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Grand Orient of France.
To the glory of the G. A. of the Universe.
0.: of Paris, May 1, 1852.
The Grand Master of the Masonic Order in France,
To the Grand Lodge of Maine in Portland.
S.: S.: S.:
TT.: CC.: and ILL.: FF.:
In taking possession of the high duties which have been confided to me by the Grand Orient of France, and in bringing this event to your knowledge, I embrace with eagerness the occasion which is offered me to say how happy I shall be to witness the continuance of those friendly relations which exist between you and the masonic body in France.
The favor which has been conferred upon me, which I have not sought, but of which I feel all the value, I have accepted with the design of being useful to our sublime institution which embraces the whole world.
In order to accomplish the design which I propose, I count upon the goodwill and the efforts of all French Masons ; permit me, TT.: CC.: and ILL.: FF.:, to rely on your sympathies and on your information, for our institution has no limits, and from whatever source noble and generous suggestions come to us, it is always with happiness we hasten to welcome them. Accept, TT.: CC.: and ILL.: FF.:,
The assurance of my highest consideration and of my devotion.
Grand Master of the Masonic Order in France:
Prince Lucien Murat, 33°
It will be noticed that this communication is from the highest source of authority in the masonic order in France, and is signed by the distinguished head of the order as of the 33°. It is sent to the Grand Lodge of Maine, as your committee understand its object stated by the Grand Secretary, as a fraternal act, frankly stating to us what " the new Grand Master of Masons in France, Prince Lucien Murat, writes to the masons of other countries owing allegiance to the Grand Orient, in order to announce to them his accession to that high office, and to draw closer the bonds which attach the masons of the whole world to those of France." We do not understand him as assuming that the masons of these United States, whether of French origin, or whatever their nationality, own any particular allegiance to the Grand Orient of France or to its illustrious head, as the representative of its Supreme Grand Council. We have no idea that any masonic authority or jurisdiction of that body is claimed over any masonic body in this country. We understand this fraternal letter as embodying the genuine masonic feeling, as expressed in the language of the Prince, when he says: " I embrace with eagerness the occasion which is offered me to say how happy I shall be to witness the continuance of those friendly relations which exist between you and the masonic body in France."
Your committee are sure this Grand Lodge will concur with them in the most cordial reciprocation of this feeling, and we cherish the hope that a frequent interchange of such civilities will draw closer the cords of brotherly love and union, and thus fulfill the appropriate destiny of our order, which, in two great nations, though severed by the wide ocean, should do something to unite the family of man and secure the peace of the world. This
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Grand Lodge will rejoice in the hope which is inspired by the elevation to the Grand Mastership of the order in France, of a Prince so well able, by his position in respect to the ruling sovereign and government of that empire, to give protection, strength and prosperity to the order there. There was a time when serious apprehensions were felt in this country lest the hostility to our order, manifested at Rome, might harm our brethren in France, and bring their fidelity to the severest test. That fear, we trust, has passed away forever, and we will hope that our brethren in that country, so closely linked with the early struggles of our own, will share with us in the cherished anticipation that the friendship of the two nations shall be like that of Washington and Lafayette, based on noble, generous sentiments, adorned with every virtue and compacted with the true masonic " cement of brotherly love."
Permit us to suggest the propriety of binding, in a neat form, the proceedings of this body for the last four years, with those of this communication, when printed, accompanied by an introductory note to the Grand Master of our order in France, and desiring a continued interchange of masonic correspondence.
Before proceeding to other topics, your committee beg leave to call attention to the following circular of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and the accompanying note of its Secretary :
CLAY MONUMENT.
In the Grand Lodge of Kentucky,
September 2, 1852.
The following resolution was read and adopted :
" Resolved, That the subordinate lodges of Free and Accepted Masons, in the State of Kentucky and throughout the Union, be requested to subscribe such amount as in their discretion they may think proper, to aid in the erection of a monument over the remains of our late worthy and esteemed brother Henry Clay, of the city of Lexington, Past Grand Master of this Grand Lodge, and that said subscriptions be forwarded to Henry T. Duncan, President of the ' Clay Monumental Association' Lexington, Ky."
A copy. Attest: P. SWIGERT, G. Secretary.
Office Clay Monumental Association,
Lexington, 22d September, 1852.
Sir :—Above you will find a copy of a resolution, adopted by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, recommending the lodges in the United States to subscribe means to aid in erecting over the remains of our illustrious countryman, Henry Clay, a monument which is to mark the spot where his body will repose—and commemorate the virtuous deeds of his long and glorious life.
A rapid organization of State Committees is making, and the grateful work has been commenced in many of the states, to raise means to promote the enterprise, and as soon as practicable, a like organization of the remaining states for the same object will be made.
May we not hope that your body will regard the object as worthy their patronage and favor ? and that you will make such appropriation in aid of the work as may seem best.
Henry Clay was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of this state;
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his name is presented as a member of the fraternity, and as one of the most distinguished patriots and benefactors of the nineteenth century. The cordial co-operation of your fraternity is confidently relied on.
Very respectfully,
H. T. DUNCAN, Chm'n G. M. A.
Lexington, 21 Oct., 1852.
Sir and Brother :—I have to request of you a list of the lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Maine—with the places of their location ; this will enable me to carry out the request of our Grand Lodge, prefixed.
Fraternally,
JNO. B. BAXTER, Sec. C. M. A.
Grand Sec'y Grand Lodge of Maine.
It is our conviction that this Grand Lodge will respectfully notice and respond to this appeal of our sister Grand Lodge, and yet we do not forget that the column at our nation's capital, has no stone from our own state, to remind the future visitor to its hallowed base, that Maine or the Grand Lodge of Maine reveres with affection and gratitude the memory of the " father of his country." The action which, at a former communication of this body, defeated the proposition to engrave the name of the Grand Lodge of Maine in one of her marble or granite blocks, as a memorial that Maine loves the father of his country and founder of its Union, makes us cautious how we recommend a worthy tribute to the memory of Henry Clay, who, through so many and severe ordeals, has ever been its champion and defender. But if the Grand Lodge of Maine, now in her maturity and strength, would be self-moved to a noble deed in memory of both, we believe her future sons who mingle here when our places shall know us no more, will love their mother all the more and respect the fathers quite as much, who thus show a proper veneration for the fathers of their country and the eminent patrons of our fraternity.
Of one thing we are sure: the memory of Clay and of Washington will be green and fragrant when we and the action of this Grand Lodge in the premises will be forgotten, whatever we may think proper to do in relation to their memory now.
general grand lodge.
A subject of paramount importance, at this time, is the proposal to form a General Grand Lodge. It will be recollected that at our last communication, the Committee on Foreign Correspondence presented a special report, proposing to the Grand Lodges of the Union, to unite in the plan of organizing such a body at Lexington, Kentucky, in connection with the meeting of the General Grand Encampment and General Grand Chapter, in September, 1853. This proposition, we are happy to announce, has been received with a great degree of favor, by most of the Grand Lodges whose reports have been made and forwarded to us, since our report and circular reached them. We have reason to hope that, following their example, other sister Grand Lodges will approve this course, and authorize representatives to meet at the
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time and place proposed, to unite in organizing a General Grand Lodge with proper powers and limitations, to hold its triennial sessions at the same time and place with the other bodies, so that these gatherings of the fraternity may consult for the good of the whole country and of all branches of our cherished institution. A few of the Grand Lodges still hold objections to the creation of a General Grand Lodge, but on the whole, the current of sentiment seems to set in favor of it, and we anticipate a degree of harmony in the proposed measure, which, one year ago, did not seem likely to occur at this early day. In the state of New York, perhaps a stronger opposition has been made to such a body than has elsewhere appeared. In the Grand Lodge report of that state, we notice nothing this year particularly deserving attention on this question. We have, however, received from the chairman of the Committee On Correspondence in the Grand Chapter of New York, an extract from his late report to the Chapter, which deserves a passing notice. It comes to us in the " Masonic Union " for March, and is intended for our special notice, as is respectfully indicated. And as it is perhaps one of the best versions of the arguments against a General Grand Lodge now existing, we cheerfully review it in the same spirit of fraternal courtesy which sends it to us for this purpose.
Let it be remembered that this report, from which we extract, was presented, not to the Grand Lodge of New York, but to the Grand Chapter, in February last, and that the distinguished author, Companion Finlay M. King, editor of the " Masonic Union," is also chairman of the Committee of Correspondence for the Grand Lodge, which is to hold its next session in June.
The following is his language:
" The entire independence of this Grand Chapter from the Grand Lodge of New York, renders it a matter of extreme delicacy for your committee to approach the subject of a General Grand Lodge, to which their attention has been called by the Grand Lodge of Maine; and but for the fraternal courtesy due to that distinguished body of masons, we would hardly feel justified in advancing any opinion thereon. Yet, in expressing the willingness which the Grand Chapter of New York ever feels, to regard her co-laborers in the masonic vineyard, with the consideration and respect that are due to their positions, and for that purpose to advance near to the edge of her legitimate sphere, her committee may feel somewhat relieved, in the present instance, from the embarrassment which might otherwise attach to their positions as the organ of the Grand Chapter, in the realization that the chairman of this committee holds the same official relations with the Grand Lodge of New York that he does with this Grand Body, and is presumed to know something of its views.
" Our brethren in Maine believe that ' The interests of Freemasonry in our country, in all its departments, would be greatly promoted by the formation of a General Grand Lodge of the United States ;' that ' the voice of a decided majority of the lodges of this country has been clearly expressed in favor of such an organization ;' that 'the progress already made in the settlement of long standing difficulties in some of the states, is one of the most encouraging evidences that a General Grand Lodge may be harmoniously and successfully organized ;' and 'that such an organization is highly desirable, that it may complete our national masonic organization.'
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" These we believe to be the main reasons why they desire such an organization; and we will briefly answer them, seriatim, according to the views entertained by this committee. And, taking the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of the United States for our guides, there are many of them— and for the sake of the argument we will concede that they form but a minority, yet we are far from being sure of this—who are decidedly hostile to such an organization. They believe that the Grand Lodges are legitimately supreme in their respective jurisdictions; that the formation of a power above them, would curtail the rights and privileges that they have ever exercised, and to which they are justly entitled ; that it would absorb all powers within itself, and strike down state jurisdictions whenever they did not strictly conform to its exacting behests. The expense of maintaining it would be greater than the benefits to be derived, and, in any event the objects of the institution would be better carried out in devoting that expense to charitable purposes. Its existence would be a source of jealousy, of ill-feeling and of constant irritation on the part of the non-conforming jurisdictions ; and such an organization is unheard of in the history of Blue Masonry, unless it may find a parallel in the United Grand Lodge of England and its Provincial vassals, at which the republican genius of Masonry in America very naturally revolts.
" Again, all or nearly all seems now to be peace in the symbolic jurisdictions of the Union. We think, therefore, that the interests of the institution cannot be promoted by the organization of such a body. Again, the - settlement of long standing difficulties in some of the states, there being general prosperity in that branch of Masonry throughout the country, is the strongest evidence that can possibly be adduced, why we should not disturb the well regulated system of Grand Lodge jurisdictions; and this but confirms us in the long entertained opinion that it is not possible for human wisdom to devise a mode of arbitrament, of adjudication and settlement of difficulties, more just, more equitable or less expensive than that now afforded in the thirty-three Grand Lodges of the Union acting in their unbiassed, independent and sovereign capacities. We do not deny that a closer union may be formed between the Grand Lodges of the country, nor that their decisions may be made more authoritative than they are at present, but we have not the time nor is here the place to present such a project.
"That the institution of a National Grand Lodge is ' highly desirable, that it may complete our national masonic organization,' your committee have extreme doubts. ' Under the auspices and direction of our present system of [Grand Lodge] government,' if we may be permitted to adopt the language of the chairman of this committee used on another occasion,' the institution has been directed and controlled till it now enjoys a prosperity unprecedented in the annals of history. The Grand Lodges steadily and successfully move in their regular and legitimate orbits; through their agency, the masonic empire of the Union is happily controlled ; punishments are regulated and the rights of brethren vindicated. Kind and forbearing in the exercise of power, these bodies are composed of officers and members of subordinate lodges, who, coming annually from the great body of masons throughout each state, truly reflect the character, wants and merits of their respective constituencies.' Fully endorsing these views, and entertaining the firm belief that the establishment of a General Grand Lodge would be productive of more evil than good, your committee feel it their duty to express their decided disapproval of the project. It is thought by this committee that no advice or instructions are necessary to be given to the representatives of this Grand Chapter, to influence their action in the contemplated convention at Lexington, either favorably or adversely to the formation of a General Grand Lodge; as whatever they may say or do therein will be outside of their authority as such representatives, and upon their individual responsibilities, so far as this Grand Chapter is concerned.
" To conclude, the committee feel that they ought to disclaim for themselves and for this Grand Chapter any thought of influencing, in the slightest degree, any other Grand Body in this state from expressing such opinion
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or from taking such action on the important questions upon which we have here commented, as their enlightened wisdom may dictate. The secession of a Grand Chapter and the dissolution of the General Grand Chapter are matters which deeply concern this jurisdiction ; and, respecting the formation of a General Grand Lodge, we could not say less than we have said, while influenced by fraternal courtesy to our brethren of Maine."
1. In relation to this cordial statement of objections, your committee remark in the first place, we are unable to see but that every objection here raised would be just as valid against the creation and continued existence of the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Encampment, as against the creation of a General Grand Lodge. If such a body as is proposed to be organized—created by the Grand Lodges of the states, by their united wisdom and mature ability—would be dangerous to the independence, rights, jurisdiction, harmony and successful action of the Grand Lodges of any of the states, by what parity of reasoning is it possible to vindicate the General Grand Chapter and General Grand Encampment ? What objection stated by our excellent companion that does not apply in all its force to the other General Grand Bodies referred to ? And yet we have some five out of seven pages, of this same report, devoted to a very able and successful vin-dication of the General Grand Chapter, against all propositions to dissolve it or secede from it. To our minds, this defence of the Grand Chapter goes further to establish the importance of creating the proposed Grand Lodge than almost any argument we have elsewhere met. Compared with the two pages of objections it strikes us that they sustain a far higher relative force than five has to two.
2. We remark, in the second place, that the objection as to the assumption of abitrary power, and impairing the freedom of the state Grand Lodges, is not indicated by the history or recent acts of the General Grand Chapter. On the contrary, the chief complaints against that body are, that it hesitates in its decisions, and does not legislate with sufficient boldness to meet the demands of this rushing age of steam. We have no fears of any such effect from the creation of a General Grand Lodge at the time and place proposed, as suggested by the New York committee.
3. We are fully impressed with the conviction that the creation of such a body at the time and place proposed, would do more than anything else to give strength and practical utility to both the General Grand Chapter and the General Grand Encampment, and that they in turn would aid and strengthen this, and illustrate the proverbial strength of " a three-fold cord," which is not easily broken.
4. It seems equally clear that this course would obviate all reasonable objection to the expense of representation. If a state delegation is far from the place of meeting, it would be easy to relieve the burden of expense, by uniting on one delegate to represent the three bodies; and, surely, with three such organizations as our state masonic bodies are rapidly becoming, it could not be a severe tax to send a delegate to a great national masonic
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festival once in three years. Your committee do not fear that such a tax would greatly diminish the charity that visits and relieves the widow and the orphan. Thus reviewing what seem to us the chief and the only serious objections to the creation of a General Grand Lodge in the manner proposed, we submit to this body the propriety of co-operating with the Grand Chapter and Grand Encampment of Maine, in securing a delegation from this body, with full power to co-operate in the formation of a General Grand Lodge, at the time and place proposed, provided a majority of the Grand Lodges in this country shall unite in the proposed convention.
PHYSICAL DEFORMITY.
Much time and space are devoted in some of the reports, in discussing the physical qualifications essential to masonic instruction and progress; but as this subject is in the hands of a special committee, instructed to report at this meeting, your committee refrain from further comment.
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.
There are several subjects of importance discussed in the various and elaborate reports of the several Grand Lodges of this Union, to which your committee would gladly give attention, were there not other matters they deem of higher moment to the best interests of our order.
Public addresses of deep interest reach us in the proceedings of the Grand Lodges and in the public celebrations which occur throughout the country.
These addresses not only show the rapid spread of our order and growing attachment to its principles, its ancient landmarks and historical treasures, but exhibit also an increasing interest in the great moral truths and practical duties which Masonry inculcates. This feature of progress is one of the most hopeful in our present position, and inspires the expectation that our whole country will feel the pressure of that influence for good which our institution must surely exert, when its own members subject heart and life fully to the dominion of their avowed principles.
The thirst for intelligence is also a hopeful feature of the proceedings before us. A higher order of talent now sits in the oriental chair in nearly all parts of the country, and the reports of the Committees of Correspondence have rapidly increased in value since we were first called to their examination.
It may properly be remarked at this point that the Grand Lodge of Maine has contributed not a little to this result, by the example she has set in honorably compensating the labor bestowed by their Committee on Correspondence. This example is now extensively emulated, and its effect is seen in the rich harvest which the lodges are reaping from the researches of elevated minds in the wide fields before them.
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We may gratefully pay this tribute to the Grand Lodges of the country, in view of the very flattering terms in which they are pleased to notice the proceedings of this body. Our annual reports continue to receive the most respectful treatment, even where the writers differ from us in relation to any point discussed. Where we have most severely criticized, we have yet had the credit of honest convictions and sincere good will; and, in general, the satisfaction that this unwelcome duty of censure has not been wholly in vain. In order to show how little relish we have for the work of faultfinding, we freely express the high degree of satisfaction we feel that so little now demands this service at our hands, and gladly turn to another subject, which we trust will be acceptable to this body and to those in correspondence with it, as it is important in its practical bearings. We propose to speak of the relations of Freemasonry to the moral and religious element in man, and its affinity for the religions of the world. The enquiry is the more important, because of the frequent mistakes occurring both among the friends and the enemies of our institution.
Our attention is the more appropriately called to this question, now that the preventive obstacles to its free discussion are so extensively removed, and the aspirations everywhere apparent in our order, are actively demanding light on this vital question. We also notice that an appeal has been made by our Hebrew brethren to the lodges of this country, that we would dispense with the New Testament in the administration of masonic obligations. This appeal, and the noble reply to it by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, are worthy of profound study. It is well that the principles involved in all questions relating to the religions of the world, as connected with masonic obligations, should be definitely settled and well understood. In proceeding to this question, it is proper in the outset to lay down a few simple propositions.
1. In the first place, it is to be remembered that Masonry, whether speculative or operative, is the art of building, and constructing. In the one, as in the other, there is a result to be reached ; there are materials to be moulded, and methods to be pursued. Operative Masonry builds habitations to shelter human beings; and churches, colleges, temples, halls of legislation and justice for their instruction, elevation, progress and protection.
Freemasonry proposes another kind of architecture, with results, materials and processes peculiarly its own. It proposes to secure human welfare, peace on earth, good will to men, by moulding men, and fitting them as living stones, in the great temple of humanity, steadily rising on the earth ; and to do it by moral forces addressed to the understanding and the heart of free moral agents, and designed to fit them for the Master Builder's use.
2. Another proposition which needs but a brief illustration, is, that the process and methods of building are not stationary and stereotyped, but progressive, with the progress of ages of nations and of man. Yet there are certain principles of architecture that are not fleeting and subject to incess-
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ant changes, like the fluctuations of fashion and caprice. Architectural taste and skill have certain fixed laws and proportions, that find a response in the very nature of man ; and thus some of the old structures, erected by the masters of our art, in the rude ages of the past, remain as models to be studied and admired, even in their ruins. Thus it is that certain tools and instruments of the master's art are established as " immovable jewels," reminding us perpetually of the immutable nature of truth and virtue, as the elements of that divine art, which from age to age, is to fashion man for a higher work than that of building the noblest structures of wood, brick, granite or marble.
Freemasonry proposes to take man in his rude, unshapely state, and mould him for his nobler destiny. It must of necessity adapt its methods to his condition and his needs. However varied the processes, they must all be in, around, and with, his nature and necessities. It must meet the original and fundamental wants of our common humanity. It seeks to do this, by employing its endeavors on materials adapted to the results desired. It does not propose to waste fruitless endeavors on hopeless materials, and therefore requires certain intellectual and moral qualities, in candidates for its discipline. It does not hope to make good masons of atheists, mad-men or idiots. For this or other reasons, the ancient masters had some regard to physical qualifications, and required that candidates should be whole in body, upright in form, of sound limbs, and of lawful or mature age. This requisition had regard, doubtless, not merely to capacity in the rugged toils of operative Masonry, but had a symbolic meaning, as in the ancient temple worship in the Hebrew commonwealth.
In moulding such materials, Masonry requires certain laws of fitness and adaptation, in dealing with the human necessities. Among his original and fundamental elements, it perceives the principle of reverence and necessities for worship. This element displays itself in the fact that all men, in all time, unless sunk to the level of the brute, will have some object to reverence and worship. All the idolatries of earth grow out of the perversions of this principle, and demonstate the fact that all systems of human elevation must embrace this ultimate truth. Masonry thus, by a fixed necessity, must ally itself to man's moral nature and religious wants. Hence its affinity for the religions of all nations. Hence the solemnity of taking its obligations on the sacred books that men regard as revealed truth. Men thus feel after, if haply they may find the fountain of light and truth. Thus they see the fitness of asking and receiving, seeking and finding, knocking and finding open the gates of divine truth and wisdom.
If Masonry did not thus recognize the religious element, and adapt itself to these imperishable necessities, it would be false to its high trust, and with all its alleged antiquity and its brilliant emblems, it would prove but a splendid failure. It is because that it recognizes this sublime element in man's nature, that it keeps pace with religious development on earth, and has often
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fed the fires of religious truth on its sacred altars, when the nations and the masses of men were walking in the valley and shadow of death. It is thus that Masonry has had successive additions and developments, which, in their rise, have been regarded as innovations on ancient landmarks. It is thus that Masonry, which, in other ages and nations, was more nearly allied to natural religion, came at length to be domesticated in the Hebrew commonwealth, and build temples to Jehovah, as it bad anciently to the worship of the sun. Thus it was, that, when a greater than Solomon appeared to build the walls of a spiritual temple, in which all nations may worship, we find the great reformer who heralds his approach, and the loved one who leans on his bosom, adopted as the patron saints of our order. Masonry reveres their teachings as worthy of all acceptation, and from that period hails them as teachers and masters of the art of living, helpers and exemplars of zeal, hope and charity, and henceforth and in all time, these lights of the world meet the young mason early in his pilgrimage, to cheer him in his labors and his journey towards the land of silence, and encourage him to enter fearlessly the dark valley, aided by their counsels and superior work. Now Masonry has reached a point of rest, so far as its great essential principles and man's eternal necessities require. It has found its Messiah, through His faithful guides. It has found Him, of whom the prophets did write —Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It can now build its earthly sanctuaries, its temples of worship and its heavenly hopes, on the foundation of prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. The stone which the ancient builders rejected, " has become the head stone of the corner." And now, with reverence, let us approach to the Holy of Holies in the ancient temple and see the vail removed. Let us rejoice that we may enter, because no more occasion remains that the mitered priest should enter there alone to offer atonements and sacrifices for sin, because our Great High Priest, who has passed into the heavens, has offered one perfect, all-prevailing sacrifice, and having rent the ancient; emblematic vail, amid the rending of rocks and the earthquake, he has broken down the middle wall of partition, so that all nations may come and worship and listen to the startling cry of the Baptist, " Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." We may listen, also, to the cheering words of the evangelist: " He is the propitiation for our sin, and in Him was no sin."
" Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirit, whether it be of God.
" Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God.
" It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
" He that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself.
" Little children, love one another.
" He that loveth fulfilleth also the law, for love is the fulfilling of the law. " If any man say, I love God, and loveth not his brother, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
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We repeat, then, the assertion, Masonry has found a point of rest. Not that its earthy toils and labors for the world's advancement are ended, but it has found the desire of all nations—the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. Its labors may now have a definite and eminently practical direction. Man, in his ignorance and apostacy, needs no longer rove amid perils in foreign climes among barbarous tongues, in pursuit of light, for the day dawns, and the day star has risen on our world and in our hearts, if we love the truth as it is in Jesus, and find light beaming on our altars, wherever we come from darkness to light. Light—and more light, beams on us from the sacred page, in proportion as we ask and seek and knock at wisdom's gate, following our guide and fearing no danger. We have reached, then, several important, practical conclusions.
1. We cannot now recede from the great, essential landmarks of our order. These are established. They are scattered all along in the history of the past like so many mile stones, measuring the progress of the ages and the march of humanity in the wilderness, till the promised land is reached. The pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire have now fulfilled their mission, and give place to the star in the east as it rises on the vision and guides wise men to the very portals of the ancient temples. Yet it rests not over its majestic dome but over the lowly manger, and angel messengers summon the adoring shepherds to the worship of an infant Saviour. The star has now become a glorious sun, and man need no longer walk in darkness. He may have the light of life. He need no longer dig in darkness, amid ruined hopes and despairing dreams. The master builders need not faint nor be discouraged. The key stone is found, the arch may now be completed and the craftsman may work cheerily, assured that, with faith, hope and charity and a patient continuance in well doing, by the grace of the Master Overseer, he shall reap in due time, if he faint not. He will reward every one according to his work.
2. It is of course settled that we cannot grant the request of our Hebrew brothers, to banish the New Testament from the altar of Masonry. We might willingly do all that charity would dictate, but it does not demand that we banish the light of the world. We cannot do this, unless we can roll back the morning sun to accommodate him who prefers the morning star or the dim twilight for his daily guide. We cannot, with sacrilegious hand, thus put out the light on our altars, to accommodate visions still dim with darkness of past ages that have rejected the full orbed sun. It would be like the attempt to banish from the world the improvements of modern art—the achievements of modern science—to annihilate steam—to abolish the printing press, and stay the lightning's rapid course. No. Our work is in another direction. It is to let the light shine; to aid men from darkness to light; to diffuse the light more and more; to reflect it in a radiant life ; the outshining of a good conscience; the pure affections of a purified heart;
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the noble achievements of a sanctified will; and an earnest life devoted to the welfare of man and the glory of God.
3. It also follows that Masonry is not, as some have supposed, a substitute for religion. There is no sense in which this is true, or can, by possibility, be true. It is not, and no man has a right to make it or call it a substitute for anything. It were as ill spoken as to call food a substitute for raiment, or air a substitute for light, or moral truth a substitute for eyes and the soul of man. Masonry is its own self, and is not anything else, nor a substitute for anything else. It is the art of building and erecting, and not a substitute for farming or gardening or navigation or merchandizing. But in its appropriate sphere, it harmonizes with, and benefits and blesses all other honest, useful employments, and is in turn benefited by them. When it builds vessels or steamboats, these are not a substitute for human dwellings or stores or shops or temples on the land, but each has its own element and its adaptation, thus displaying the builder's art, and all contribution to the general good.
So Freemasonry is not a substitution for religion nor education nor jurisprudence nor philosophy nor theology; but in its own work wisely avails itself of whatever aid its members may receive from all these sources.
Religion, then, has nothing to fear from the progress of our order, unless, forgetful of its own work, it wastes its energies in misrepresenting its character and design, and endeavoring to destroy it or stay its progress. In that case, we might naturally expect, what experience has clearly taught, that such efforts to destroy our order recoil at length on the assailants, whether they be individuals, communities or countries. Such attempts have always proved, not failures merely, but calamities, the bitter fruits of which remain long after the actors in them are dead, or have seen the folly of their course and ceased from it. It is equally certain that masons err sadly, if they substitute the forms and rituals and instructions of the order for vital religion. It is a strange anomaly for a mason to say, Masonry is the only religion I want. He thus shows that he misapprehends three things—his own necessities—the nature of Masonry—and the nature of religion. He thus dishonors all three, and dishonors God, the Author of all. His necessities are greater than he supposes, and he has not yet learned to use either Masonry or religion so as to meet these necessities, and the danger is that he will lose or wreck himself, bringing reproach on religion, and dishonoring the Masonry he has thus made his idol. Let the mason who thus errs, know that he needs religion, pure and undefiled, to meet his own necessities, and equally so to enable him fully to understand and appreciate the beauty and the truth there is in Masonry, and to discharge worthily its duties and obligations.
4. With equal clearness it follows, that religion, in its purest forms, does not supersede or render useless the institution of Masonry. Men commit
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great mistakes, when they gravely assume, that while our order may have been useful in the night of the dark ages and in the perils of a barbarous age, it is now obsolete, and to be abandoned as the relic of a barbarous age. As well might they assume that schools and all the appliances of education were well enough, in times of ignorance that God winked at, but in these days of light and progress and refinement, our boys have outgrown them.
As well may they assume that the temples and altars of ancient worship, and the old family Bible were well enough in their day, when men, in childish ignorance, were groping in darkness and sunk in debauchery and " worshiped the hosts of heaven," brute beasts, vile reptiles and graven images, but now that men are of full age it is time to put away childish things, and walk in the light of reason and by the law of love, as every man has a religion of his own and needs no help from the old Bible or its ordained expounders, since he can get his own revelations at will or buy them of the spirit-rappers at a small fee, and as may suit his convenience. It is time to put away such errors and mistakes, which are often uttered by the lips of intelligent men. Masons, especially, should avoid them. It should be our care to correct all such errors by the logic of a pure life, the eloquence of a bright and noble example, the arguments of unfeigned faith, unfaltering zeal, unwavering hope and unselfish charity. Let us calmly and cheerfully bear whatever reproach it may cost us, to maintain the principles of our order in every appropriate way, till errors and doubts shall be dispelled and our principles shall be fully vindicated, by their own appropriate fruits, and the tongue of calumny shall have been silenced forever. A great work is before us, and we cannot descend to the waste of angry strife with those who would hinder our endeavors, or insist that we shall do our work according to the designs on their trestle boards, on the penalty of their displeasure. We will sincerely regret that prejudices and misapprehension should ever lead good men to oppose us and seek to prevent our work by arraying their efforts against ours. Especially do we deplore that mistaken zeal that would here and there censure and discipline a Christian disciple who seeks to profit by the disrupture of our order. Religious persecution for kneeling at the altar of Masonry must lead us involuntarily to exclaim, with our atoning Priest, in the hour of his martyrdom, " Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."
Let us thank God and take courage as a brighter day dawns on the altars we love. Let us cheer on our brothers in the east—in the west—in the north—and in the south. In our great central valley, where the sound of the gavel follows the echo of the woodman's axe and the emigrant's song, on the far Pacific shore, in France, in the fast anchored British isle and her vigorous young colonies, now our neighbors, let us cheer them all with the song of the free and the labors of the strong. Let us do with our might what remains for us, while the light and the day remain to us. The drapery of grief around us reminds us impressively that our day of toil is waning.
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Our fathers, where are they ? —their venerable forms and hoary locks ? —our brothers King, Gerrish, Boody ? We meet them not in this dense crowd. The places which knew them, know them no more. The strong arms which bore them away will soon bear us, or falter and implore our support. The feet which carried them are at the door and waiting for us—delaying for the next fatal arrow, till it is sped from the king of terrors into the ripening harvest of death—and we but wait our turn. Let us be found with our harness on and our work done, and we prepared to anticipate the verdict, " Well done, good and faithful servant."
Respectfully submitted,
Cyril Pearl,
Allen Haines,
F. Bradford,
Committee
The Committee on Returns reported as follows, viz:
In Grand Lodge, May 6, 1853.
The Committee on Returns of subordinate lodges, having attended to their duty, report, that returns have been made from fifty-seven subordinate lodges, showing the number of initiations, during the past year, to have been four hundred and twenty-four, and the number of present members, two thousand and twenty-five.
Your committee further report, that a want of compliance with the requirements of the Grand Lodge is too frequently manifest in those returns—the Secretaries failing to return the date of each initiation, crafting and raising, and would recommend that the attention of the officers of each lodge should be especially called to this subject, that the omission may be guarded against in future returns.
Respectfully submitted,
E. B. French,
S. B. Thomas,
O. R. Bagheller,
Committee
The foregoing report was read and accepted.
A petition for remission of dues was received from Mariners' Lodge, and referred to a select committee, consisting of Bros. Mudgett, Silla and Weston.
On motion,
Voted, That the sum of twenty-five dollars be appropriated and paid to Rev. Bro. Cyril Pearl, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, for his extra services in preparing the report of that committee.
On motion,
Voted, Upon the construction of the standing regulation of May 6, 1847,
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that no representative of a subordinate lodge is entitled to pay as such, except for actual travel.
On motion,
Voted, That, hereafter, each subordinate lodge be furnished with four copies of the printed proceedings, viz: one copy for the special use of the lodge, and one copy for each of the first three officers.
The following report was then submitted, viz:
Masons' Hall, Portland, May 6, 1853.
The special committe to whom was referred the petition of Mariners' Lodge for remission of dues, having attended to their duty, ask leave to report: In consideration of great expense of the brethren of said lodge in fitting up a hall, &c, your committee would recommend that fourteen dollars of the dues of said lodge be remitted.
Which is respectfully submitted,
R. F. Mudgett,
Eusebius Weston,
William Silla,
Committee.
Read and accepted, and the remission ordered.
The Grand Lodge then called off until 2-1/2 o'clock p. m.
May 6, 1853.
The Grand Lodge was called to order at 2-1/2 o'clock p. m.
The Committee on the Pay Roll made their report, which was read and accepted, and the Grand Treasurer requested to pay the representatives of lodges in accordance therewith.
physical deformity.
The committee appointed at the last annual communication upon the subject of physical deformity of candidates for Masonry, made the following report, which was read and adopted, viz:
The committee to whom was referred the subject of the physical qualifications necessary to receive the rights and privileges of our order, ask leave to report:
They have found upon their hands some sixteen communications from as
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many subordinates of this Grand Lodge, discussing, with various ability, the question before us. Some of these reports exhibit a great deal of research into the ancient Constitutions and regulations of Masonry, and in all we perceive a just regard to the principles and interests of the order.
There is a degree of conflict and diversity of opinion in the different lodges, that have spoken on this question, but nothing like severity or captious fault-finding, either with the article in our Constitution, which has given rise to this discussion, or the practice which has prevailed in our lodges, as the practical comment on the article in question. Your committee believe that the differences expressed are rather seeming than real, and arise from diversities of interpretation of the article before us. They are confirmed in this view by the various comments of our brethren and companions throughout the country.
It is worthy of notice that the subject embraced in this apparently harmless article of our Constitution, has attracted unwonted attention throughout our entire fraternity in this country. It may also be remarked, that many of the ablest writers of the masonic family have presented able reports on this question, and that these eminent writers differ very much, as do the different lodges in this jurisdiction. The result of all these discussions and examinations has been, in the minds of your committee, a conviction that a just and fair masonic interpretation of the said article conveys a just view of the question, while a slight perversion or misapprehension of its import is capable of serious mischief. Let us then recur to the article referred to. It is the fourth section of article third, under the head of subordinate lodges, and reads thus:
" By the ancient regulations, the physical deformity of an individual operates as a bar to bis admission into the fraternity. But as this regulation was adopted for the government of the craft, at a period when they united the character of operative with that of speculative masons, this Grand Lodge authorizes such a construction of the regulation, as that, when the deformity of the candidate is not such as to prevent him from being instructed in the arts and mysteries of Freemasonry, and does not amount to an inability honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, the admission will not. be an infringement upon the ancient landmarks, but will be perfectly consistent with the spirit of our institution."
Now your committee believe that the whole difficulty in the minds of those who have censured the article here quoted, has arisen from misapprehending the true meaning of a single sentence—" when the deformity is not such as to prevent him from being instructed in the arts and mysteries of Freemasonry."
Your committee do not see how any mason can otherwise understand this language than that the candidate must have no such deformity as shall interfere with his giving and receiving all masonic signs and salutations in due form. If this is not its meaning, its phraseology should be changed. If its meaning has been so extensively misapprehended that practical evils grow out of it, your committee are not informed of the fact and they appre-
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hend no serious evils as growing out of it. They believe that the discussions over the country, as well as in this state, have fairly disposed of the subject for all practical purposes, and that no change is necessary in the article of the constitution, and no further action is now necessary by this body except the publication of this report in the general minutes.
Respectfully submitted,
Cyril Pearl,
Lewis Barker,
Joseph C. Stevens,
Committee
The committee appointed to consider the subject of re-organizing the Masonic Districts in the state, and to report to the Grand Master their views in relation thereto, having performed the duty assigned them, the M. W. Grand Master proceeded to the re-organization of said masonic districts throughout the state, and thereupon announced the same to the Grand Lodge, as follows, viz:
DISTRICT NO. 1. |
|
| 9 Saco, Saco. | 47 Buxton, Buxton. |
| 23 York, Kennebunk. | 51 St. John's, South Berwick. |
| 27 Adoniram, Limington. | 55 Fraternal, Alfred. |
| 42 Freedom, Limerick. | |
DISTRICT NO. 2. |
|
| 11 Pythagorean, Fryeburg. | 29 Tranquil, Danville. |
| 13 Oriental, Bridgton. | 39 Blazing Star, Bumford. |
| 18 Oxford, Paris. | 56 Mount Moriah, Denmark. |
| 21 Oriental Star, Livermore. | 73 Tyrian, Minot. |
DISTRICT NO. 3. |
|
| 1 Portland, Portland. | 23 Freeport, Freeport. |
| 8 United, Brunswick. | 36 Casco, Yarmouth. |
| 12 Cumberland, New Gloucester. | 38 Harmony, Gorham. |
| 17 Ancient Land-Mark, Portland. | |
DISTRICT NO. 4. |
|
| 3 Lincoln, Wiscasset. | 43 Alna, Damariscotta. |
| 14 Solar, Bath. | 61 King Solomon's, Waldoborough. |
| 16 Orient, Thomaston. | 63 Richmond, Richmond. |
| 16 St. George, Warren. | |
DISTRICT NO. 5. |
|
| 5 Kennebec, Hallowell. | 35 Bethlehem,-Augusta. |
| 20 Maine, Farmington. | 41 Morning Star, Litchfield. |
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| 25 Temple, Winthrop. | 45 Central, China. |
| 28 Northern Star, North Anson. | 48 Lafayette, Readfield. |
| 32 Hermon, Gardiner. | 54 Vassalborough, Vassalborough. |
| 33 Waterville, Waterville. | 67 Blue Mountain, Phillips. |
| 34 Somerset, Skowhegan. | |
DISTRICT NO. 6. |
|
| 6 Amity, Camden. | 59 Mount Hope, Hope. |
| 24 Phoenix, Belfast. | 68 Mariners', Searsport. |
| 31 Union, Union. | 69 Howard, Frankfort. |
| 50 Aurora, Rockland. | |
| 58 Unity, Freedom. | |
DISTRICT NO. 7. |
|
| 10 Rising Virtue, Bangor. | 60 Star in the East, Old Town. |
| 39 Penobscot, Dexter. | 64 Pacific, Stetson. |
| 49 Meridian Splendor, Newport. | 65 Mystic, Hampden. |
| 52 Mosaic, Dover. | 66 Mechanics', Orono. |
DISTRICT NO. 8. |
|
| 19 Felicity, Bucksport. | 71 Rising Sun, Orland. |
| 40 Lygonia, Ellsworth. | |
DISTRICT NO. 9. |
|
| 2 Warren, East Machias. | 37 Washington, Lubec. |
| 7 Eastern, Eastport. | 46 St. Croix, Calais. |
The M. W. Grand Master then announced the following appointments of District Deputy Grand Masters for the ensuing year, viz;
First District.—R. W. Josiah Herrick, of Alfred.
Second District.—R. W. Joseph Covell, of Jay.
Third District.—R. W. John D. Lincoln, of Brunswick.
Fourth District.—R. W. Ezra B. French, of Damariscotta.
Fifth District.—R. W. Stephen Webber, of Gardiner.
Sixth District.—R. W. Benjamin Kellet, of Belfast.
Seventh District—R. W. Benjamin F. Mudgett, of Bangor.
Eighth District.—R. W. Samuel Carter, of Bucksport.
Ninth District.—R. W. John C Talbot, of East Machias.
On motion,
Voted, That the several D. D. G. Masters be authorized to solicit contributions of money from the members of the fraternity in their several districts, which shall be appropriated by the Grand Lodge to furnishing a block of granite or marble for the National Washington Monument.
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