of the Universe; because in that holy book he hath laid down such divine plans, and moral designs, that were we conversant therein and adherent thereto, it would bring us to a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
(George Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, Showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, p. 39)

As these and other similar doctrines and duties form a part of the very first Charge which is delivered to the incipient Freemason, it may be useful to take a brief view of them, as they apply to God, our neighbour, and ourselves; as they form an exemplification of the moral law which was communicated to our Grand Master Moses from the mountain where the deity had previously manifested himself in a Burning Bush. The first Table of this law describes our duty to God; and the second our duty to our neighbour and ourselves. Let us then see how intimately these duties correspond with the teaching of our noble order.
Freemasonry directs us to put our sole trust in the One God who dwelleth in the highest heavens, under the several names, in consecutive degrees, of Great Architect — Grand Geometrician of the Universe, and Most High or Jehovah. And teaches the true brother that "every blade of grass which covers the field, every flower which blows, and every insect that wings its way in the bounds of expanded space, proves the existence of a FIRST CAUSE, and yields pleasure to the intelligent mind. (George Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, Shewing the Object and End of Freemasonry, p. 90)

The alteration of the Master's word is another instance of the discretionary power which is vested in the Grand Lodge, of authorizing organic changes; for although not expunged, it was translated from the third degree to the Royal Arch by the Grand Lodge, of England after the middle of the last century, and a new word substituted in its place. Before that period its masonic meaning was explained by the words, "the Grand Architect and Contriver of the Universe, or he that was taken up to the top of the pinnacle of the holy Temple." Now, as no one was ever taken to the top of the pinnacle of the holy Temple but Christ, or the second person in the Trinity, there can be no mistake as to the meaning which our ancient brethren assigned to that sacred and sublime WORD.

This construction was kept pre-eminently before the fraternity in every code of lectures which the Grand Lodge thought it expedient, as society advanced in intelligence, to recommend to the practice of the subordinate lodges. A series of types were first introduced; then they were explained as being applicable to the Messiah; and an illustration was appended explanatory of the five great points of his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The herald and the beloved disciple were constituted the two great parallels of the Order, and symbolized by the figure of a circle, point, and parallel lines, which I have already, in a little work, devoted expressly to the subject, examined in detail; and to which I would refer the curious reader for further information, respecting these two presumed patrons of masonry. The three great virtues of Christianity were embodied in another emblem on the same road to heaven; and which, as the authorized lectures expressed it, "by walking according to our masonic profession, will bring us to that blessed mansion above where the just exist in perfect bliss to all eternity; where we shall be eternally happy with God, the Grand Geometrician of the Universe, whose only Son died for us, and rose again that we might be justified through faith in his most precious blood."(Oliver, The Symbol of Glory: Showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, 1870, p. 100)

Pythagoras considered the central fire to be the mansion of the deity or God; and assimilated it with the monad, because it is the beginning and ending of number. In the Stone temples of the Celts, we find indications of a similar belief. But divine revelation has taught us a more correct and rational doctrine; and we possess the advantage of knowing that Jehovah or God in the Old Testament, is no other than the Messiah or Christ in the New. Hence the following singular elucidation of the above doctrine has been deduced, and is actually in practice by some of our lodges at the present day. Our ancient brethren in depicting on the Tracing Board the Plumb, the Rule, the Level, and the setting Maul, intended by the latter to represent the point within a circle; and in a speculative sense referred them to the death of TGAOTU, or Christ upon the Cross. And as, in the allegory, the above instruments were used, so in the fact, they were really concerned in the death of the actual Grand Master, whose Cross was formed from the junction of the Level and the Plumb. Now as the point within a circle is a very ancient symbol, and was venerated in many nations, as a representative of the deity; it is considered by those who adopt this exposition to refer to the Eternal Father, who gave his Son to die for the sins of men. They go on to say in their application of the symbol, that as Speculative Masons we ought not to be contented with deriving one moral lesson from every single emblem depicted on our Tracing Board. But to consider each as a text on which to build a copious Lecture. For instance; the point within a circle, in the first degree, has an application totally different from what it bears in the third. In the former it describes the boundary line of a mason's path through this life, the limits of which are the precepts of the Law and Gospel, by which he is circumscribed to prevent his going astray. And if he adheres to these precepts, amidst evil report and good report, the Ladder, whose foot is placed on the Holy Bible, will conduct him to a celestial mansion which is at present veiled from mortal eye by the starry firmament. But in the third degree this emblem has a mystical reference to Christ as our centre; according to his own declaration — " where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." The prayer which was formerly used is considered very appropriate by those who adopt this mode of explaining the circle and point. It began thus; "O Lord God, thou great and universal mason of the world, and first builder of man as it were a Temple, be with us as thou has promised, that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name, thou wilt be in the midst of them, &c." After our Lord's resurrection, the disciples changed their time of assembling together in closely tyled lodges, for fear of their enemies, from the seventh to the first day of the week; and on that day our Lord appeared to Mary and directed her to go to his Brethren, and inform them that he was about to ascend to the Grand Lodge above, into the presence of him, who was both his Father and their Father; and in the evening when they were assembled together, " the doors being shut," or in other words, the lodge being closely tyled, came Jesus and stood in the midst of them, making use of the masonic greeting, " Peace be with you." Our brethren would naturally feel surprised at the presence of a stranger in a closely tyled lodge; but when he had given them proofs (by showing them those signs of distress in his hands and feet and left breast,) that he was their Brother, they dismissed all fear and rejoiced exceedingly. It was here that he promised to be always in the midst of them; and cheered by the recollection of this gracious promise, they were naturally led to the hope of finding Him within the centre of their circle whenever regularly assembled in a just and perfect lodge dedicated to the Glory of God and the welfare of mankind. Hence all Christian masons are required by the circle and point, to understand, that whenever they meet as brethren, his Allseeing Eye is present in the centre; and thus they are incited to discharge their duties towards him and to each other with freedom, fervency, and zeal. Thus, as those who use this illustration, conclude, all our emblems having a tendency to inculcate the practice of virtue amongst its genuine professors, the more moral lessons we can derive from any of our emblems, the more securely founded will be the respect which masonry may claim at the hands of all mankind. (Oliver, Symbol of Glory, p. 154-57)

There was no other prophet who ever resembled Moses, so much as Jesus the Messiah. None of the ancient prophets can answer this description. None of them were lawgivers like Moses; none of them had such clear communications with God; for their prophecies were revealed to them in visions and dreams. Moses and Christ are the only two, who perfectly resemble each other in these respects. The Jews were addicted to the idolatry of the Egyptians; and were taught by Moses the true way of worshipping God. Subsequently they were the slaves of superstition; when Jesus Christ taught them true religion. The system of Moses was confirmed by stupendous miracles, so was that of Christ. Moses led the people to the promised land; and Christ directs us to a better country. Moses fasted forty days, and so likewise did Christ. Moses and Christ equally fed the people miraculously. Moses led the people through the Red Sea; and Christ walked upon the sea. The face of Moses was surrounded by a bright glory when he descended from the mount; and the face of Christ shone like the sun, upon mount Tabor. Moses deputed twelve men to survey the land; and Christ committed the same office to twelve Apostles. St. John mentions the Christian parallelism between Moses and Christ in express terms, when he says, " the Law was given by Moses, but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ," intimating that although the
resemblance between Moses and Christ was striking, yet there was no absolute equality; for that the latter was as much superior to the former, as Grace and Truth are superior to the Law; and St. Paul tells the Jews that they are not now under the Law, but under Grace;8 adding in another place, that by Christ all that believe are justified, which they could not be by the Law of Moses.9 And he more plainly asserts in another place that " Moses was faithful as a servant, but Christ as a Son ;" and that Christ was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as " he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house;" that is, the difference between Christ and Moses is that which is between him who creates and the thing created; and then, having before ascribed the creation of the world to Christ, he adds, "he that built all things is God."
Still masonry has not ventured to introduce the Redeemer of mankind as one of its great Parallels, because in neither of his natures has he any equal. As man he was sinless—as God he was divine. Besides Christ is no other than Jehovah, TGAOTU, and he is symbolized by the circle. If therefore the parallel lines have any reference to this great Being
they can be no other than his divine and human natures, which would be masonically inapplicable; and we have already a very significant emblem to the same effect, viz., the pentalpha, double triangle, or Seal of Solomon. (Oliver, Symbol of Glory, p. 159-60)

.

 

[Rev Wayne]

THE next object which attracts our attention in the Symbol of Glory, is the Holy Bible, which is the great charter of a Christian's faith, and anchor of his hope, as well as one of the Great Lights of masonry. It forms the Tracing Board of the Great Architect of the Universe; and he has laid down there such glorious plans and moral designs, that were we conversant
therein and adherent thereto, it would bring us to a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. The Bible is the gift of God to man. It is the consummation of wisdom, goodness, and truth. Many other books are good, but none are so good as this. All other books may be dispensed with; but this is absolutely necessary to our happiness here, and our salvation hereafter. It is the most ancient record of facts known in the world; the materials of its earliest history having been compiled, as is most probable, by Shem, or perhaps by Noah. The Rabbins say that Shem was the instructor of Abraham in the history of naturally transmitted through Isaac, Jacob, and Levi, to Moses. And no injury is done to the just arguments on behalf of the inspiration of Scripture, as Calmet judiciously observes, if we suppose that Shem wrote the early history of the world; that Abraham wrote family memoirs of what related to himself; that Jacob continued what concerned himself; and that at length, Moses compiled, arranged, and edited, a copy of the holy works extant in his time. A procedure perfectly analogous to this was conducted by Ezra in a later age; on whose edition of the Holy Scripture, our faith now rests, as it rests, in like manner, on the prior edition of Moses, if he were the editor of some parts ; or on his authority, if he were the writer of the whole. The evidences of its truth do not depend on the uncertain deductions of human reason, but upon the teaching of the Holy Spirit of God. Its details are confirmed by signs, and wonders, and manifestations of the divine power. On its veracity our holy religion must stand or fall; and therefore our hopes of salvation anchor upon it, as on a rock which can never give way. It is the pillar and ground of Truth; the pedestal and support of Faith; and hence the Masonic Ladder is planted there as on a foundation that cannot be shaken; because its divine author is Jehovah himself. Wisdom, Strength, andBeauty, centre in its pages; for its wisdom is Faith, its strength is Hope, and its beauty is Charity; a double triad which constitutes Perfection; and realized in the pentalpha, which, in the symbolization equally of Christianity and Masonry refers to the two natures of the incarnate deity.

This First Great Light of Masonry, is not only perfect, but free from every admixture of imperfection; for if the slightest doubt could be raised respecting the truth of any single fact or doctrine which it contains, it would cease to be the Book of God, and our Faith and Hope would no longer have a solid basis to rest upon. But so long as we believe the deity to be a wise, and powerful, and perfect being, we must also believe that every thing which emanates from his authority is equally wise, and powerful, and perfect, and consequently worthy of the utmost veneration." The events recorded to have happened under the old dispensation are often strikingly prefigurative of those which occur under the new; and the temporal circumstances of the Israelites seem designedly to shadow out the spiritual condition of the Christian church. The connection is ever obvious; and points out the consistency of the divine purpose, and the harmony deliberately contrived to subsist between both dispensations. Thus in the servitude of Israel are described the sufferings of the church. In the deliverance from Egypt is foreshown its redemption; and the journey through the wilderness is a lively representation of a Christian's pilgrimage through life,
to his inheritance in everlasting bliss. So also, without too minute a discussion, it may be observed, that the manna of which the Israelites did eat, and the rock of which they drank, as well as the brazen serpent by which they were healed, were severally typical of correspondent particulars that were to obtain under the Christian establishment; as under sacrifices and ceremonial service of the church, of which the institution is here recorded, was described the more spiritual worship of the gospel." '

The Bible, as the lectures of masonry predicate, is the sacred compact from God to man, because he has been pleased to reveal more of his divine will in that holy Book, than by any other means; either by the light of nature, the aid of science, or reason with all her powers. And therefore, as might be expected, it contains a code of laws and regulations which are adapted to every situation in which a created being can possibly be placed. And it not only incites him to virtue, but furnishes a series of striking examples both of good and evil conduct, that he may avoid the one and practice the other to his eternal advantage. And further, if it gives copious instructions to rulers and governors that they may perform their exalted duties with strict justice and impartiality, it is no less prolific in its directions to men occupying inferior stations of life, to be obedient to the laws, and to respect the powers under which they live, and by which they are protected. Its precepts extend to the duties of rich and poor, parents and children, husbands and wives, masters and servants. There is not a grade in civil society, from the monarch on his throne, to the peasant between the stilts of a plough, but may find ample instructions for moral government, and the regulation of his desires, in that comprehensive book. And their universal application and divine origin are manifested by the fact, that those who disregard their operation themselves, display an instinctive respect for every one who professes to take the Bible for a rule of faith, and a guide to the requirements of moral duty. But this sacred Volume possesses one peculiar excellence which is denied to every other book. We frequently find an entire code of civil duties embodied in a single passage; which, if universally observed by all classes of society, would turn this earth into a Paradise, and its inhabitants into a band of brothers.

If mankind could be persuaded to adopt the rule of mutual assistance and mutual forbearance which is there recommended, and copied in the system of Freemasonry; if they would, on all occasions, do as they would be done by, nothing would be wanting to the
completion of human happiness. It was the violation of this rule that made Cain a murderer, and filled the antediluvian-world with such violent antipathies and unnatural crimes, as made an universal purgation necessary to cleanse it from its gross pollutions. It was the same disregard to this rule which made Nirnrod a hunter of men, Pharaoh an impious contemner of God's judgments ; Absalom a rebel, and Judas a thief. And in our own times it arms man against his fellow, and produces all that
wickedness and vice which human laws, how stringent soever they may be, have totally failed to banish from the world. The Book before us contains rules for preserving health by the exercise of Temperance and Chastity; for procuring blessings by the practice of Fidelity,
Industry and Zeal; for securing a good reputation by Integrity and a faithful discharge of every trust; and for inheriting the promises by the exercise of Faith, the encouragement of Hope, and the practice of Charity, or the universal love of God and man.


Upon the first Great Light, we find two others— the Square and Compasses; which are varied in their position in every degree, to mark the gradual progress of knowledge; and the former is opened at different passages appropriate to each; for the Bible being considered the rule of a mason's faith, the Square and Compasses, when united, have the same tendency with respect to his practice. The latter are appropriated to the Grand Master, as the ruler and governor of the Craft, because they are the principal instruments used in the construction of plans, and the formation of ingenious designs; which constitute his especial duty at the erection of magnificent edifices. The former belongs to the whole Craft; because, as they are obligated on it, they are bound to model their actions according to its symbolical directions. But the peculiar appropriation of the Square is to the Master of a private Lodge. Its utility as an implement of manual labour belonging to operative masonry, is to try and adjust all irregular corners of buildings, and to assist in bringing rude matter into due form; while to the speculative mason it conveys a corresponding lesson of duty, teaching him, that by a course of judicious training, the W. M. reduces into due form the rude matter which exists in the mind of a candidate for initiation; and thus, being modelled on the true principles of genuine masonry, it becomes like the polished corners of the temple. And by virtue of this jewel, which sparkles on his breast, he is enabled to cause all animosities, if any such should unfortunately exist amongst the brethren, to subside, that order and good fellowship may be perfect and complete.


In a word, the Square points out the general duties of the Master of a Lodge, which are, to consider himself subordinate to the Grand Master and his officers; to keep a regular communication with the Grand Lodge; to give no countenance to any irregular Lodge, or any person initiated therein; not to initiate a person without a previous knowledge of his character; to respect genuine brethren, discountenance impostors and all who dissent from the original plan of masonry; and above all to set an example to the Lodge, of regularity, decorum, and propriety of conduct. The Square reads a lesson not less instructive to the whole fraternity; and enjoins them to regulate their actions by Rule and Line, to .harmonize their conduct by the principles of morality and virtue, and mutually to encourage each other in the practice of their masonic duties, by the efficacious influence of good example; which constitutes an additional illustration of the first great light. It is indeed a remarkable peculiarity of that Holy Book, that it unites precept so closely with example, as to afford instances of moral and religious conduct which will apply to all mankind, rich or poor, with equal effect. And this is one reason why, in the system of Freemasonry, the Bible is so closely connected with the Square and Compasses. If I were to adduce all the instances
contained in the first Great Light, I might refer to

179
almost every page; for we can scarcely open the book, without finding some great example either of good or evil, which may incite us to the practice of virtue or the hatred of vice. The influence which every man possesses in his own particular sphere is very considerable. Our Grand Master Solomon, when a poor man delivered by his wisdom, a small city from the army of a very powerful monarch, was led to consider the superiority of wisdom above riches; and concluded that as a wise and good man might be extremely useful to those around him by his example, so might a foolish and wicked man do a great deal of mischief by the same means.
In society example is like leaven to a lump of dough; and its influence is so great as to produce the most favourable or prejudicial effects to the interests of mankind. Each individual observes what others do; and thinks there can be no great harm in copying their example." I am no worse than my neighbours," is very common language; and such reasoners seem to think that they shall be justified in a breach of the moral law by a reference to the conduct of others. But can such a plea be admissible in a mason's lodge? Does Freemasonry sanction such an unreasonable argument that the vices of one man will be an excuse for those of another? It should rather appear from the general tenor of the doctrines promulgated in the Lodge, that if any person sets a bad example, it would not only affect the reputation of those who follow it, but it would also increase his own responsibility. The Master of a Lodge is therefore bound to set his brethren an example of morality and justice, which form the true interpretation of the significant Jewel

180
by which he is distinguished; for such is the nature of our constitution, that as some must of necessity rule and teach, so others of course must learn to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. And at his installation he solemnly declares that he will "work diligently, live creditably, and act honourably by all men; that he will avoid private piques and quarrels, and guard against intemperance and excess; that he will be cautious in his carriage and behaviour, courteous to his brethren, and faithful to the Lodge; and that he will promote the general good of society, cultivate the social virtues, and propagate a knowledge of the art of Masonry, as far as his influence and ability can extend."
(George Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, Showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, 1850p. 172-180)

 

[Rev Wayne]

By the Compasses, which are appropriated to the Grand Master, we learn to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted. This instrument directs us to regulate our lives and conduct by the rules contained in the First Great Light; and our motto is; Keep within compass, and you will be sure
To avoid many troubles which others endure.
By the same symbol we are reminded of the impartial and unerring justice of the Most High; who having in his sacred Tracing Board defined the limits of good and evil, will reward or punish us according as we have obeyed or rejected the divine law. This is an important consideration, and worthy the attention of every initiated mason; because it involves those peculiar doctrines which are characteristic of the Order, —man's personal responsibility, the resurrection, and a future state.
　
181
In that awful description of the last Judgment, which is recorded in this Sacred Tracing Board, Charity or benevolence to our poorer fellow creatures is made the test of acceptance or exclusion; and this is an eminent masonic virtue; but Bishop Porteus says, "it is an observation of some importance to be impressed on our minds, that although Charity to our neighbour is a stringent duty, yet it is not the only virtue which we ought to practise ; for this makes only one of that large assemblage of virtues which are required to make us perfect. We must therefore collect the terms of our salvation, not from any one passage, but from the whole tenor of the sacred writings taken together; and if we judge by this rule, which is the only one that can be safely relied on, we shall find that nothing less than a sincere and and lively Faith, producing in us, as far as the infirmity of our nature will permit, universal holiness of life, can ever serve to make our final calling and election sure. But thus much we may collect from that holy Book, that Charity or love to man is one of the most essential duties of our religion, and that to neglect this virtue must be peculiarly dangerous, and render us unfit to appear at the last day before the tribunal of the Judge."
Such is the teaching of the Great Lights of Masonry; and they therefore constitute an appropriate basis for the foot of the Theological Ladder to rest on, whose principal steps are Faith, Hope, and Charity, and whose summit is the Throne of God.
(George Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, Showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, 1850p. 180-181)

.

The palm tree has always been considered a symbol of victory, because it is so elastic as to bend under any pressure without breaking asunder, and to regain without difficulty its former erect position when the pressure is removed; thus appearing to be impregnable to all attacks. Hence it was assigned by the early Christians to Faith, because St. John says, "this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith." For a similar reason it was esteemed an emblem of the immortality to which Faith leads, because the ancients feigned that this tree never decays. Mariti reports the traditions which exist amongst the Arabs respecting this extraordinary tree. They allege that it will live for hundreds of years; and they had not the vestige of a tradition amongst them that either they or any of their ancestors ever saw a palm tree that died of itself. "It bears fruit forever," and therefore is an appropriate emblem of Faith, which, by its fruits, produces immortality and happiness. It was also a symbol of other Christian virtues, viz., justice, innocence, and a pious and virtuous life.
The above interpretation points out, according to Pierius, the reason why Faith is symbolized by a Cross, which is the true palm tree of a Christian; and by means of which the Jew and Gentile will ultimately form one church, and profess one faith, according to that saying of the Redeemer, "if I be lifted up I will draw all men to me." Thus the faithful servants of God were marked in their foreheads -with the sign of the Cross to distinguish what they were, and to whom they belonged. Now, among Christians, baptism, being the seal of the covenant between God and man, is therefore, by ancient writers, often called the seal, the sign, the mark and character of the Lord ; and it was the practice in early times, as it is at present, to make the sign of the Cross upon the foreheads of the parties baptised. The same sign of the Cross was also made at confirmation; and upon many other occasions the Christians signed themselves with the sign of the Cross in their foreheads, as a token that they were not ashamed of a crucified Master; that on the contrary they gloried in the Cross of Christ, and triumphed in that symbol and representation of it.19 The dove is the inhabitant of a pure element which we hope one day to obtain by the exercise of Faith. It was therefore used by the early Christians, and adopted by the Free and Accepted Masons who were employed in the erection of our magnificent cathedrals and churches, as a symbol of this divine quality. Its application in this character was very widely disseminated. On the reverse of a coin of Elagabalus, Faith is represented as a sitting figure, holding a turtle dove in one hand, and an ensign in the other, inscribed Fides Exercitus. The olive figured the peace of mind which the true and faithful Mason enjoys in the contemplation of God's perfections through the medium of the glorious symbol under our notice and the unity and love which they bear to each other.
The Lamb is the representative of the faithful flock of the Good Shepherd; and hence the use of the lambskin in a Lodge, as an emblem of innocence, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman. Eagle; more honourable than the Star and Garter, the Thistle and Rose, or any other order under the sun which can be conferred by king, prince, or potentate, except he be a Mason. Indeed, white garments, were always considered as distinguishing marks of favour. They were worn in the courts of Princes; and the garments of priests were generally white. They were an emblem of purity, and are therefore interpreted in the Christian system by "the righteousness of saints."
The Cross is a symbol of the eternal life indicated by a perfect religion; in virtue of which, all who believe shall be enabled to start on their Christian course with a full assurance of Hope. Faith will unlock the Portico of the Church militant, that the Christian soldier may enter and commence his warfare with the three great enemies of his soul; and if he should be victorious in the conflict, and continue faithful unto death, the Captain of his salvation will give him a crown of life. For this purpose Faith is invested with a Key, as a symbol of power and authority; which is especially referred to in the condemnation which was passed on the public teachers in the law of Moses; who are charged with having taken away the Key of knowledge by which the kingdom of God is opened to mankind, in the multitude of false glosses, superstitious traditions, and heterodox interpretations under which they had buried the pure Word of God. These expounders were designated by a golden Key, as the symbol of their office. The Cross is in her left hand, and the Kevin her right; because the former is always conspicuous, while the latter depends on the hand that contains it. If the candidate perceives the Key in the right hand of Faith, it augurs favourably for his masonic progress ; because the right hand was esteemed auspicious, and was supposed to point to the east, whence the benign influences of light and heat, motion and life are disseminated. Thus the heathen aruspices, when they made their observations, always stood with their faces towards the north, so that the right hand might point towards the east.
Faith is placed near the Holy Bible, to show that it is the evidence of things not seen, and a sure confidence in things hoped for. By the doctrines therein contained, we are taught to believe in the blessings of redemption; and with his faith thus strengthened, the Christian Mason is enabled to ascend the first step on the road to heaven. This faith naturally creates a Hope that we may be partakers of the promises contained in the volume which is thus recommended to our notice; and, accordingly, Hope is represented by a female figure resting on an anchor, to symbolize " the anchor of the soul" on which our hopes are founded, and bearing the insignia of power. Hence Hope appropriately occupies the centre of the space between earth and heaven; to intimate that if the faithful brother perseveres in the uniform practice of his moral and social duties, not only to God, but also to his neighbour and himself, he will finally overcome all difficulties. Hope will unlock the second gate, and admit the zealous Mason into the Naos of the Temple, where he is allowed to participate in divine things; and then unveils the glories of the Church triumphant. With such an object in view, he manfully labours to ascend the steep acclivity for its attainment. Hope is to the soul what an anchor is to a ship: a sure and steadfast stay amidst the storms of temptation; which when firmly placed upon the rock of Ages in the Holy "of Holies, within the veil, will bear him safely through all his difficulties. (Oliver, Symbol of Glory, p. 181-86)
　
The practice of Charity displays itself in relieving the wants, and comforting the distresses of our brethren in the flesh; and this constitutes the chief boast and glory of our divine science. But this is the least and most inferior part of Charity, and if it consisted in nothing more, it would be difficult to determine why St. Paul should have given it such a decided preference over the other two, by saying, " Now abideth Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three, but the greatest of these is Charity."23 Bishop Home says, " Love cannot work ill to his neighbour; it can never injure him in his person, his bed, his property, or his character; it cannot so much as conceive a desire for any thing that belongs to him. But it resteth not content with negatives. It not only worketh him no ill, but it must work for him all the good in its power. Is he hungry? It will give him meat. Is he thirsty? It will give him drink. Is he naked? It will clothe him. Is he sick? It will visit him. Is he sorrowful? It will comfort him. Is he in prison? It will go to him, and, if possible, bring him out. Upon this ground, wars must for ever cease among nations, dissentions of every kind among smaller societies, and the individuals that compose them. All must be peace, because all would be love. And thus would every end of the incarnation be accomplished; good will to men, peace on earth, and to God on high, glory to both."
This divine virtue consists in the love of God and man, which is the only perfect and durable quality we can possess. Prophecies shall fail, tongues shall cease, knowledge shall vanish away; even Faith will become useless when we see God as he is ; and Hope will be swallowed up in certainty; but Charity will be the employment of just men for everlasting ages. " This benevolent disposition is made the great characteristic of a Christian, the
test of obedience, and the mark by which he is to be distinguished. This love for each other includes the qualities of humility, patience, meekness, and bene- " ficence; without which we must live in perpetual discord; and it is so sublime, so rational, and so beneficial, so wisely calculated to correct the depravity, diminish the wickedness, and abate the miseries of human nature, that did we universally practise it, we should soon be relieved from all the inquietudes arising from our unruly passions, as well as from all the injuries to which we are exposed from the indulgence of the same passions in others." Thus the exercise of Faith and Hope having terminated in Charity, the Mason who is possessed of this divine quality, in its utmost perfection, may justly be deemed to have attained the summit of his profession ; figuratively speaking, an ethereal mansion veiled from mortal eye by the starry firmament ; and emblematically depicted in a Mason's lodge by stars, which have an allusion to as many regularly made Masons ; without which number no lodge is perfect, nor can any candidate be legally initiated therein.
On the whole, to use the language of a writer of the last century, the Ladder was designed for a type and emblem of the covenant of grace, which was in force from the time of man's apostacy, and began to be put in execution at the incarnation of our Saviour Christ, that only Mediator, who opened an intercourse between earth and heaven. To this mystical meaning of the Ladder, the Redeemer is supposed to allude when he says, "hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (Oliver, Symbol of Glory, p. 186-87)

 

[Rev Wayne]

White robes were common to the neophyte in every ancient system of religion throughout the whole habitable globe. Even amongst the Jews a similar practice prevailed. The musicians and singers in the services of the Temple, were clothed in white; as are a similar description of men at the present day in our Cathedral and Collegiate Churches. King Solomon, that Great Master of Masonry in Israel, directed his subjects to clothe themselves in white garments, and to let their actions display a corresponding degree of purity and holiness.
White is the symbol of truth, and black is the symbol of error. White reflects all luminous rays, which are an emanation from the Deity; while black is the negation of light, and was attributed to the author of evil. The former being the symbol of Truth, and the latter of falsehood. The book of Genesis, as well as the heathen cosmogonies mention the antagonism of light and darkness. The form of this fable varies according to each nation, but the foundation is everywhere the same; — under the symbol of the creation of the world, or the springing of light out of darkness, it presents the picture of initiation and regeneration.
The beginning of life, or infancy, is still characterized, in every class of society, by white robes or ribbons, to denote the sinless innocence of the new-born babe after baptism has washed away the stains of original sin. And the Divinity has promised that every Christian, who should preserve his purity by overcoming the temptations of the world, shall be rewarded with a white stone as a passport into the regions which lie beyond the cloudy canopy; for in that holy place this colour is particularly distinguished. Those who are admitted are clothed in white raiment, ride on white horses, and are seated on white thrones.
Supported and encouraged by these authorities, the early Christians invested the catechumens with a white robe, accompanied by this solemn charge: "Keceive the white and undenled garment, and produce it without spot at the great tribunal, that you may obtain eternal life." At the initiation of a candidate into Masonry, the same ceremony is used to characterize his newly acquired purity, and to display the advantages which are now placed within his reach, if he seek after them with diligence, zeal, and a steady faith in their efficacy. He is invested with a lamb's skin or white leather apron, which is the distinguishing badge of a Mason, more ancient and honourable than any existing order, being the badge of innocence and bond of friendship; and he is strongly exhorted that if he never disgrace that glorious symbol of his profession, it will never disgrace him. And at the conclusion of the ceremonies, "FIDELITY" is particularly recommended to his notice; and he is told that if this be his constant practice throughout the chequered scenes of life, "God will assuredly be with him."
This spirit of unwavering Fidelity, says a talented transatlantic Brother, "never shrinks from the declaration of truth, nor cowardly abandons duty in warning a brother of approaching danger, or labouring with affectionate zeal to reclaim his erring footsteps. It teaches us to walk circumspectly ourselves, and to deal kindly and faithfully with each other under all circumstances in life. If a brother is exposed to temptations, we must succour him, and, if need be, throw around him all the safeguards of moral restraint a benevolent heart can devise. Such fidelity, on the part of masonic brethren, would cure many of the evils, and avert many of the misfortunes incident to the weakness and frailties of human nature. It would dry up many a fountain of sorrow, and wipe off many a reproach cast on this ancient Order of men. Such fidelity and tender regard, such zeal and brotherly love, would be strictly in character with masonic principles, a proper discharge of explicit obligations, and a direct approach to the broad line of duty fixed by the ancient landmarks of the Order."
At the beginning of life youth is carefully instructed in the chief truths of his religion, which are the pillar and ground of his Faith; for if the foundation of this grace be not laid in early life, its existence at a more advanced period will be almost hopeless, as the world is now constituted, because Hope and Charity both spring from it, and they are virtues which ought to distinguish the two following stages of life. The newly initiated Mason is therefore exhorted to strengthen his Faith, which is represented as being the evidence of things not seen, the substance of things hoped for ; and by which we have an acknowledgment of a Supreme Being, are justified, accepted, and finally received. This being maintained, and bringing forth its fruits, will turn Faith into a vision, and bring us to that ethereal mansion above, where the just exist in perfect bliss to all eternity ; where we shall be for ever happy with God, the Great Architect of the Universe, whose only Son died for us, that we might be justified through Faith in his most precious blood. (Oliver, Symbol of Glory, p. 194-96)

　

Another definition of Light afforded by the Book which adorns the Pedestal of Wisdom, is "spiritual knowledge." This is frequently symbolized by a burning lamp, as the candlestick by which it is supported represents the Church of God, whether Jewish or Christian, as the vehicle of that knowledge; for the one was but a type of the other; although one of the ancient Fathers says, quis in candelabro, nisi redemptor humani generis designatur ? However this may be, spiritual knowledge constitutes the third step in Light on the way to glory. And accordingly St. John, one of the great parallels and patrons of Masonry, interprets Light to signify the Christian dispensation; and speaks of the advent of Christ as THE BIRTH OF LIGHT. "Light is come into the world;" and as a learned Mason of the last century truly remarks — the Light here meant can be no other than that of divine revelation, which brought life and immortality along with it. The Christian dispensation is constantly and uniformly described in Holy Writ under the figure of Light, from the time that the first faint glimmering of it appeared at a distance, till it shone forth in its full lustre and glory. It is of the same use to the spiritual, that the light; of the sun is to the natural world. It gives life, health, and vigour to God's new creation; it makes the day of salvation to dawn upon us, it opens to us the prospect of another and a better life, and guides us in the way to glory and felicity. (Oliver, Symbol of Glory, p. 213-14)

　
　

No one can become a Mason without a sincere profession of a belief in One God, the Great Architect or Creator of the Universe ; nor can he give his assent to our ordinary Lectures without an application of the types of the Old Testament to the manifestations declared in
the Gospel; or in other words, without an acknowledgment of the truth of Christianity. If Christ be not the Messiah predicted by the Jewish prophets, then the Lectures of Freemasonry are nothing more than an agreeable fiction; pleasing, perhaps, to the fancy, but without carrying conviction to the judgment ; and consequently, useless as a stimulus to moral duty, without which the summit of the Ladder can never be attained, or the portal of Charity opened. And the remarkable coincidences which I have brought into one focus, will show that all the principal truths of revealed religion have been concentrated in the Lectures of Freemasonry. They who think otherwise are not only deceived themselves, but are deceivers of others. (George Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, Showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, p. 333)

In the Fourth Lecture we advance an important step in our investigation, by shewing that the doctrines enunciated in the Lodge Lectures are consonant with the teaching of our holy religion, as its morality is explained in the inimitable Sermon on the Mount.
And although Freemasonry is not a religious sect, yet it inculcates the duties which belong to every religion " in which all men agree." This constitutes the great mistake, equally of those who are ignorant of our mysteries, and of those also who have only a superficial knowledge of them. They are apt to fall into the error of taking an extreme view of the subject, and pronouncing either for one alternative or the other;
either Masonry is a system of infidelity, and excludes religion altogether from its disquisitions, or it is a religious sect which would supersede the necessity of Christianity, and monopolize the office of procuring unaided the salvation of man. The truth, however, lies between these two propositions. Freemasonry is neither an exclusive system of religion, nor does it tolerate the detestable principles of infidelity. It is a teacher of morality, and contributes its powerful aid, in that capacity, to the salvation of souls, by recommending and enforcing the duties of the second table, and demanding an acquiescence in the doctrines of the first. And this course of discipline is perfectly consonant with the teaching of Christianity. When the lawyer asked the subtle question, " Which is the great commandment of the law ?
339
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself;" or in other words, this is all that is required by the Jewish law for the salvation of man.
(George Oliver, The Symbol of Glory, Showing the Object and End of Freemasonry, 1850p. 338-39)

Lodges were anciently dedicated to king Solomon, as it was said he was the first most excellent grand master; but Masons, professing Christianity, dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist who were eminent patrons of our order. Therefore there is represented in every regular and well governed lodge, a certain point within a circle ; the point representing an individual brother; the circle representing the boundary line of his duty to God and man. This circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallels, representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist; and on the top rests the book of life, which contains the whole duty of man. In going round this circle we necessarily touch upon these two lines as well as upon the book of the holy scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should materially err. (Henry Parmele, Key to the First Chart of the Masonic Mirror, 1825, p. 16-17)

.

 

[O.F.F.]

Some time ago, I was invited by the founder of O.F.F. to start a thread listing the Christian references/interpretations and biblical content that can be found in Masonry, and "let's talk about them."

Apparently it was a long time ago.

In fact, at this point, some 3 years or so since undertaking it, it is far from being complete.

I cannot recall what I asked of you 3-months ago, let alone three or more years ago. So can you do me a favor? Please point to the source where I made this request. I would like to see exactly what I said, and how I said it, in full context. Given how you approached this thread and the second one by a similar title, I suspect you have gone far overboard with however I may have asked for it.

For one thing, I have made no constraints upon this effort. Our critics have had a habit of trying to restrict what we may put upon the table, by insisting on either Grand Lodge publications, or limited further to only monitorial materials, or even further, to the rituals themselves. But at the same time, they have no reservations about posting material as though it were authoritative, from every source imaginable, even from pure web-surfing to find proof-texting citations.

You obviously have grossly mistaken our methodology in presenting the Christian case against Freemasonry. Please note, from the O.F.F. website, what that method is:

Our mission, in transforming men one Mason at a time, is...

To inform the Body of Christ of the biblical incompatibility of Freemasonry and expose the non-Christian worldview of its religious teachings using sound documentation.** . . .

**Note: Sound documentation, as it relates to our purpose, is the objective written Word of God (the Holy Bible) as compared to Grand Lodge issued Masonic literature buttressed by quotations from well-known Masonic authors.

Freemasonry is a religious fraternity; that has religious requirements for membership, and addresses religious matters to its adherents. After learning this, that's why many people perceive it to be a religion itself.

So if you are going to fulfill my request to my satisfaction, rather than your own, then I suggest you follow the same method. Start with God's Word, because it, and it alone, is the ultimate authority on religious matters; especially regarding His nature, who He specifically is, and what constitutes His divinely revealed Will to mankind. Secondly, support it with official Grand Lodge documentation, because it and it alone, is the ultimate authority on Freemasonry and Masonic matters. Then, and only then, feel free to support what Grand Lodge's have to say with the interpretations of Masonic authors.

If, and only if, all three of these sources are consistent, then you will pass the test. If not, you fail miserably. And if that is not how I asked for it 3 years ago, that is certainly how I am asking for it NOW. As it stands here, and on the other thread, you are doing this in reverse. In fact, you pretty much start and end with the opinions of Masons who just happen to be deceived into interpreting the teachings of Freemasonry from a "Christian" perspective.

Yet no one cares about the opinions of Masons. What matters is what they are taught by the Grand Lodge and whether or not that teaching is aligned perfectly with the teachings of the Holy Bible. If what they teach is not perfectly and completely biblical, it is NOT biblically compatible. And if it is NOT biblically compatible, it is NOT worthy of any Christian's involvement; especially from one who claims to be a pastor.

In the meantime, while you find the source from which I supposedly made this request, may I suggest your subsequent posts follow the correct method? Otherwise you are simply wasting your time. Yet if you persist in this charade, I will simply start another thread using YOUR method entitled, "The Heretical and Unbiblical Content and/or Occult Interpretations Found in Freemasonry." Likewise, I will not restrict what I bring to the table from whatever source I can find it.

I trust I can find as much, if not more material than you have, making it equally as monumental a task as you have shown it can be. However, my point will be clear to any genuine, discerning Christian. If the teachings of any organization can be interpreted biblically and heretically, that alone should be sufficient enough to warn them to avoid it. Anyone who would pursue, or maintain, Masonic membership after learning this is only deceiving himself. But if anyone, especially a pastor, takes its teaching and tries to convince saints that it is biblical, he is a deceiver of the brethren; and may God have mercy on his soul.

 

[Rev Wayne]

Apparently it was a long time ago.

More memory problems? I'm not surprised.

I cannot recall what I asked of you 3-months ago

You could not even remember it if you saw it 300 times, and all of them yesterday.

Please point to the source where I made this request.

Sure:

CARM BOARDS.

I would like to see exactly what I said, and how I said it, in full context.

Then go there and look it up. As you can see, I have my hands full complying with the request at the moment, not to mention, interrupting objections.

Given how you approached this thread and the second one by a similar title, I suspect you have gone far overboard with however I may have asked for it.

Not really. It was stated in just as general terms as I've stated it here. But I have to give you credit, this is a novel approach, even for you: try to shoot down the posting of this material by taking potshots at everything under the sun--except, that is, the statements of the OP; when that fails, bombard it with sidetracks; and when nothing else works, then just go into denial that you said it.

Seems to me if there was ever any legitimacy to your denial, the denial would have come first. Nobody goes to the lengths y'all have gone to with attempts to derail a thread, if they truly dispute matters they said; rather, they go into denial automatically. Sometimes timing is everything. In this case, the choice to introduce this now after several pages have gone by, comes across as any port in a storm.

**Note: Sound documentation, as it relates to our purpose, is the objective written Word of God (the Holy Bible) as compared to Grand Lodge issued Masonic literature buttressed by quotations from well-known Masonic authors.

That's a laugh. Anybody who has ever followed your posts knows that the "buttressing" generally comes first with you, and it's "Grand Lodge material" whenever you choose to get around to it--if ever. A stated methodology is just that--stated. The proof is in the pudding.

By way of example: You were away from this forum for quite some time. I returned here quite some time before you eventually returned. Let's check out what kinds of material you began appealing to for your arguments from the very outset when you came back and posted on the "Can a Christian be a Freemason?" thread:

(1) "As one Ex-Mason for Jesus put it,"

(2) Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, pages 213-219

(3) Indiana Monitor & Freemason's Guide, 1993 Edition, page 41

(4) The Craft and Its Symbols by Allen E. Roberts - Page 6

(5) Masonic Manual of Minnesota, p16, 1998

(6) William Larson, 33° Kenton Lodge #145 of the Grand Lodge of Oregon

(7) Max Müller

(8) Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.

(9) Grand Lodge of California

(10) Theistic Satanism

(11) Golden Dawn

(12) Past Master, HJPT of Fargo, ND

(13) Eric Charpentier, Royal Victoria #57, Grand Lodge of Quebec

(14) Henry Wilson Coil 33°, Coil’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry

(15) William Steve Burkle KT, 32°

(16) What I cited from a 32° Mason, on a well-Masonically-respected website

(17) Mike Gentry on the O.F.F. website
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif'][/font]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif'](18) [/font]Grand Lodge of Indiana, Indiana Monitor & Freemason's Guide, 1993 Edition, page 41

(19) The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, by Manly Palmer Hall

(20) Grand Lodge of Louisiana

(21) Wilmshurst, Meaning of Masonry, page 209

(22) Albert Mackey, from your very own Grand Lodge of South Carolina,

(23) Chapter 27, The Legend of the Third Degree, The Symbolism of Freemasonry
by Albert G. Mackey

(24) The History Of Freemasonry by Albert G. Mackey 33°

(25) George Oliver, The History of Initiation

(26) Wilmshurst, Meaning of Masonry, page 209

(27) J. D. Buck, George H. Steinmetz, and other well-known Masonic authors

(28) Masonic author J. D. Buck 32° Symbolism or Mystic Masonry (1897)

(29) R. Swinburne Clymer, M. D., The Mysticism of Masonry (1924)

(30) S. R. Parchment, Ancient Operative Masonry (1930)

(31) George H. Steinmetz, Freemasonry Its Hidden Meaning (published in 1948 by Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company)

(32) Grand Lodge of Indiana, The Master Mason

(33) Henry C. Clausen, 33° former Scottish Rite Sovereign Grand Commander, Your Amazing Mystic Powers(1985)

(34) J. D. Buck - A Militant Mason by Bro. Joseph Fort Newton, 33°

(35) The Builders, by Joseph Fort Newton, [1914], page 53

(36) PIKE, MACKEY AND THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES by S. BRENT MORRIS, 33°

(37) en.wiktionary.org/wiki/

(38) PIKE, MACKEY AND THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES by S. BRENT MORRIS, 33°

(39) Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Cleveland

(40) According to the Masonic Service Association

(41) Freemasonry and Hinduism: Chhotalal Pattni Talks to Julian Rees about Links, Freemasonry Today - Spring 2007 - Issue 40

(42) The following was presented in St. Michael Lodge No. 2933 in Singapore on 29th July, 2006 by a distinguished Muslim Mason by the name of Shaikh Hatim Fidahussein Nakhoda, a Past Master of District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelego, UGLE.

(43) Islam and Freemasonry, W. Bro. Shaikh Hatim Fidahussein Nakhoda PM, Research Lodge St. Michael No. 2933, Singapore Dictrict Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago, UGLE.

(44) AN EXAMINATION OF THE MASONIC RITUAL by W. Bro. Meredith Sanderson
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif'][/font]
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif'](45) [/font]WOR. BRO. J.S.M. WARD, M.A., F.S.S. (Author of Freemasonry and the Ancient Gods.)

(46) MASONIC SYMBOLISM AND VEDANTA
by W.Bro.Chakravarthy Sampath Madhavan
Lodge Jyothi # 253, Salem
Grand Lodge of India.

(47) Albert Pike

(48) Colin Dyer: Symbolism in Craft Freemasonry

(49) F.V.Mataralay: The Masonic Way

(50) W.L.Wilmhurst: The Meaning of Masonry

(51) INTRODUCTION TO FREEMASONRY - ENTERED APPRENTICE by CARL H. CLAUDY

(52) As Albert Pike said

(53) Me and millions, upon millions, of other Christians

(54) it's been shown HERE where the Qu'ran is open during the first three degrees in Masonry in Muslim countries. [NOTE: it was "shown" with an unattributed "citation" whose source was not revealed, and comment declined when questioned about it]

(55) Wilmshurst, Meaning of Masonry, page 209

(56) Wilmshurst, Meaning of Masonry, page 212

(57) CAPRO Apologetics Project website Cults/Freemasonry

(58) CARM forums

(59) Henry W. Coil, 33º ‘Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia’, page 512

(60) Henry W. Coil, 33º ‘Coil’s Masonic Encyclopedia’, page 512

(70) Carl Claudy, Foreign Countries, page 11

(71) Conscience and the Craft by the Grand Lodge of New Mexico, 1992, pages 2-3 [NOTE: "Conscience and the Craft" is by Jim Tresner, NOT the GL of New Mexico, the attribution is false. Moreover, you did not quote this from the GL of New Mexico, you quoted it from Steven Tsoukalas, "Masonic Rites and Wrongs," who MADE the false attribution in his paper. Just one more case among many, of your plagiarism in citing without attribution]

(72) Grand Lodge of Florida, Lodge System of Masonic Education, Booklet 1, pg. 11

(73) Albert Pike 33º, Morals and Dogma, pages 213-219

(74) Encyclopedia of Freemasonry by Albert G. Mackey 33º, rev. ed., Vol. 2, 1966, pages 846-47

(75) The Mystic Tie by Albert Mackey

(76) Lexicon of Freemasonry by Albert Mackey

(77) Robert Macoy 33º, A Dictionary of Freemasonry, page 324

(78) Joseph F. Newton, The Builders, pages 250-251

(79) T. S. Webb Masonic Monitor

(80) Lost Keys of Freemasonry by Manley P Hall

(81) Freemasonry: An Interpretation by Martin L. Wagner

(82) every Masonic ritual contains the following

(83) my point is eminently clear,“if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and swims like a duck, it’s a duck!”

(84) Roy L. Demming, S.W., of the Utah Research Lodge

(85) Union Lodge #48 under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Maryland

(86) The Bible in Masonry By R.W. and Rev. Joseph Fort Newton, 33º Mason

(87) Garfield Lodge #41 under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Washington

(88) MasonicDictionary.com

(89) "The Great Light in Masonry" by R.W. and Rev. Joseph Fort Newton, 33º Mason, page 85

(90) Holman Masonic Bible

(91) Entered Apprentice - Candidate Guide by the Grand Lodge of CA

(92) Bill McElligott under the auspices of the United Grand Lodge of England

(93) "Jurisprudence of Freemasonry" by Albert G. Mackey From the Grand Lodge of South Carolina

(SEE NEXT POST)

 

[Rev Wayne]

Okay, let's see how well you fared:
　
(1) ACTUAL GRAND LODGE MATERIALS: 7 times out of 93 citations, or 7%
　
(2) NUMBER OF TIMES A GRAND LODGE WAS FALSELY APPEALED TO: 9 times, just under 10%
　
But here are some of the more telling stats:
　
(3) NUMBER OF TIMES A MASON'S RANK OR DEGREE WAS ADDED FOR THE APPEARANCE OF GREATER AUTHORITY THAN MIGHT BE GIVEN IT OTHERWISE: 23 times, roughly 25%
　
(4) NUMBER OF TIMES PIKE, MACKEY, or HALL WERE APPEALED TO: 13, about 14%
　
(5) TIMES OBSCURE OR UNKNOWN NAMES WERE APPEALED TO: 19, 20%
　
Some things that may be concluded from your posting time spent on that thread:
　
(a) You follow your own claim about Grand Lodge material only 7% of the time.
(b) Combining #2 & 3, 34% of the time, GL's were falsely appealed to ("under the auspices of the GL of," etc.) or a Mason's rank or degrees were included, to bolster the appearance of legitimacy for the claims.
(c) The triumvirate of Pike/Hall/Mackey were appealed to 14% of the time.
　
Therefore, you give every reason to believe that you are more interested in creating the appearance of sticking primarily with Grand Lodge materials, while actually you are all over the map.
　
　

So if you are going to fulfill my request to my satisfaction, rather than your own, then I suggest you follow the same method. Start with God's Word, because it, and it alone, is the ultimate authority on religious matters; especially regarding His nature, who He specifically is, and what constitutes His divinely revealed Will to mankind. Secondly, support it with official Grand Lodge documentation, because it and it alone, is the ultimate authority on Freemasonry and Masonic matters. Then, and only then, feel free to support what Grand Lodge's have to say with the interpretations of Masonic authors.

Well, since the above was predicated upon an approach as indicated in your citation from your website, then that approach having been shown not to be followed in at least two of the three major particulars stated, and the third (the biblical) being only a literalistic, dogmatic, narrowed, and rigid form of interpreting Scripture, the claim has been invalidated by the failure to come anywhere close to adhering to it, by its chief (alleged) proponent.
　

Yet no one cares about the opinions of Masons.

Gee, Mike, my copy of the survey must have gotten lost in the mail. Can you please post for us a general outline of the manner in which that survey was conducted, and the results gathered?
　

What matters is what they are taught by the Grand Lodge and whether or not that teaching is aligned perfectly with the teachings of the Holy Bible. If what they teach is not perfectly and completely biblical, it is NOT biblically compatible.

In whose opinion? Problem is, I've seen some of your Bible "interpretation," and it leaves a lot to be desired. So I submit, it'll be a cold day in a hot place before anyone will be appointing you as the arbiter of what is "biblical" or "biblically compatible."
　

In the meantime, while you find the source from which I supposedly made this request, may I suggest your subsequent posts follow the correct method?

That's easy. No, you may not. I haven't seen any "correct method" from you, ever, that would warrant your making the claim in the first place.
　
Let's face it, this is how it has gone here since the threads began:
　
I started with some of the key historic documents of Masonry, which establishes the content found in its origins. I moved from there to the monitorial content found in Ahiman Rezon. Your objection to the biblical citations from Ahiman Rezon, in the past, were that "Masonry NEVER includes the biblical references" in its biblical citations. So I pared it down to only those which included the citations you CLAIMED were "NEVER" there, which resulted in very little change in the size of what had posted already.
　
I went from that to AQC, the world's most prestigious research lodge, to show the same from their publications. Then I moved to various monitorial and other Grand Lodge publications. At some point I separated, after Skip's objections, monitorial from anything of any other nature. When objections shifted to dates, I posted from very recent sources and posted quite a number of them to show that Christian and/or biblical content in Masonry is not a thing of the past as you claim.
　
Now, after having tried to sidetrack the posting of this material, and being unsuccessful, you try to insist on a methodology which you yourself do not even adhere to--which is nothing new, of course, we've known that for quite some time.
　
I do have a suggestion for you. If you really wish to tweak the stated purpose of this thread, come up with something that has at least a smidgin of believability.

 

[ChristianMasonJim]

We had a York Rite meeting last week that was very inspiring. The meeting was primarily intended to install officers for the coming year, so much of the regular business was deferred to the next meeting. At the opening of the meeting, one of the Sir Knights asked me if he could give the opening prayer. I gave him permission, and he proceeded to read the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, from the Gospel of Luke. Every time I hear it, I am moved, and this was certainly no exception. It really set the stage for the evening's proceedings. After we concluded the installations and business, we ended by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas, and then closed with a solemn prayer to Christ, our Savior.

It is amazing being a part of an organization that reveres Jesus Christ, integrates Christianity into all that it does, and whose members pledge themselves to defend the Christian religion. Truly inspiring.

 

[Rev Wayne]

It is amazing being a part of an organization that reveres Jesus Christ, integrates Christianity into all that it does, and whose members pledge themselves to defend the Christian religion.

I'll tell you what's amazing too, about the threads here: after 24 pages between this thread and its sister thread, the available material from regular Freemasonry has been so abundant, it hasn't even come close to being exhausted. In fact, the main reason there haven't been FAR more than that already, is trying to find the time to get it all assimilated and posted.

By way of contrast, the thread begun to try to counter it, after going half as many pages, has already had its material get so scarce, that its proponents are having to rely on spurious pseudo-Masonic groups and fringe Freemasons who were Masons in name only, to find anything to post. The BC/Yukon website, which has come to be regarded as a solid source of reliable information, says of such Masons:

It must be stressed that although Freemasonry recognizes many of these men as freemasons, no recognized masonic body, and few freemasons, endorse their opinions and conclusions as an accepted extension or interpretation of the teachings of Freemasonry. Their published works have had no positive or lasting impact on Freemasonry. In fact their writings are more often quoted, out of context, by anti-masons attempting to link masonic teachings with these individuals' opinions.

These authors do not, in any fashion, represent the teachings or beliefs of recognized Freemasonry.

That closing line says it all.

 

[O.F.F.]

By way of contrast, the thread begun to try to counter it, after going half as many pages, has already had its material get so scarce, that its proponents are having to rely on spurious pseudo-Masonic groups and fringe Freemasons.

Interesting word you use there; “spurious” meaning fake, bogus, false, and the like. But if you stop and think about it for a moment, when you position specific applications, by Grand Lodges, of general Masonic principles as though they are the standard, rather than the other way around, technically you are creating spurious Masonry.

 

[Rev Wayne]

Interesting word you use there; “spurious” meaning fake, bogus, false, and the like. But if you stop and think about it for a moment, when you position specific applications, by Grand Lodges, of general Masonic principles as though they are the standard, rather than the other way around, technically you are creating spurious Masonry.

Typical that you would put your own spin on it to turn it to your wishes--even more typical that you do so as you criticize someone else for what you perceive to be the same thing. Not that it's anything new, I've pointed out for quite some time the antimasonic double standard that always gets employed.

But the interesting thing on this thread and its companion has been, that despite a couple of occasions where there have been objections (usually by you), and then replies to the objections, for the most part this material has been posted as is, and allowed to speak for itself. Yet, even without any comments being added to it, you STILL have found it objectionable, and raised charges similar to what you just said. The objection has been raised about the dates of it, yet there has been abundant material provided as well, that comes from within the last couple of decades of Masonry.

And if it's "spurious" Masonry, as you claim, to post material with biblical/Christian content, then why on earth has Swedish Rite, and the lodges that practice it, NOT been declared "spurious" or "irregular" as well?

And the fact still stands, even if one were to acknowledge what you just claimed, that you engage in spin jobs to "create" the things you accuse, because you have been shown over and over that the "esoteric" side of Masonry you love to accuse, is not mainstream by any stretch of the word, and has been denounced by some leading Masonic writers and leaders of our time. So the matter is still as I said, that what I present seems to be endless, while what you come up with, you are having to resort to pseudo- and quasi-Masonic content. And while what I post pretty much speaks for itself, yours has to be "helped" with mega-spin.

 

[O.F.F.]

And if it's "spurious" Masonry, as you claim, to post material with biblical/Christian content, then why on earth has Swedish Rite, and the lodges that practice it, NOT been declared "spurious" or "irregular" as well?

That's a fair question. First of all, to post YOUR opinion based on "Christian" content is NOT "spurious" Masonry. To stress YOUR opinion as if it IS Freemasonry, would make it "spurious." My assessment of how strongly you've argued your interpretation has led me to conclude that, that it is precisely what you believe is—Freemasonry. So therein lies my concern and my contention; on that point.

Second, the Swedish Rite is NOT "spurious" because they adhere to the general standards of "regularity" and take NO position, as you so vehemently imply, that their practice or interpretation IS the standard that constitutes "regular" Masonry.

If any "regular" Grand Lodge, suddenly declared — or vehemently implied, as you do — that the "Christian" interpretation IS THE standard interpretation that is to be considered as the only proper Masonic interpretation of Freemasonry, generally speaking, then they would be in violation of the "Basic Principles" of both "regularity" and would probably suffer denouncement of their overall "recognition" as a result.

The only reason YOU have not been "Masonically" ex-communicated, so to speak, is because as an 'individual' Mason you have the Masonic privilege to "interpret" Freemasonry as you wish. However, as an institution, Freemasonry in general, and Grand Lodges in particular, do not have that luxury.

That's why it would be more ingenuous of you, if in your defense of Freemasonry, you would stress the general principle(s) as the RULE. And that the privilege of individual Grand Lodges to apply those principles more specifically, or for an individual Mason to apply them personally, is merely the freedom afforded them to do so, as they see fit in their respective jurisdictions.

Again, until you do, you give the false impression that the specifics matter more that the general principles, and from a Masonic standpoint, that is simply incorrect—and YOU know it. Failure to operate truthfully on this matter makes you appear dishonest in the true spirit of Freemasonry; plain and simple.

 

[Rev Wayne]

First of all, to post YOUR opinion based on "Christian" content is NOT "spurious" Masonry. To stress YOUR opinion as if it IS Freemasonry, would make it "spurious." My assessment of how strongly you've argued your interpretation has led me to conclude that, that it is precisely what you believe is—Freemasonry.

Check yer files, then. What I think you'll find me saying is, Freemasonry is not a religion. What you will also find me saying is, that although its principles would best be described as "moral" than "religious," that its principles are biblical, and that they are more practical than ideological.

When I've done anything that goes beyond that, it has generally been more like a question, and you've heard it many times. Freemasonry is not a religion--but if we were to make of it one, based on (1) the religious expression it contains; and (2) the only places where it goes beyond its supposed "neutral" stance and affirms anything specific about God beyond "Architect," i.e. Creator, or anything more specific about a sacred book than "Volume of Sacred Law"; then what religion would it have to be?

And I think you yourself already know the answer, which is what bugs you. The only ritual content I can find from anything considered to be a "sacred book" or "VSL" is from the Holy Bible. The only places I find "Grand Architect" defined more specifically, is as Jehovah, or as identified in some way as the God of the Bible. There simply is no other God that Masonry directly sets forth as the Grand Architect. Check it and you will find it to be true, you can find where if affirms the Mason's RIGHT to believe otherwise, it says a MASON may believe otherwise, but you will not see any place where any other god is either set forth as, or is taken to be, the god of Masonry.

And you also need to go back and review this thread and its companion, and if you should choose (by some strange miracle) to be intellectually honest for once in your life, you would have to admit there has been no direct attempt on my part to make this thread about anything else other than presenting the citations posted for what they are, and for what they have been described to be in the OP: passages that contain either biblical/Christian content or interpretation of Masonry. Granted, there have been things that have come out in discussion as some of what has posted has been challenged. But after reminding you of the thread's OP and statement a couple of times, I really get the idea that the only reason you and Skip continue to challenge is to provoke a response that goes beyond the OP statement, so you can use that as a challenge to it. The fact is, yes, I have not been as careful as I might, and a couple of times have permitted the challenges to evoke such a response. But each time it has happened, I have eventually realized it, and every time have come back to the OP and what I stated as the purpose for the thread, and have at that point posted another reminder to you and anyone else. The fact is, if there were no challenges, there would be no responses, and it would not deviate from its stated purpose.

Second, the Swedish Rite is NOT "spurious" because they adhere to the general standards of "regularity" and take NO position, as you so vehemently imply, that their practice or interpretation IS the standard that constitutes "regular" Masonry.

Where did you get THIS fantasy, Michael?? I never said one THING about Swedish Rite being "spurious." And I CERTAINLY never said they considered their version of the ritual, or their requirement of Christian faith, to "be the standard that constitutes regular Masonry." I think your obsession has you over the edge, if this is an example of what you thought you saw when you read my post. Do you REALLY have no working concept of the ironic or rhetorical question? That WAS what was being employed, after all. I was saying to you, that if we accept YOUR idea that posting ideas about Christian content is "spurious"--which WAS your basic accusation made to me--then what will you do with Swedish Rite, where Christian faith is REQUIRED for membership in the Blue Degrees? I was simply trying to point out to you the obvious implications of your own accusation.

If any "regular" Grand Lodge, suddenly declared — or vehemently implied, as you do — that the "Christian" interpretation IS THE standard interpretation that is to be considered as the only proper Masonic interpretation of Freemasonry

That wasn't what I said, as I already pointed out. You need to get a reading comprehension checkup.

The only reason YOU have not been "Masonically" ex-communicated, so to speak, is because as an 'individual' Mason you have the Masonic privilege to "interpret" Freemasonry as you wish.

Your opinion, of course.

That's why it would be more ingenuous of you, if in your defense of Freemasonry, you would stress the general principle(s) as the RULE.

Well, I happen to live in a jurisdiction where I have heard at some point, in nearly every Lodge I've attended, a prayer ended "in Jesus' name"; where I have heard even a DDGM end a prayer "in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"; where the Holy Bible is the VSL that resides open upon the altar with Square and Compasses; where "Jehovah" is the name given for God in our monitor, in at least 3 separate places--and where numerous other references are made to the "tetragrammaton"; where the Bible is referred to as the "Great Light"; where the interpretation of "a small hill near Mount Moriah" is identified as Calvary, where Jesus, though not by name, is referred to as "our Savior," and the interpretation said to be easily recognizable to the Christian; where the Bible is directly cited in ritual; where the ritual content is about the biblical story of the building of Solomon's Temple, and its allegories draw upon the same account; and where the Bible is said to be the "rule and guide of our faith."

What's disingenuous about speaking of things as I find them here? The point is, you claim an overall neutrality for Masonry that in reality does not exist much of anywhere, when it comes to content. The MSA and other agencies tell you that the VSL can be whatever holy book the lodge wants it to be, but then declares that all the lodges in the US use the Holy Bible as theirs. The Grand Lodges fare no better. They talk in one statement about Masonry's universality, and make the same kind of statement about VSL's; and then turn around and have in their officer's manuals and Mentor's Manuals, and other places, statements about pointing to the open Bible and telling the Mason to "follow the light he therein shall find"; or telling the Mason that "no lodge in our jurisdiction may stand open unless it has the Bible opened upon its altar, and a warrant or charter allowing them to work." The difference between you and me is, you don't seem to have a clue why that is, and keep doggedly ignoring one whole complete set of such references, while trying to assert the other side of the issue as though it were the only one that existed. In other words, denying the reality of it. I, on the other hand, try to make sense of the context, and believe I have it stated correctly when I say that the one set of references that talks about neutrality and affirms generic terms, is taking into account the wide variances that can be found in Masonry in general, and naturally in that context does not assert any one over another; while the more specific references that are found, invariably derive from the statements made in individual GL jurisdications, in reference to the more specific applications that apply to their own lodges. Occasionally there will be exceptions, but mostly they are statements made by individuals within GL's, who are trying to "be Masonic" in what they say, and incorrectly think they cannot make specific statements even in cases where they are referring to specific Grand Lodges.

But we're not talking about just "MY opinions." So TELL me, Michael! THEY ARE THE ONES SAYING IT, NOT ME!!! What is "DISINGENUOUS" about POINTING THAT FACT OUT TO YOU AND TO THE READERS????

We know EXACTLY why you claim it:

Disingenuous: Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating: (freedictionary.com)

You want "straightforward or candid?" You want "sincere" and "uncalculating?" Well, you've had them all along, but you are NOT going to get anything ELSE by labeling the straightforward posting of materials, EXACTLY AS THEY APPEAR IN THE DOCUMENTS THEY WERE CITED FROM, as something that is all due to "MY OPINIONS!!"

Speaking of which, as I see I am about out of space for this post and cannot do so here, observe the following statements and what THEY (not "I") declare. Not only THAT, observe the variety of locations they come from.

 

[Rev Wayne]

Again, until you do, you give the false impression that the specifics matter more that the general principles, and from a Masonic standpoint, that is simply incorrect—and YOU know it. Failure to operate truthfully on this matter makes you appear dishonest in the true spirit of Freemasonry; plain and simple.

Okay, let's look at some things that are being done in "general"--and apparently right under your nose--while you make claims like the above that show you are blissfully unaware of ANY of it.

Not so long ago, both you and Skip began raising holy hullabaloo about a comment cited from the Florida Mentor's Manual, to this effect:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their altars. In other countries the candidate who is not a Christian or a Jew is entitled to have his own sacred book substituted for the Bible. In some Lodges in other countries the altars of Masonry have more than one Volume of the Sacred Law on them and the candidate may choose the one on which he is obligated. No Lodge may stand open unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its altar with the Square and Compasses displayed thereon indicating the Degree in which the Lodge is working. The open Bible signifies that by the light of its teachings we must regulate our conduct, for it is the rule and guide of our faith. (p. 9)

With the stink you both tried to raise about this, and the spin you tried to put on it by applying statements which, unlike these, do NOT apply specifically to Florida, but to all Masonry, I naturally decided to look into it and see what was being said in other jurisdictions. And whether YOU guys ever do any research with an interest in simply finding out the TRUTH, and NOT just to find materials that you can toss around or give partial-quotes to back up your own claims, I went into fully prepared to see what I found, and see whether the bolded Florida comment about "no lodge standing open unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its altar," would prove to be an isolated comment from Florida only, or prove to be something otherwise.

What I found, I never would have thought to find, nor would I have thought to find it so quickly. After a week where I have had much church business that took priority and prevented me from finding the time to really look into this at all, I finally got the time last night. And in the course of just one evening--and I cannot over-stress to you, that what I present is only the tip of the iceberg, there is FAR more ground to cover--here are the discoveries I made in that one evening:

California:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

This manual does not disclose any of the esoteric portions of the ritual of the Grand Lodge.
The contents of this manual therefore may be discussed with, and read by, any person interested in acquiring knowledge about Freemasonry.

Masonic organizations are invited to reproduce, extract, copy or reprint the contents of
This book.

Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of California
1111 California Street, San Francisco
CA 94108-2284 415.776.7000
Revised 2000.1
(From California Masonic education manual, "Entered Apprentice")

What I came to find was, that the above version of this statement has come to be the standard upon which a LOT of Grand Lodges are apparently modeling their own. In fact, many of them cite this statement directly, in accord with the assurance that California posts along with the statement, that they can use it as they see fit, whether that be to "reproduce, extract, copy, or reprint" it.

But check this one out, this is a statement from Canada:

The Grand Lodges of Canada use the Holy Bible as the VSL on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man's acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

As you can see, almost word for word the same, only adapted to address "Grand Lodges of Canada" rather than "Lodges in the US." But notice the same thing already stated, that "no lodge can stand open without the Bible" on it.

Now let's compare Florida again:
[FONT='Arial','sans-serif'] [/FONT]

Florida:

No Lodge may stand open unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its altar with the Square and Compasses displayed thereon indicating the Degree in which the Lodge is working. The open Bible signifies that by the light of its teachings we must regulate our conduct, for it is the rule and guide of our faith. (Mentor's Manual)

Now Louisiana:

The Three Great Lights of Masonry are the Holy Bible, Square and Compass. The Volume of the Sacred Law (no matter what religion) is an indispensable part of a Lodge. The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man's acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

Now Manitoba:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. (Volume of Sacred Law) on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

One thing I immediately notice, the "no lodge may stand open" sentence does not appear there.

Now let's look at Maryland Prince Hall, who has the same statement:

The Three Great Lights of Masonry are the Holy Bible, Square and Compass. The Volume of the Sacred Law (no matter what religion) is an indispensable part of a Lodge. The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in Maryland may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man's acknowledgment of his relation to Deity. (PH-MD website, "Entered Apprentice")

Now Minnesota:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the VSL on their altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In some lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no lodge in Minnesota may stand officially open unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its altar with the square and compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

[FONT='ArialNarrow','sans-serif'] [/FONT]
Now Nebraska:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. (Volume of Sacred Law) on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

Nebraska also does not have the "no lodge may stand open" statement. (However, to be fair, we still must acknowledge that both Nebraska and Manitoba define the symbolism of the open Bible to mean, that we should "regulate our conduct according to its teachings.")

New Jersey:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may have request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In some Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man's acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

Again, I see I am approaching space limits and with such an abundance of references, I must continue this to another post.

 

[Rev Wayne]

South Carolina, one of only two lodges (along with PA) to use Ahiman Rezon, is, as you might expect, worded differently--though it still says essentially the same affirmation about the Bible being required for opening:

Every lawful assemblage of Masons, duly congregated for work, will be “a just and legally constituted Lodge.” It Is just, that is, regular and orderly, when it contains the requisite number to form a quorum, and when the Bible, Square, and Compasses are present. It is legally constituted when it is acting under the authority of a Warrant of Constitution, which is an instrument written and printed on parchment or paper (but properly it should be on the former), emanating from the Grand Lodge in whose jurisdiction the Lodge is situated, and signed by the grand officers, which authorizes the persons therein named, and their successors, to meet as Masons and perform Masonic labor. As no assemblage of Masons Is legal without such an instrument, it is not only the privilege, but the duty, of every Mason on his first visit to a strange Lodge, to demand a sight of its Warrant of Constitution; nor should any brother sit in a Lodge whose members are unwilling to exhibit the authority on which they act. (Ahiman Rezon)

Then there's Texas:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

And much to my surprise, I found the same statement reproduced by the Grand Lodge of Turkey:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

Then there are other places to find it reproduced, though they be sites that do not carry the same import as Grand Lodge websites:

MasterMason.com:

The Three Great Lights of Masonry are the Holy Bible, Square and Compass. The Volume of the Sacred Law (no matter what religion) is an indispensable part of a Lodge. The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

WhatsaMason.org:

The Grand Lodges of the United States use the Holy Bible as the V.S.L. (Volume of Sacred Law) on their Altars. In our jurisdiction, a candidate may request to have his own sacred book present on the Altar with the Bible during his degree ceremonies. In Lodges in other countries, other sacred texts are placed on the Altar in place of the Holy Bible, but no Lodge in California may stand officially open, unless the Holy Bible is opened upon its Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. The open Bible signifies that we should regulate our conduct according to its teachings because it is the rule and guide of our faith and is a symbol of man’s acknowledgment of his relation to Deity.

To make this as "straightforward" and as transparent as possible, partly for the reader's sake if they choose to go see these for themselves, and partly to refute your claim that any of this qualifies as "disingenuous," the place where all of these were found stated by these individual Grand Lodges, is in their manuals that are usually titled "Entered Apprentice."

Again, before you make the ridiculous, assinine, and completely unfounded insinuation that by posting these I have been asserting "my own opinions," or that I have imagined that these are being affirmed in Grand Lodges of the US, and as you can see, in Grand Lodges elsewhere as well, I simply point out once more:

These are THEIR statements, not "mine." Just because I am aware of them and you are not, does not mean I invented them, or that they constitute "my opinion." NOR can you assert this as something deviating from "general Masonic principles," when there are as many of them reproducing and using the California statement as there obviously are.

No, I think what's happened here is, you have given us the evidence of your own misunderstanding of what "general Masonic principles" are, particularly the expression of those principles in regard to GENERAL Masonry, as opposed to the more specific applications of them that occur when they are applied by SPECIFIC Grand Lodges, in regard to their own SPECIFIC bylaws. (These, of course, apply only within their specific jurisdictional boundaries as well.) My own opinion of what you have presented: I think you tend to stick your head in the sand when it comes to anything other than the points you wish were true, and wish you could apply in the haphazard manner you seem to favor, of jamming square pegs into round holes. It would make far better sense for you to simply acknowledge what can everywhere be detected, that when speaking of Masonry in general, the broader general or generic terms are used; but when speaking of specific jurisdictions, where those generic points often have specific applications, it is not "unmasonic" to speak of them in their more specific application, when doing so within the specific bounds of, or addressing the specific subject of, any specific GL jurisdiction.

This is not even a complete investigation of the matter either. It's what I managed to compile in a little over an hour last night. Imagine what I'm going to find when I DO find the time to give this a thorough going-over.

Naturally, I'll be back to share the results when I do.