I. A. M. According to the cabalistical theologians,

Moses, asking the Lord if he would tell him the name of his Divine Essence, received for answer, say " I AM THAT I AM," sent me to you, (the children of Israel), equivalent to saying — What use is it to ask what is inex- plicable? "I AM THAT I AM," as the ancient sages say, meant, that he was with them in that captivity, so would he be in others ; and therefore He then revealed to Moses the Tetragrammaton ; and this He repeated, as He would manifest Himself by its representation of the ten sovereign lights : and by that means would become known, although veiled in them; because His existence will be ever hidden from all, and cannot be explained by any character. — Manasseh Ben Israel.
IDEAS. The Jewish system was made up chiefly of ceremonies, types, and figures, denoting intellectual things and moral duties. This mode of teaching morality was at that early period of the world necessary. And why? — Because then not one person in ten thousand beside the priesthood could read. The people were not then able to exhibit thoughts to the eye by means of writing, hence the necessity arose of teaching by signs and symbols, that when these struck the eye they should raise corresponding ideas in the mind, and thus convey moral truths and duties by the sight and by the operation
ILL— IMP. 541
of tools and mechanical instruments. This is the lul crum on which rests and turns the first and most fasci- nating part of masonic instruction. — Watirhouse.
ILLEGAL SUSPENSIONS. If the Grand Master should be satisfied that any brother has been illegally, or without sufficient cause, suspended, removed, or excluded from any of his masonic functions or privileges, by any private lodge or any subordinate authority, he may order him to be reinstated or restored, and may also suspend, until the next ensuing quarterly communi cation, any lodge or brother who shall refuse to compl) with such order. — Constitutions.
IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL. The third or Mas- ter's degree leads to that great truth which the sublimest part of the heathen mysteries was intended to teach; »nd the faithful believer was assured of a future life and immortality beyond the grave.
IMMOVEABLE. The immoveable jewels are the tracing-board, for the W. M. to draw his designs on ; the rough ashlar, for the E. A. P. to mark and indent on ; and the perfect ashlar, for the experienced F. C. to try and adjust his jewels on. They are termed immoveable, because they are distributed in places assigned them in the lodge, for the brethren to moralize upon. They were formerly called the trasel-board, the rough ashlar, and the broached thurnel.
IMPEACHMENT. In 1842 a singular case occurred at New York, in which the rights and privileges of a Master of a lodge were placed in jeopardy, by the action of his lodge. After the lodge was opened, the Master had occasion to be absent for a short time, leaving the Senior Warden in the chair. On his return, he found that charges had been preferred against hims,elf, and a committee appointed to try him ; and the Senior Warden refused to return into his hands the warrant and mallet of the lodge. Complaint being made to the Grand Master by the Master, he directed the Grand Secretary to inform the Senior Warden that it was his direction that he should forthwith return the warrant to the hands of the Master, and that the action of the lodge on that
542 IMP.
case must be suspended, and the members hold them selves in readiness to maintain their charges before tha Grand Stewards' Lodge, which was all promptly com- plied with by the parties. The ground of his decision was, that the Master of a lodgf* is only subject to im- peachment and trial before his peers, who are acquainted with his duties, but which the members of a lodge cannot know, until they are themselves seated in the oriental chair.
IMPERFECTIONS. The system as taught in the regular lodges, may have some redundancies or imper- fections, occasioned by the indolence or ignorance of the old members. And, indeed, considering through what obscurity and darkness the mystery has been delivered down; the many centuries, and languages, and sects, and parties, it has run through, we are rather to wonder it ever arrived to the present age without more imperfections. — Anderson.
IMPLEMENTS. A general collection of masonic implements may remind the Master of his power and jurisdiction, while they warn him to avoid the abuse of that power, limiting his jurisdiction and prescribing his conduct. They likewise afford him copious topics of advice to such as assist him in the government of the Fraternity, as well as to all the brethren over whom he is called to preside. He may descant on the excellence of the holy writings as a rule of life ; for those writings teach us that, being born upon a level, we should act upon the square, circumscribing our desires within the compass of Nature's gifts, poured from the horn of plenty. Here, also, he may exhort them to walk uprightly, suffering neither the pressure of poverty, nor the avarice of riches to tempt the heart for a moment to swerve from the line of rectitude which is suspended before them from the centre of heaven. The division of time into equal and regular portions, he may also urge as the surest method of securing the greatest good from the oppor- tunities that are afforded us The subjection of our passions and desires is here likewise taught by the gavel, which is used by the operative builder to remove the excrescences and to smooth the surfaces of the rough
IMP— INC. 543
materials for a building; while the by-laws of the ledge regulate the deportment of the craftsmen, while assembled for the purposes of social improvement and mental recreation, and while separated from the rest of mankind, and placed among none but brethren. — Monitor.
IMPUTATIONS. Individual errors or crimes ought only to reflect discredit on the offending parties, for a gigantic society like ours, whose professors are spread over the face of the earth, and are found in every civilized country on the globe, cannot be responsible for the mis- conduct of every single member of its body. It is very common to hear those who are not Masons urge this argument with all the force and confidence of conviction. A Mason has misconducted himself most grossly, they will say, and therefore Masonry must be a bad institution. But this way of reasoning is absurd. Take the argument in another point of view, and what does it end in ? Why, a general condemnation of all institutions, human and divine. How would it shock our ears were it applied to Christianity. A Christian has been guilty of acts of violence ; he has robbed one neighbour, slandered another, and murdered a third; and therefore — mark the conse- quence— Christianity must be a bad institution. Is not this preposterous? Does it follow because a wicked Christian commits murder, that the Christian religion must necessarily recommend the commission of murder ? 80 Masonry. If some brethren so far forget their solemn obligations IM to overstep the boundaries of decency ; if they set the censure of the world at defiance, and disgrace themselves in the eyes of God and man, it cannot be urged that the institution recommends this conduct.
IMPOSTS. The members of the secret society of Tynan artists, who were hired by King Solomon to erect that sacred structure, in order to distinguish them from the Jews, who performed the more humble labours, were honoured with the epithet of Free annexed to the name of builder or mason; and being talented foreigners, were freed from the usual imposts paid to the state by the subjects of Solomon. — Husenbeth.
INCOMMUNICABLE. The Cabalistical Jews, and
544 IND— INK.
after them Josephus, and some of the Romans, think that Moses did not ask for the name of God at the burning bush, but for the true pronunciation of it, which they say had been lost through the wickedness of mankind ; for which reason the former affirm that the word gholam, used by God presently after, being written without a vau, should not be rendered for ever, but hid, from the root ghalam, to hide ; not considering that, if that was the case it should be written ghalam, and not gholam. Upon this account, the name is by all the Jews called Shemham- phorah, the unutterable name, which Josephus says was never known or heard of before God told it to Moses, for which reason they never pronounce it, but use the word Adonai, or Elohim, or plainly the word Hashem, the NAME, to express it. Thus in their letters and common discourse, instead of saying the Lord bless you, they say the Name bless you. — Universal History.
INDENTED TARSEL. This is an old name for the ornamented border which surrounds the mosaic pavement, now called the tessellated border.
INDISSOLUBLE TIE. Masonry annihilates all parties, conciliates all private opinions, and renders those who, by their Almighty Father, were made of one blood, to be also of one heart and one mind ; brethren bound firmly together by that indissoluble tie, the love of their God, and the love of their kind. — Daniell.
INDUSTRY. Masonry is a progressive science, and not to be attained in any degree of perfection but by time, patience, and a considerable degree of application and industry ; for no one is admitted to the profoundest secrets, or the highest honours of this Fraternity, till by time we are assured he has learned secrecy and morality
Williams.
INELIGIBLE. To prevent the introduction of im- proper persons, it is provided by the by-laws of every 'edge, that no person can be made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, a lodge, if, on the ballot, three black balls appear against him. Some lodges wish for no such indulgence, but require the unanimous consent
INF— INI. 545
of the members present; some admit one black ball, some two. The by-laws of each lodge must therefore guide them in this respect ; but if there be three black balls, such person cannot, on any pretence, be admitted.
INFLUENCE. The influence of Freemasonry can only be supported by an unanimous determination amongst the brethren to preserve in their private lodges the utmost regularity and decorum, an uniformity of rites and cere- monies, and, above all, a resolution to practice, in their several stations, those moral duties which are so strongly recommended, and so beautifully displayed in the private lectures of the lodge.
INITIATED. The initiated, while in the lodge, labour to perfect their own mental faculties, as well as those of the whole human race. Here let us seek the secrets of Masonry, in themselves unpronounceable; neither are they to be communicated by the laying on of hands, in a few fleeting hours. Thoughts, the indulgence in which a few short years ago would have been punished by the sword, the stake, or banishment, are, in our days, loved as philanthropic; and princes now do things foi which but a few years back misunderstood philosophers were condemned as mad impostors. But there art thoughts, even in the present day, which the great mast of mankind may mock or curse, but which will in some future period be usefully and beneficially introduced into private life. This has been nearly all, and yet continues to be the chief employment of a genuine Freemason ; although in the lodge those subjects are very seldom openly introduced ; it is for this reason that the great mass consider the ceremonies to be the true secret, whereas they are in reality but the shell in which they are enclosed — Gradicke.
INITIATION. If the brethren, when they enter into this society, do not reflect upon the principles on which it is founded ; if they are content to remain in their primi tive ignorance, or do not act upon the obligations which they have taken upon themselves to discharge, all I can say is, that the sooner such individuals retire from the Order, the better it will be for the society, and the more creditable to themselves. — The. Duke of Sussex- 46
546 INN— INS.
INNER GUARD. The duty of the Inner Guard is to admit Masons on proof, to receive the candidate in form, and to obey the commands of the Junior Warden.
INNOCENCE. That innocence should be the pro- fessed principle of a Mason occasions no astonishment, when we consider that the discovery of the Deity leads us to the knowledge of those maxims wherewith he may be well pleased. The very idea of a God is attended with the belief that he can approve of nothing that is evil ; and when first our predecessors professed themselves ser- vants of the Architect of the world, as an indispensable duty they professed innocency, and put on white raiment, as a type and characteristic of their conviction, and of their being devoted to his will. — Hutckinson.
INQUISITION. The sanguinary tribunals of the inquisition have kept immure many an unfortunate Freemason, for daring to seek Light, Science, and Truth, where Darkness, Ignorance, and Falsehood held an arbitrary sway ! The auto da/6, which, under Philip the Second, was almost quotidian, was insti- tuted to indulge the fanaticism of a barbarous populace, or the capricious ambition of despotic rulers. Not many years ago, a Freemason of the name of Almodovar was burnt in Seville, along with a young wroman who had been convicted by the holy office of having carried on an intercourse with an evil spirit, and of knowing the futuie by heart. Both these helpless victims of ignorance and fanaticism breathed in every feature the most perfect health, so that the hands of the executioner who threw them on the pile trembled all the while. It was in a square, destined to those horrible assassinations, that at the end of a pathetic sermon the two unfortunate beinga were conveyed on ass-back. " Ite missa cst, " was the sign given to throw the wretched creatures on the burning pile. — Freemasons' Quarterly Review.
INSECT-SHERMAH. Many of the Jews believe the Temple to have been a divine work. Some of them sup- pose that the stones were not so framed and polished by human art and industry, but by a worm called samir, which God created for the purpose. And they further feign
INS. 547
ihat the stones came to the temple of their own accord, and were put together by angels. This* legend appears to have arisen from a misrepresentation of the word samlr, which signifies a very hard stone, that might be cut and polished with great perfection. It was an emblem of the peace and quiet of a Christian church. In masonu lore, the above worm is called " the insect shermah."
INSIGNIA. The presiding officers of a lodge aredis tinguished by certain geometrical figures, being combina tions of those which are called perfect, viz., the square, the equilateral triangle, and the circle ; the latter being a general characteristic of grand officers. The compasses (0. M.,) are parts of the triangle; the square (W. M.,) either triangle or square; the level (S. W.,) and the plumb, (J. W.,) are both parts of a square. Now the square, level and plumb, have their separate and specific uses, and are assigned to the three chief officers, as emblems of their respective duties. ^But the Past Master having already executed them all, and being no longer an operative, is relieved from the burden of bearing a work- ing tool, and invested with a problem of the greatest utility in geometrical demonstrations, he having attained the rank of a ruler in Israel ; and therefore the Master's square is relieved by a square silver plate, on which is delineated the forty-seventh problem of Euclid. The compasses are instruments of design, and are thus appointed to the Grand Master. He designs ; the P. M. demonstrates ; the W. M. governs his particular lodge ; the S. W. preserves equality and harmony amongst the brethren ; and the J. W. takes care that the proper hours of labour are maintained. Thus a system of arrangemen; is preserved, which produces order and regularity, anc c«stitutes the Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty i>f Free nrasonry.
INSTALLATION. This ceremony takes place h every lodge at the commencement of the masonic year The officers are instal/ed, and diligently instructed in their respective duties, from the ancient statutes of the Order. It frequently happens that, on those occasions, the newly installed officers prove to the brethren their qualifications, and it is well for the lodge when thev
548 INS
show that they are duly impressed with the importance of the trust reposed in them by their brethren. — Gadicke.
INSTRUCTED. The candidate is instructed by the W. M. in his duties as a Mason; the first and most impressive part of which, is to study the Holy Bible, and to practice the three great moral duties to God, your neighbour, and yourself. To God, by holding his name fu awe and veneration ; viewing him as the chief good, imploring his aid in laudable pursuits, and supplicating his protection on well-meant endeavours. To your neighbour, by always acting upon the square, and considering him equally entitled with yourself to share the blessings of providence, rendering unto him those favours and friendly offices, which, in a similar situation, you would expect from him. And to yourself, by not abusing the bounties of providence, impairing your faculties by irregularity, 01 debasing your profession by intemperance.
INSTRUCTION. Any person can be made a membei of the Order by being initiated ; but by so doing, he for the most part only learns to know the ceremonies ; and the precise bearing or meaning of Freemasonry he must learn by being afterwards instructed. In many lodges those instructions are written out as a commentary, and are given to the lodge from time to time : at these times the W. M. or lecturer has ample room for explanatory remarks. In other lodges it is left to the W. M. to in- struct the brethren upon masonic subjects, according to his own views. These instructions form a principal part of the labors )f a lodge, and the candidate must pay great attention to them. — Gadicke.
INSTRUCTION, LODGES OF. The importance of meetings under this title is sufficiently apparent, by the provision made for their government and regulation in page 90 of the Book of Constitutions ; indeed, to the dis- cipline which pervades, we may say, all of them, the Or- der is much indebted, as it frequently happens that busi- ness of a general nature, which engages the attention of a lodge, prevents a regular practice in the ceremonials of the Order, and the members would require a longer time to become proficient but for the lodges of instruction
INS— INT. 549
whose business being confined to the principal discipline required in the ceremonials, lectures, &c., givts a more ample opportunity to those who seek information, as well as a greater scope to those who are emulous of pre- ferment. There are several lodges of instruction in London, which are attended by brethren distinguished by their masonic attainments, the benefits of which all &re desirous to impart.
INSTRUMENTAL MASONRY. The instrumental consists in the use and application of various tools and implements, such at» the common gauge, the square, the plunib-line, the level, and others that may be called ma- thematical, invented to find the size or magnitude of the several parts or materials whereof our buildings are com- posed, to prove when they are wrought into due form and proportion, and when so wrought, to fix them in their proper places and positions, and likewise to take the dimensions of all bodies, whether plain or solid, and to adjust and settle the proportions of space and extent. To this part also belongs the use of various other instru ments or machines, such as the lever, the wheel and axle, the wedge, the screw, the pulley, &.x, which may be called mechanic, being used to forward and expedite our business, to alleviate our toils, and enable us to per- form with a single hand what could not be done without many, and in some cases not at all ; and those more pro- perly belonging to our brethren of the second degree, styled Fellowcrafts. — Dwnckerly.
INSTRUMENTS. There are certain tools or instru- ments well known to every Master Mason, which have undergone some variations in style and denomination since the revival in 1717. They were then called, set ting maul, setting tool, and setting beetle. Later in the century, they had the names of setting tool, square, and rule ; which at the union were changed into plumb-rule, level, and heavv maul.
INTEGRITY. As no man will build a hou* j upon a bog or a quicksand, a man of suspicious integrit} will be found equally unfit to sustain the character ol a true Mason. — Noorthouc k.
550 INT— INU.
INTERNAL. The internal preparation of a candidate for Masonry, is exemplified by the declaration he is called on to make with respect to the motives which have in Juced him to seek its privileges.
INTERRUPTION. There cannot be a greater rude ness than to interrupt another in the current of his dis course; for if it be not impertinence and folly to answer a man before we know what he has to say, yet it is a plain declaration that we are weary of his discourse, that we disregard what he says as unfit to entertain the so- ciety with, and is, in fact, little less than a downright desiring that ourselves may have audience, who have something to produce better worth the attention of the company. As this is no ordinary degree of disrespect, it cannot but always give a very great offence. — Martin Clare.
INTRODUCTION. The mode of introduction which a Mason ought to use to recommend himself to notice, is a salute of respect to the Master in the chair.
INTRUSTED. When the candidate was intrusted, he represented the tribe of Asher, for he was then pre- sented with the glorious fruit of masonic knowledge, as Asher was represented by fatness and royal dainties.
INUNDATIONS. The inundations of the Nile natu- rally obliterated the landmarks, which consisted princi- pally of holes dug in the earth at certain distances, forming the boundary lines of each estate or division of property ; for I do not find that they used termini, or if they did, they were merely slight stakes, which the waters loosened and washed away. These holes being filled with the alluvial soil brought down from the moun- tains of Ethiopia, when the waters receded, the whole country presented a level surface, and nothing but the practical assistance of geometry could possibly determine the amount and locality of private possessions. From his superior knowledge of geometry, Euclid was enabled to restore to Masonry its ancient systematic usages and customs, as well as to regulate the affairs of Egyptian agriculture ; and he became a general benefactor to the
INV— ION. 551
country, " giving.'' says an old record of the Craft, " to his system the name of geometry, which is now called Masonry."
INVESTED. The investment of the candidate re- ferred to Napthali, and by this ceremony he was consi- dered free ; thus the tribe of Napthali had a peculiar freedom attached to them, in conformity with the divine blessing pronounced by Moses just before his death.
INVESTITURE. Among the primitive Masons, the badge of innocence received a characteristic distinction from its peculiar colour and material; and was indeed an unequivocal mark of superior dignity. The investi- ture of the apron formed an essential part of the cere- mony of initiation, and was attended with rites equally significant and impressive. With the Essenian Masons, it was accomplished by a process bearing a similar tenden- cy, and accompanied by illustrations not less imposing and satisfactory to the newly initiated inquirer. He was clothed in a long white robe, which reached to the ground, bordered with a fringe of blue ribbon, to incite personal holiness, and fastened tightly round the waist with a girdle or zone, to separate the heart from the lower and more impure parts of the body. With feet bare and head uncovered, he was considered a personi- fication of modesty, humility, and the fear of God.
INVOCATION. The invocation used in the United States at the dedication of masonic lodges, is as follows: — " Supreme Architect of all worlds ! vouchsafe to accept the solemn dedication of this hall to the glory of thy holy name ! — Make its walls salvation, and its arch praise. May the brethren who shall here assemble, meet in unity, work in love, and part in harmony. May Fidelity keep the door, Faith prompt the duties, Hope animate the labours, and Charity diffuse the blessings of the lodge ! May wisdom and virtue distinguish the fraternity, and Masonry become glorious in all the earth ! So mote it be! Amen."
IONIC. The Ionic bears a kind of mean proportion between the more solid and delicate orders. It is said
552 IRQ— ISH.
to have been formed after the mode* of an agreeable young woman, of an elegant shape, dressei in her hair; as a contrast to the Doric order, which was formed after that of a robust man. — Preston.
IRON CROW. The crow being an emblem of upright- ness, alludes to the erect manner in which the spirit will arise on that great and awful day to meet its tremendous though merciful judge.
IRON TOOLS. Every piece of the Temple, whether timber, stone, or metal, was brought ready cut, framed and polished, to Jerusalem ; so that no other tools were wanted nor heard, than what were necessary to join the several parts together. All the noise of axe, hammer and saw, was confined to Lebanon, and the quarries and plains of Zeredatha, that nothing might be heard among the Masons of Sion, save harmony and peace.
ISAAC. Abraham offered his son Isaac in sacrifice, tfhen it pleased the Lord to substitute a more agreeable victim in his stead. As Isaac was an express type of Christ, so this event pointed out the great atonement; Isaac was named by a celestial messenger before he was corn — so was Christ; Isaac carried the wood on which he was offered, and Christ bare the cross on which he was crucified; Isaac was offered on Mount Moriah, Christ was offered on an adjoining mountain; Isaac was to suffer by his father's hand, and whose sword was it that pierced Christ? Isaac was redeemed from death three days after Abraham was commanded to offer him up, and Christ was raised from the dead three days after his actual crucifixion. And, lastly, Isaac became the father of the Jews, as Christ is the universal father of Christians.
ISHMAEL. It is probable that Ishmael laughed and jeered at the great bustle which was made at Isaac's weaning, looking upon himself as the firstborn, and by right of that to have the privilege of fulfilling the promise of the Messiah. This gives a good account of Sarah's earnestness for the expulsion, not only of him, but of his mother also; who it is likely flattered him, and bare him up in those pretensions. Many think he did more Mian
ISH— JAH. 553
mock him, because St. Paul calls it persecution, which Hierom takes for beating. Isaac, who perhaps resenting his flouts, might say something that provoked Ishmael to beat him. Arid it is very probable his mother encouraged him in this, or at least maintained him in his insolence, which was the reason why Sarah pressed to have them both turned out of doors. — Bishop Patrick.
ISH CHOTZEB. Hewers of stone in the Tyrian quarries, preparatory of King Solomon's Temple.
ISH SABBAL. The men of burden, being the remains of the old Canaanites who were employed about the work, amounting to 70,000, who are not numbered among the masons.
JACHIN. In the dome of Wortsberg, in front of the entrance to the chamber of the dead, we see on one side on the chapiter of a column, the mysterious inscription Jachin; and at the other side, the word Boaz, on the shaft of a pillar. And the figure of Christ, which occu pies the top of the portal of the church of St. Dennis, has his hand placed in a position well known to all exist- ing Freemasons. — Clavcl.
JACOB'S LADDER. Either resting upon the floor- cloth or upon the Bible: the compasses and the square should lead the thoughts of the brethren to heaven. If we find it has many staves or rounds, they represent as many moral and religious duties. If it has only three, they should represent Faith, Hope, and Charity. Draw Faith, Hope, and Charity from the Bible; with these three encircle the whole earth, and order all thy actions by the square of truth, so shall the heavens be opened unto thee. — Gadickc.
JAH. The inspired writings inform us that the deity was known in idolatrous nations, under his own proper and significant appellation of Jehovah. St. Paul says, that they knew God, though they glorified him not as God, neither were they thankful ; but worshipped the creature rather than the Creator. And God himself tells us that they possessed the Tetragrammaton, Tetractys, or
554 JED— mm.
sacred name, which amongst the Jews was Jah ; for h« says, " from the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be (or is, according to the translation of Cudworth,) great among the Gentiles And they superstitiously believed that the Name was of such sovereign efficacy, as to enable the possessor to cure diseases, work miracles, and foretel future events."
JEDIDIAH. We have a tradition, that King Hiram has been Grand Master of all nations; and when the Temple was finished, came to survey it before its conse- cration, and to commune with Solomon about wisdom and art; when, finding the Great Architect of the Uni- verse had inspired Solomon above all mortal men, Hiram very readily yielded the pre-eminence to Solomon Jedid- lah, i. e.j the beloved of God. — Anderson.
JEHOSHAPHAT. Our ancient brethren who reduced the scattered elements of Freemasonry into order at the beginning of the last century, considered the lodge to be situated in the valley of Jehoshaphat ; and that in what- ever part of the world it might be opened, it was still esteemed, in a figure, to occupy that celebrated locality. Thus it was pronounced, in the earliest known lectures, that the lodge stands upon holy ground, or the highest hill or lowest dale, or in the Vale of Jehoshaphat. This celebrated valley derives its name from Jehovah and Shaphat, which means Christ, and to judge ; and as the prophet Joel had predicted that the Lord would gather together all nations, and bring them down into the val- ley of Jehoshaphat, it was believed by the Jews, (and the Christians subsequently adopted the same opinion) that in this place the transactions of the great day oi 'udgment would be enacted.
mm. This word contains the mystery of the Trinity, as the ancient Jews who lived before Christ testify in their traditions. For by ^ they understand the origin of all things. By n they mean the Son, by whom all things were made. By i which is a conjunction copulative, they understand the Holy Ghost, who is the love which binds them together, and proceeds from them. And further, that n refers to the two natures of Christ, the divine and human. — Vatnlndus.
JEH— JEW. 555
JEHOVAH. Most Christian translators of the Old Testament, including our own, generally abstain from introducing the Name in their versions, putting " the Lord " instead of Jehovah, in this following the example of the Jews, who, to avoid any attempt to pronounce the name, read ^tx Adonai, instead of it, and of the seventy who set dowrn the word Ki^ios in lieu of it. The Jewish notion of this matter is explained in the Talmud, on the authority of R. Nathan Ben Isaac, who is reported to say, " In this world things are not as in the world to come ; in this world we write the name « f God with the letters mm (Jehovah), and read n=^x (Adonai), but in the world to come we shall both read a id write mm."
JEPTHA. There is an old masonic tradition respect- ing Jeptha to the following effect. When the Ephraim- ites had assembled together to molest Jeptha, their leader encamped round a certain pillar, which being placed in an elevated situation, commanded a view of the an- cient country, where Jeptha was prepared to receive him. After the battle, when the Ephraimites were retreating, Jeptha called a council of war to decide upon the necessary means of intercepting them, where it was agreed that they should be made to pronounce a pass- word on the shores of Gilgal, by which they might be distinguished in the dark as in the light. And as they were unable to pronounce this word, they were imme- diately slain. This test wrord having been thus used to distinguish friend from foe, &c.
JESHUA. Jeshua the high priest was a lineal de- scendant from Seraiah, who held the pontificate when the temple was destroyed, and he became the associate and colleague of Zerubbabel in the furtherance of the great design of building the second temple.
JEWELS. The Fremasons' ornaments are three jew- els, the square, the level, and the plumb-rule. Those who are intrusted with them must possess great talents, and whether they can be cautious and worthy guardians of them must be apparent from their previous conduct.
JEWISH MASONS. The true and pure Freemasons
656 JEW.
Lodges allow no Jews to be admitted ; for a Jew, accord- ing to his faith, cannot lay his hand upon the Gospel of St. John as a proof of his sincerity and truth. Also the doctrine of a Triune God is the most important distinction between Christianity and Judaism, and the chief doctrine of Christianity, so that no Jew can acknowledge this symbol, which is so sacred to a Freemason. — Gadicke.
JEWISH SYMBOLS. The Jews had many symbols represented on the Tabernacle and the Temple. Moses placed in the former two cherubims, or sphynxes, as well as ornaments and decorations of flower-work ; and figures of cherubims were embroidered on the veil of the Holy of Holies, on the hangings of the sanctuary, and probably on the curtain also. It is evident, therefore, that Moses never intended to prohibit the use of symbols ; nor was such a thing understood by the Jews in any age. Solo- mon did not so understand him, for in his temple the cherubims "were represented in the Sanctum Sanctorum, and he decorated the walls with palm-trees, cherubims, flowers, and other figures. The brazen sea rested upon twelve oxen. In Ezekiel's description of the temple are many figures, which, like the Egyptian deities, had heads of animals. The pillars, Jachin and Boaz, were decorated with lily-work, net-work, and pomegran- ates, as symbols of the peace, unity, and plenty which distinguished the building. Even after the Babylonish captivity the same symbolical system was used. The golden lamp in the second temple, of which a represent- ation is still extant on the triumphal arch of Vespasian at Rome, was placed on sphynxes. In the roof, and at the gate of Zerubbabel's temple, there were golden vines, thickly charged with rich clusters of grapes.
JEWS. The Jews for five hundred years after their delivery from Egypt, have left not a single masonic tradition beyond that recorded in the first degree, and as the second degree treats upon the arts and sciences it certainly came from a different source than the first, for the ten commandments, and more especially the Talmu- dic explanation of the same, were a bar to the higher studies of the Jews. Nothing sculptured, or otherwise made with hands, whereby the Deity, or eternity was
JOH— JOS. 557
represented, was permitted; and the Rabbinical law saying that the sciences were not necessary, operated so powerfully upon the conscientious part of that people, that they followed the humble employment of a pastoral life. This accounts for the scanty documents we have of the Israelitish Freemasonry. — Husenbcth.
JOHN'S BROTHERS. Before the year 1440 the masonic society was known by the name of John's Brothers, but they then began to be called Free and Accepted Masons, at which time in some part of Flan- ders, by the assistance and riches of the brotherhood, the first hospitals were erected for the relief of such as were afflicted with St. Anthony's fire. Although in the exercise of charity we neither regard country nor religion, yet we consider it both necessary and prudent to initiate none into our mysteries, except those who profess the Christian religion. — Charier of Culnc.
JOINING. If any member shall be excluded from his lodge, or shall withdraw himself from it, without having complied with its by-laws, or with the general regula- tions of the Craft, he shall not be eligible to any other lodge, until that lodge has been made acquainted with his former neglect, so that the brethren may be enabled to exercise their discretion as to his admission. When- ever a member of any lodge shall resign, or shall be excluded, or whenever at a future time he may require it, he shall be furnished with a certificate stating the circumstances under which he left the lodge; and such certificate is to be produced to any other lodge of which he is proposed tc be admitted a member, previous to the ballot being taken. — Constitutiom.
JOPPA. There is an old tradition among Masons, ;hat the banks of the river at Joppa were so steep as to render it necessary for the workmen to assist each other up by a peculiar locking of the right hand, which is still preserved in the Mark-Master' s degree.
JOSEPH. Freemasons are accustomed to esteem Foseph as one of their greatest lights, because of his numerous practical virtues. He forgave his brethier
47
558 JOU— JUN.
freely when he possessed the power of punishing them for tlieir inhumanity towards him, he succoured his aged father in his distress, and by his superior wisdom and discernment, he saved a whole people from destruction. These are all masonic virtues of the first class; and having been beautifully illustrated in the character and conduct of Joseph, his example is recommended to GUI consideration, as an useful lesson more powerful than precept, and more efficacious than admonition.
JOURNEY. Every Freemason, when he is initiated into the Craft, is taught to consider human life as a journey. He would faint with fatigue, lose himself in unknown roads, or fall over high precipices if he was not supported, faithfully conducted, and fraternally warned. By these means he arrives in safety at the end of his journey, and is permitted to receive light himself, that he may be able to support, lead, and warn others when travelling the same road. — Gadicke.
JOURNEYMAN. Three or four years since, a para- graph went the round of the press, deriving the English word "journeyman " from the custom of travelling among workmen in Germany. This derivation is very doubtful. Is it not a relic of Norman rule, from the French "jour nee," signifying a day-man ? In support of this, it may be observed that the German name for the word in ques- tion is " tagelohner," day-worker. It is also well known, that down to a comparatively recent period, artisans and free labourers were paid daily. — Notes and Queries.
JUNiOR WARDEN. The Junior Warden is an im- portant officer. The jewel by which he is distinguished is an emblem of uprightness, and points out the just and upright conduct which he is bound to pursue, in con- junction with the Master and his brother Warden, in ruling and governing the brethren of the lodge according to the Constitutions of the Order ; and more particularly by a due attention to caution and security in the exami- nation of strange visitors, lest by his neglect any unquali- fied person should be enabled to impose upon the lodge, and the brethren be thus innocently led to forfeit their obligation.
JUR— KEY. 559
JURISDICTION. En its general sense, the power 01 right to exercise authority. All Lodges working within the territorial limits of a Grand Lodge are under itfe control and jurisdiction.
JUST AND PERFECT. This appellation, which ia given to St. John's lodges ingeneral, is of a more import ant nature than is generally understood by it, for it i not sufficient for a lodge only to be so far just and per- fect as to belong to a certain Grand Lodge, to work according to an acknowledged ritual, and to have all its officers and members in their proper places, but it must be just unto all the brethren, and perfect in the exercise of every masonic duty. It is not just when the brethren are deprived of their rights, even of superintending the economy of the lodge, for such a lodge has no independ- ence, and he who is not independent cannot exercise his masonic duties as a perfect Master. — Gadicke.
JUSTICE. Justice, the boundary of right, constitutes? the cement of civil society. This virtue in a great measure constitutes real goodness, and is therefore repre- sented as the perpetual study of the accomplished Mason. Without the exercise of justice, universal confusion would ensue, lawless force might overcome the principles of equity, and social intercourse no longer exist. — Preston.
JUSTIFICATION. We do not hesitate to appeal to the world in justificafion of the purity of our moral sys- tem. Our Constitutions are well known; we have submitted them freely to general investigation. We solemnly avouch them as the principles by which we are governed, the foundation on which we build, and the rules by which we work. We challenge the most severe critic, the most practised moralist, the most perfect Christian, to point out anything in them inconsistent with good manners, fair morals, or pure religion. — Harris.
KEY. This symbol may be improved to impress upon the mind of every brother the importance of those secret which have been transmitted through thirty centuries, amidst bitter persecutions, for the benefit of the sons of light. As we have thus received them, untarnished bj
560 KEY— KIN.
the t}uch of profane curiosity, and unimpaired by the revolution of time and empires, let us deliver them, in all their purity and perfection, to succeeding brethren, confident that they will never be divulged to such-»as are unworthy.
KEYSTONE. This refers to the keystone of the Royal Arch, called by some the cape-stone, because they erroneously suppose that a knowledge of the principles of the arch is not so old as the building of the Temple of Jerusalem. It was known, however, to the Egyptians several centuries before Solomon flourished, as modern discoveries fully testify.
KING. The first officer in the Royal Arch Chapter, commonly called the First Principal. He represents Zerubbabel, the Governor of Judea, at the building of the second temple.
KING HENRY VI. In the minority of King Henry VI., a very respectable lodge was held at Canterbury, •"*">d a coat of arms, much the same as that of the Lon- rton Company of Freemasons, was used by them ; whence it is natural to conceive that the said company is descend- «-.u from the ancient Fraternity, and that in former times no man was made free of that company until he was initiated in some lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, as a necessary qualification ; and it not only appears that before the troubles which happened in the reign of this unfortunate prince, Freemasons were universally esteem- ed, but even King Henry himself was made a Mason in the year 1442, and many lords and gentlemen of the court, after his example, solicited and obtained admit- tance into the Fraternity. — Calcott.
KING NAME. The name of God includes all things. He who pronounces it shakes heaven and earth, and inspires the very angels with astonishment and terror. There is a sovereign authority in this name ; it governs the world by its power. The other names and surnames of the Deity are ranged about it like officers and soldiera about their sovereigns and generals. From this King Name they receive their orders and obey. — Calmet.
KIN— KNO. 56]
KINGLY POWER. The kingly power was restored iu the person of Zerubbabel, who sprang from the royal line of David, and the tribe of Judah ; nor was a vestige thereof again effaced until after the destruction of the city and temple by the Romans, under Titus, in the year 70 of the present era, thus verifying the remarkable pro- phecy of Jacob, delivered in Egypt above one thousand years before, that the sceptre should not depart from Judah, nor a law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh came.
KNEE BENT. When we offer up our ejaculations to Almighty God, we will remember a brother's welfare as our own; for as the voices of babes and sucklings ascend to the throne of grace, so most assuredly will the breathings of a fervent heart ; and so our prayers are cer- tainly required for each other. — Ash.
KNEELING. 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 hea- ven. The candidate for Masonry is directed to bend the knee with a similar reference.
KNOCK. A candidate for Masonry is said to have complied with the terms of a certain text of Scripture, by having first sought in his mind whether he were really desirous of investigating the mysteries of Masonry ; then asked counsel of his friend, and lastly having knocked, the door of Masonry became open to him ; and it will be remembered that the door of a Freemasons' lodge does not stand open for every one to enter, neither do we call labourers to the work, but those who wish to work with us must voluntarily offer their services. If he desires to be admitted, he must knock earnestly and manfully. " Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." He who cannot knock in the full confidence of an honourab\e feeling, and is not convinced in his own mind that he deserves to be admitted, ought not to have the door of the lodge open *d to him. — Gadicke.
562 KNO— LAB
KNOWLEDGE. A man of perfect wisdom and knowledge, accomplished in all his ways, and without the least blame, was painted in the Egyptian hierogly nhics with a beautilul face, with wings like an angel, holding in his hands a book, in which he looked, a sword, and a balance, and behind him two vases, one of them full ol water and the other of blazing fire, under his right foot a ball with a crab painted on it, and under his left a deep pot full of serpents, scorpions, and different reptiles, the covering of which had the shape of an eagle's head. — Aben Washih.
KNOW THYSELF. A brother is said to be a good Mason who has studied and knows himself, and has learnt and practised that first and great lesson of subduing his passion to his will, and tries to the utmost of his power to free himself from all vices, errors arid imperfections ; not only those that proceed from the heart, but likewise all other defects of the understanding which are caused by custom, opinion, prejudice, or superstition ; he who asserts the native freedom of his mind, and stands fast in the liberty that makes him free ; whose soul is (if one may so express it) universal and well contracted ; and who despises no man on account of his country or religion; but is ready at all times to convince the world that truth brotherly love, and relief, are the grand principles or which he acts.
LABOUR. An important Word in Freemasonry — we may say the most important. It is for this sole reason ilone, that a person must be made a Freemason ; all other reasons are incidental and unimportant, or uncon- nected with it. Labour is commonly the reason why meetings of the lodge are held, hut do we every time receive a proof of activity and industry ? The work of an operative mason is visible, if even it be very often badly executed ; and he receives his reward if his building is thrown down by a storm in the next momept. He is convinced that he has been active ; so must also the brother Freemason labour. His labour must be visible to himself and unto his brethren, or, at the very least, it must be conducive to his own inward satisfaction. — fradicke.
JACOK S VISION — FAITH. UOPE AND CUARIT"
LAB— LAM. 565
LABOURER. No labourer shall be employed in the proper work of Masonry; nor shall Freemasons work with those that are not free, without an urgent necessity; nor shall they teach labourers and unaccepted Masons as they should teach a brother. — Ancles Charges.
LADDER. Standing firmly on the Bible, square and compasses, is a ladder that connects the earth with the heavens, or covering of a lodge, and is a transcript of that which the patriarch Jacob saw in a vision when journeying to Padanarum, in Mesopotamia. It is com- posed of staves, or rounds innumerable, which point out so many moral virtues, but principally of three, which refer to Faith, Hope and Charity ; Faith in the Great Architect of the Universe, Hope in salvation, and to be in Charity with all mankind, but more particularly with our brethren.
LAMBSKIN. The lambskin has in all ages been con- sidered as an emblem of innocence and peace. The Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world, will grant to those who put their trust in Him, his peace. He, therefore, who wears the lambskin as a badge of Masonry, is reminded of that purity of life and conver- sation, which it is absolutely necessary for them to observe, who expect to be admitted into the Grand Lodge above. — Hardie.
LAMECH. After the sun had desceLded down the seventh age from Adam, before the flood of Noah, there was born unto Mathusael, the son of Mehujael, a man called Lamech, who took unto himself two wives ; the name of one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Now Adah his first wife bare him two sons, the one named Jabal, and the other Jubal. Jabal was the inventor of geometry, and the first who built houses of stone and timber ; and Jubal was the inventor of music and har- mony. Zillah his second wife, bare Tubal Cain, the instructor of every artificer in brass and iron ; and a daughter called Naanmh, who was the first founder of tlm weaver's craft. — Ancient Masonic MS.
506 LAN— LAT
LANDMARKS. What are the landmarks? is a ques- tion often asked, but never determinately answered. In ancient times, boundary stones were used as landmarks before title-deeds were known, the removal of which was
trictly forbidden by law. With respect to the landmarks )f Masonry, some restrict them to the O.B. signs, tokens.
nd words. Others include the ceremonies of initiation, passing, and raising ; and the form, dimensions, and sup- port ; the ground, situation, and covering ; the ornaments, furniture, and jewels of a lodge, or their characteristic symbols. Some think that the Order has no landmarks beyond its peculiar secrets. It is quite clear, however, that the order against removing or altering the landmarks was universally observed in all ages of the Craft.
LATE HOURS. It is a fact, confirmed by experience, that an indulgence in late hours cannot fail to injure the credit and respectability of a lodge, because it introduces other habits which are not consistent with the gravity and decorum which ought always to characterize the proceedings of Masonry. And hence it is an important part of the W. Master's duty, to discountenance such baleful practice. If the brethren meet for the purpose of business, or to cultivate a knowledge of the science by joining in the lectures, let them pursue their labours with assiduity and zeal during the period prescribed in the by-laws ; and should it be necessary for the Junior War- den to perform his office, let the brethren enjoy themselves with decent moderation ; but by all means let the Senior Warden discharge his duty honestly and conscientiously, and let the lodge be closed and the brethren depart to their own homes at such an hour as shall excite no unpleasant feelings, nor call forth reproachful observa- vations from the females of their families, whom it is their duty and interest, as well in the character of husbands and fathers, as of Masons, to love, to cherish. and to oblige.
LATOMUS, OK LATOMIA. (A quarry.) A term some- times applied to Masons. The title is by no means a correct one. The word lapicida is more appropriate, which Bailey defines a hewer of stones; a stone-cutter,
LAW. 567
or Mason. The word is derived from the Greek, and in- tended to apply to a cutter and polisher of precious stones.
LAWS OF THE LAND. The Freemason has the greatest respect for the laws of the land in which lit lives, and he obeys them with the zeal of a faithful subject. If he is intrusted with the putting those laws in force, his masonic duties remind him to be faithful and diligent in applying them. Should the state command the lodge to be closed of which he is a member, he immediately obeys, and visits no assembly which is not allowed, or at least tolerated by the state. In the event of a brother wilfully violating the laws of his country, the Order itself directs the attention of the magistrates unto him, and he who is punished as a criminal by the laws, is excluded from the Order without exception. — Gailicke.
LAWS OF MASONRY. In the Grand Lodge resides the power of enacting laws and regulations for the go- vernment of the Cral't, and of altering, repealing, and abrogating them, provided that they continue to preserve the ancient landmarks of .the Order. No motion for a new law or regulation, or for the alteration or repeal of an old one, shall be made, until it shall have been proposed in, or communicated to, the general committee, which meets on the Wednesday preceding each quarterly communication, nor until it shall have been handed up in writing to the Grand Master. After having been perused and found by him not to contain anything contrary to the ancient land- marks of the Order, the motion may be publicly proposed If seconded, the question shall be put thereon for the opinion of the Grand Lodge. If approved and confirmed at the next ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, it becomes a law of the society. — Constitutions.
LAW-SUITS. If any brother do you an injury, you must apply to your own or his lodge, and from thence you may appeal to the Grand Lodge at the quarterly commu nication, as has been the ancient laudable conduct of oui forefathers in every nation ; never take a legal course bu when the case cannot be otherwise decided, and patiently listening to the honest and friendly advice of Master and fellows, when they would prevent your going to law with
568 LEA.
strangers, tr would excite you to j>ut a speedy period to all lawsuits, that so you may find the affair of Masonry with the more alacrity and success; but with respect to brothers or fellows at law, the Master and brethren should kindly offer their mediation, which ought to be thankfully submitted to by the contending brethren ; and if that sub- mission is impracticable, they must however carry on their process or law-suit without wrath or rancour, (not in the common way) saying or doing nothing which may hinder brotherly love and good oflices to be renewed and continued, that all may see the benign influence of Mason- ry, as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the world, and will do to the end of time. — Ancient Charges.
LEAGUE. It was lawful in ancient times, before the aw of Moses was given, to make leagues with strangers to their religion, for their mutual benefit, as appears by the story of Jacob and Laban, [saac and Ahimelech, (though some doubt whether he was an idolater) and the law of Moses made no alteration. If Hiram therefore worshipped other gods, Solomon might, notwithstanding, make a league with him, (inasmuch as Hiram calls him brother) he being none of the seven nations of Canaan. — Bishop Patrick.
LEATHER APRON. The white leather apron is an emblem of innocence, and the badge of a Mason more ancient than the golden fleece, or Roman eagle, more honourable than the star and garter, or any other order that could be conferred upon the candidate at that or nay future period, by king, prince, or potentate, or any. other person, except he be a Mason ; and which every one ought to wear with pleasure to himself, and honour to the fraternity.
LEAVING. When a brother changes his residence from the place where the lodge is held, of which he is a member, he will act prudently by requiring a written dismissal from the lodge, more especially if there is a lodge in the place where he is going to take up his new abode, and he wishes to become a member of it. In this dismissal it ought to be certified that he had been a diligent workman, and that he hyd done his duty to the
LEB— LEG. 569
lodge, of which he had up to that period been a member. Should there be any other reason why a member declares himself oft' the lodge, it ought to be truly stated, for truth should ever be one of the distinguishing characteristics of a Mason. Without such a written testimonial, no strange brother should be allowed to leave one lodge and join another. In places where there are many lodges, a brother may leave one and join another, but ought not to do so without a written testimonial that he has done his duty to the lodge he is leaving ; should there be any par ticular reason for this step, both lodges ought thoroughly to know them. Many brethren leave one lodge and join another, without any notice whatever to the lodge they have left ; the consciences of those brethren must be their own accusers or excusers. — Gadickc.
LEBANON. The forests of the Lebanon mountains only could supply the timber for the Temple. Such of these forests as lay nearest the sea were in the possession of the Pho3nicians, among whom timber was in such constant demand, that they had acquired great arid ac- knowledged skill in the felling and transportation thereof, and hence it was of such importance that Hiram consented to employ large bodies of men in Lebanon to hew timber, as well as others to perform the service of bringing it down to the sea-side, whence it was to be taken along the coasts in floats to the port of Joppa, from which place it could be easily taken across the country to Jeru ealem. — Kitto.
LECTURE. Literally, a formal or methodical discourse intended for instruction. Lectures have been adopted from the earliest ages as a convenient mode of teaching the elements of every branch of human knowledge. The course of instruction in Freemasonry is divided in parts or sections, which is called a lecture. Each degree is so arranged that the candidate will enjoy the advantage of the theory, the practice, and then the explanation or lecture Those who are desirous of learning the lectures, with the greatest advantage, must regularly attend the Lodges, and be diligently attentive to the instruction they receive there.
In the symbolical lodges of the Couti-
570 LEF— LEN.
nent and elsewhere, a lecturer is annually appointed , and after the W. M , and P. M., the lecturer has the most important office in the lodge. He, as well as the two first officers, must be perfectly acquainted with Freema- sonry, and not only a man who has received a liberal education, but must also possess the true spirit of oratory. His orations or lectures must produce an impression on the minds of his hearers. At the election of a lecturer the electors should bear this in mind, and reflect that he has something more to do than merely read the ritual. If the lecturer has sufficient knowledge to be enabled to teach the brethren Freemasonry, or the bearing of moral truths upon the science in an agreeable and instructive manner, and not in mere mystical forms, he will be will- ingly listened to by the brethren. Some discourses are appropriated to certain seasons, but even these the lec- turer must be able to make interesting, in order that they may not appear as mere repetitions. He who con- fines himself to these discourses, and the mere reading ol the ritual, does not fulfil the duties of his office as he ought.
LEFT HAND. The left hand is mentioned in the system of Freemasonry, as being nearest to the heart. Levinus Lemnius, speaking of the right finger, says that " a small branch of the artery, and not of the nerves, aa Gillius thought, is stretched from the heart unto this finger."
LEGEND. Amongst the Jews the type xa whether expressed dramatically or by words, was a legend or symbol. This methoa of conveying a striking truth by the use of metaphorical imagery, was employed in their private as well as their public affairs. The symbols, parables, or legends, were, in process of time, multiplied so abundantly, as to form the chief contents of the Mishna and Gemara, compiled by the Rabbi Judah Makkadosh and his successors, which form the text and annotations of the Talmud.
LENGTH. The length of the lodge expresses the extent of mas3nic love. With this love our profession will never be in danger of acquiring the appellation o1
LES— LEW. 571
hypocrisy, but will bear the test of scrutiny; and how- ever severely tried, will be found a firm possession. With this love our devotion will be the true devotion of the soul, in all its native simplicity and sincerity. This heavenly spark within our bosoms will catch that hea- venly flame of divine and seraphic love, which alone can unite the Creator with the creature ; and thus alone can be formed and completed, that true felicity of the human soul, the union to its divine original. — Inwood.
LESSER LIGHTS. These lights or luminaries are used to light us to, at, and from labour. They are situ- ated in the east, west, and south, in allusion to the appa- rent course of the sun, which, rising in the east, gains its meridian in the south, and disappears in the west. These luminaries represent emblematically, the sun, moon, and the Master of the lodge.
LEVEL. The level is used by operative Masons to lay levels and to prove horizontals. It is the duty of the foreman or superintendent of every building, fre- quently to prove the various parts of the building by the level, in the course of its erection, and he who neglects this important part of his duty, lays himself open to severe censure. — Gadicke.
LEVY. The timbers for building the temple at Jerusalem, were felled in the forests of Lebanon, where a levy of thirty thousand men of Jerusalem were em- ployed by monthly courses of ten thousand; and the stones were cut and wrought in the quarries of the mountains of Judea, by eighty thousand men, assisted by seventy thousand who bare burthens. — Hemming.
LEWIS. This appellation is given to the son of a Mason. Lewis formerly had the privilege of being initiated into the Order younger than any other person, even in his eighteenth year ; but they only enjoy this privilege now in those lodges where the law does not prohibit any one to be initiated before he has reached his twenty-fifth year. Lewis must also be a cultivated and morally respectable young man, or the entrance into the lodge will be refused to him as well as to those whose fathers are not Masons. — Gadickt
572 LIF— LIN.
LIFE. The sign of the cross amongst the Egyptians signified life, and was the mark by which the Cabalista expressed the number ten, which was a perfect number, denoting heaven, and the Pythagorean Tetractys, or in communicable name of God.
LIGHT. Light is a symbol of knowledge. May every Mason strive incessantly for light, and especially for the light eternal ! When a society is assembled any where to do good, they require an influential person to communicate the light of experience, instruct them, and point out the way they should go, or bring light to them. This may be done symbolically, by suddenly lighting up a dark room with torches. He who thus introduces the light into the lodge, must be a worthy man, and experi- enced in the Craft. — Gadicke.
LILY. This flower was full of meaning among the ancients, and occurs all over the East. Egypt, Persia, Palestine, and India, presented it everywhere over their architecture, in the hands and on the heads of their sculp- tured figures, whether in bas-relief or statue. We also find it in the sacred vestments and architecture of the tabernacle and temple of the Israelites, and see it men- tioned by our Saviour as an image of peculiar beauty and glory, when comparing the works of nature with the deco- rations of art. It is also represented in all pictures of the salutation of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, and in fact has been held in mysterious veneration by all people of all nations and times. It is the symbol of divinity, of purity, and abundance, and of a love most complete in affection, charity, and benediction ; as in Holy Scripture, that mirror of purity, Susannah, is defined Susa, which signifies the flower of the lily, a name given to the chief city of the Persians, for its superior excellency. The three leaves of the lily in the arms of France, mean piety, justice, and charity. — Sir Robert Kcr Porter.
LILY -WORK. Lily-work, from its whiteness, denotes peace.
LINE. The universal bond with which every Mason ought to be united to his brethren, should consist of sixty
LIN— LOD. 573
threads or yarns, because, according to the ancient sta- tutes, no lodge was allowed to have above sixty members ; but it neither depends upon the quality of the thread, nor the number of the brethren, if the bond which unites us all is composed of true brotherly love. — Gadicke.
LINEAR TRIAD. This figure, which appears in some old Royal Arch floor-cloths, bore a reference to the sojourners, who represented the three stones on which prayers and thanksgivings were offered, on the discovery of the lost Word ; thereby affording an example, that it is our duty in every undertaking, to offer up our prayers and thanksgivings to the God of our salvation.
LINK. Refers to Genesis xi.
LION. The lion was a symbol of Jeremiah, because of the terrible voice of his threatening ; and of St. Mark, because his gospel begins with the voice in the wilderness; but principally of Christ, who is denominated the lion of the tribe of Judah, and will ultimately subdue all things to himself; " for he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet."
LODGE. As men call the house of God a church, and when religious services are performed in it, say it is church hours, so also we call the locality in which a lodge assem- bles, a lodge, and when the brethren are assembled in it, it is lodge hours. The form of a lodge is an oblong square. Three well-informed brethren form a legal lodge, five im- prove it, and seven make it perfect. We may also call n room in which a lodge is held, a hall. — Gadicke.
The earliest description of a lodge that I have met with, explains it as being "just and perfect by the numbers three, five and seven." This was subsequently exempli- fied in the following prescribed form. "A lodge oi Masons is an assemblage of brothers and fellows met together for the purpose of expatiating on the mysteries of the Craft, with the Bible, square and compasses, the Book of Constitutions, and the warrant empowering them to act." In the formula used at the present day, a further amplification has been adopted. It is here denominated an assembly of Masons, just, perfect, and regular, who art
574 LOD— LOG.
met together to expatiate on the mysteries of the Order just, because it contains the volume of the Sacred Law unfolded ; perfect, from its numbers, every order of Masonry being virtually present by its representatives, to ratify and confirm its proceedings ; and regular, from its warrant of constitution, which implies the sanction of the Grand Master, for the country where the lodge is held.
LODGES OF LEBANON. Each of the degrees in these lodges had its distinguishing signs, words and tokens, without which confusion and disorder could scarcely have been prevented. The Apprentices messed by seven in a company, and the Fellowcrafts by five. The Masters and Wardens were men of enlightened minds and matured understandings, well skilled in geometry and the rules of proportion. They trained their respective brethren and fellows to the practice of blending moral virtue with the pursuits of science, and inculcated charity or brotherly love, aa the distinguishing feature of their profession.
LODGES OF TYRE. In the quarries of Tyre were two lodges of Super-excellent Masters, as supervisors of the work, over which Tito Zadok, the high priest, pre- sided: these were the Harodim. There were also six lodges of Excellent Masters, eight Grand Architects, and sixteen Architects — men of superior talent, who had been selected for their proficiency in the sciences, and placed as superintendents over the workmen. This was a necessary provision; for thus they were enabled to regulate the proceedings of, and to preserve order and arrangement in, the several departments which were assigned to them. There were three classes of Masters in thirty-six lodges, called Menatzchim, and seven hundred lodges of Ghib- lim, or operative Fellowcrafts, under Hiram AbifF, their Grand Master.
LOGIC. Consists of a regular train of argument, whence we infer, deduce, and conclude, according to certain premises laid down, admitted, or granted; and m it are employed the faculties of conceiving, judging, reasoning, and disposing which are naturally led on
LOV— MAD. 575
from one gradation to another, till the point in question is finally determined. — Preston.
LOVE. The universal charity of a Mason, is like the charity of the Mason's God, and his God is the God of love. Consider the extent of the love of God, and that only, according to his degree, is the extent of masonic charity. In the broad circle of his affections, he encloses all mankind ; he, like the God of love, looks through station, clime, and colour, and with one wish of universal good-will, he wishes well to all mankind. With the compass of his mind, he measures and draws the square of his conduct, and within that square, having honestly provided for his own household, he forms his little angles of benevolence and charity, to the distressed of all communities. — Inivood.
LOYALTY. As Masons you are required to be, as your ancient brethren have always been, true to your Queen, and just to your country ; to teach all within the sphere of your acquaintance to be loyal ; to assist readily in putting down all disloyalty or rebellion; to follow temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice, in your walk through this life; to be good husbands, kind parents, "training up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." — Percy.
MADE. This solemn ceremony should never in any lodge be considered as the most important part of a Freemason's work (although it is always a thing of importance to initiate a new member into the Order.) Instruction and charity are the chief works of a Free- mason. Initiations are only secondary to these. The day of his initiation must ever be an important epoch to a Freemason, and lead to a serious self-examination. The reflection that in one evening he has become closely united with many thousands of unknown men, is of itself important, even if the initiated should not be able to appreciate the real spirit of the Order. On his initiation the candidate must place himself unreservedly in the hands of the proper officer appointed to conduct him, and submit himself to every proof that is demanded from him, and make no objection to any of the cere-
576 MAL— MAIS.
monies he has to go through, but answer every question truly and manfully. When he arrives in the assembly of the brethren he is asked again, and for the last time, if it is his wish to be initiated. In the moment when he is about to receive the first degree, every freedom is permitted to him either to go forward in the ceremony, or return from wrhence he came ; for we must admit that to enter upon an unknown undertaking is a dangerous thing. He who is in earnest will here prove that he holds it to be unworthy of a man not to complete any undertaking which he has commenced after mature deliberation. If he does so, the assembled brethren cheerfully and unanimously pronounce him "worthy," and he is made a partaker of the LIGHT. The solemn obligation taken by the candidate, and the sacred and mysterious manner in which the sacred numbers are communicated, have always been respected by every faithful brother. — Gadicke.
MALLET. This is an important instrument of labour, and no work of manual skill can be completed without it. From it we leam that labour is the lot of man, and that skill without exertion is of no avail ; for the heart may conceive, and the head devise in vain, if the hand be not prompt to execute the design.
MAN. The man formed a part of the cherubic sym- bol, and referred to the prophet Isaiah, because of his prophecy of Christ being a man, by his birth of a virgin : and to St. Matthew, because he gives Christ's human genealogy. It was the insignia of Reuben, and denoted reason and religion.
MANNA. A Royal Arch symbol. The manna is called by David "the bread of angels." Some Rabbina believe that it had this name, because the angels arc refreshed by divine light, "quod lumen incorporatum est, et factum manna." The Rabbi Ishmael, however, does not subscribe to this doctrine, because the angels being immaterial, do not eat material food; and manna being a material substance, could not be made out of the divine light, which is a spiritual substance. Christian divines, however, think that the mystical manna was
MAN— MAR. 577
called the bread of angels, because it was a type of Christ, whom the angels wished to behold.
MANUAL MASONS. The manual consists of such parts of business as are performed by hand labour alone, or by the help of some simple instruments, the uses whereof are not to be learnt by any problems or rules of art, but by labour and practice only ; and this is more peculiarly applicable to our brethren of the first degree, (jailed Entered Apprentices. — Dunckerhij.
MANUAL SIGN. This reminds us of that deliberate and steady prudence which ought to guard our actions, forbidding us to seal with the sacred pledge of our right hand, what the heart has not sanctioned with its appro- bation.— Hemm ing.
MANUSCRIPTS. At the revival in 1717, Grand Master Payne had desired that all old masonic records might be brought into the Grand Lodge in order to discover the usages of ancient times ; and in the year 1721, Dr. Anderson was employed to prepare a Book ot Constitutions. Between these two periods, several very valuable manuscripts concerning the fraternity, their lodges, regulations, charges, secrets, and usages, which had been deposited in private lodges, particularly one written by Nicholas Stone, the Warden under Inigo Jones, were hastily burnt by some scrupulous brothers, under a jealous supposition that commuting to print any thing relating to Masonry, would be injurious to the interests of the Craft • but surely such an act offelo de se sould not proceed from zeal according to knowledge.— Noorthoiich.
MARK OF CAIN. Some say he was paralytic ; th.'a seems to have arisen from the version of the Septuagint " groaning and trembling shalt thou be." The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel says, the sign was from the great and precious Name, probably one of the letters of the name Yehovah. The author of an Arabic catena in the Bodleian Library says, " A sword could not pierce him, fire could not burn him, water could not drown him. and air could not blast him ; nor could thunder or lightning
MAR— MAS.
strike hiir.. The author of Bereshith Rabba, a comment on Genesis, says the mark was a circle of the sun rising upon him. Abravanel says the sign was Abel's dog, which constantly accompanied him. Some of the doctors in the Talmud say, that it was the letter P thau marked on his forehead, which signified his condition, as it is the first letter in the word navrn teshubah, repentance. Rabbi Joseph, wiser than all the rest, says it was a long horn growing out of his forehead ! — Adam Clarke.
MARK MASONS. The degree of Mark-Master Masor may be considered as appendant to that of Fellow Craft although entirely distinct and different from it. The order and harmony which this degree communicated to the builders of the temple at Jerusalem, are incalculable ; and, indeed, without it, so many workmen of different nations would have been in continual confusion. Not only was each workman thereby known to the Senior Grand Warden, but every part of the workmanship, for that stupendous structure, was subjected to the nicest scrutiny — while every faithful labourer received with punctuality the rewards of industry and skill. But it has a speculative allusion infinitely interesting to every accountable being. It typifies the trial of the great day, when every man's work will be proved, whether it be good or bad. That which is imperfect will be cast out, as unfit for the new Jerusalem, into which " nothing can enter that worketh abomination or maketh a lie."
MASON. A Mason is a man whose conduct should be squared by strict rectitude and justice towards hia fel low-creatures ; his demeanour should be marked by the level of courtesy and kindness ; while uprightness oi heart and integrity of action, symbolized by the plumb, should be his distinguishing characteristic ; and thus guided by the moveable jewels of Masonry, he may de- scend the vale of life with joy, in the hope of being accepted by the Most High, as a successful candidate for admission into the Grand Lodge above.
MASON MARKS. Those brethren who have beeu initiated into the degrees of Mark-Man and Mark-Master, perfectly well understand, that the mark which was
MAS. 579
conferred upon the ancient craftsman was not arbitrary, but selected from a defined and well-understood series — that the craftsman was not entitled to use any mark until his fitness had been tried, and he had proved him- self well skilled in the use of the plumb, the level, and the square. That the distinction of the mark was con- ferred with peculiar solemnities ; and that the subsequent obligation to use the particular mark so conferred, and to affix it to every " perfect ashlar," was riot discretionary, but imperative. A knowledge of these facts, combined with a careful examination of the ancient marks, will, no doubt, throw much additional light upon the history 01 ecclesiastical architecture, as well as prove the firmer connection, and show the union existing in past ages, between practical architecture arid symbolical or spiritual Masonry. — Pryer.
MASON'S WIND. At the building of King Solomon's Temple, a Mason's wind was said to blow favourably when it was due east and west, because it was calculated to cool and refresh the men at labour.
MASONIC HALL. A masonic hall should be iso- lated, and, if possible, surrounded with lofty walls, so as to be included in a court, and apart from any other buildings, to preclude the possibility of being overlooked by cowans or eavesdroppers ; for Freemasonry being a secret society, the curiosity of mankind is ever on the alert to pry into its mysteries, and to obtain by illi-cit means, that knowledge which is freely communicated to all worthy applicants. As, however, such a situation in large towns, where Masonry is usually practised, car: seldom be obtained with convenience to the brethren, the lodge should be formed in an upper story ; and if there be any contiguous buildings, the windows should be either in the roof, or very high from the floor.
MASONIC YEAR. Freemasons date their year accord ing to Mosaic chronology, or from the creation of the world, thus four thousand years more than the common calendar shows. The masonic year does not commence on the 1st January, but on the 24th June. But this way of reckoning is only usual in the writings of the Order
580 MAS.
MASONRY. It is useless to profess a knowledge of Freemasonry, if we do not frame our lives according to it. It is not enough to be acquainted with its doctrines and precepts, if we fail to reduce them to practice. In such a case, our knowledge will rather tend to our dis- honour in this world, and will certainly be an additional article of accusation against us in the next. It would be very unreasonable to doubt the beneficial effects of our masonic precepts ; but to admit them to be true, and yet act as if they were false, would be unwise in the highest degree. I will not, however, do my brethren the injustice to believe that many of them are capable of such a per- version of reason. And it is my firm persuasion, that they who practise the duties which Freemasonry teaches, in conjunction with the faith propounded in their reli- gion, will inherit that eternal city of God, where they will be associated with a holy and happy fraternity of saints and angels, and enjoy the sweet communings of brotherly love for ever and ever.
MASTER OF THE CEREMONIES. He must be the first at every assembly of the brethren, to see that all preparations are made that are necessary for holding a lodge, and then invite the brethren to enter. He intro- luces the visiting brethren, and shows them their places. He must enter into conversation with every stranger who comes into the ante-chamber, to discover if he is a brother. In the lodge he must pay attention, and see that everything necessary for the due solemnity is pre- pared before the lodge is opened, and that nothing may disturb that solemnity while it is open. His seat is so placed, that the W. M. has him in full view, and he can leave it as often as he thinks necessary without asking leave of the W. M. He has the same charge at the ban- quet, a.id - the serving brethren are generally under his direction. Visitors apply to him first; and it is therefore necessary to fill this office with an experienced Mason, and, if it be practicable, with one who speaks different foreign languages. — Gadicke.
MASTER OF A LODGE. All preferment among Masons should be grounded upon real wr rth and personal merit only, therefore no brother shall be elected Master
MAT— MEE. 581
of a lodge, or appointed to any office therein, merely on account of seniority or rank. The Master, who must have previously been appointed and served as a Warden of some warranted lodge, shall be annually elected by ballot; and at the next lodge, when the minutes are confirmed, he shall be installed in the chair according to ancient usage; he shall then appoint his Wardens and all other officers of the lodge, except the Treasurer and Tyler — Constitutions.
MATERIAL LIGHT. Light is one of the most astonishing productions of the creative skill and power of God. It is the grand medium by which all his other works are discovered, examined, and understood, so far as they can be known. Its immense diffusion and extreme velocity are alone sufficient to demonstrate the being and wisdom of God. Light has been proved by many experi- ments to travel at the astonishing rate of 194,188 miles in one second of time ! and comes from the sun to the earth in eight minutes lift! seconds, a distance of 95,513,794 English miles. — Adam Clarke.
MATURE AGE. The Order of Free and Accepted Masons should consist solely of men of mature age, and it is in accordance with this rule that young men and boys are denied admittance;. In the ancient charges of the English Constitution Book, under date 29th December, 1729, it is laid down as a rule that no person shall be initiated under twenty-five years of age. The lodges of other countries initiate at an earlier period, and the son of a Freemason, called Lewis, is allowed to be initiated much earlier.
MEET ON THE LEVEL. The level is an emblem cf equality, because with God there is no respect of persons, and in his sight all men are equal, liable to the same infirmities, redeemed by the same Saviour, subject to the same death and judgment. This is the sense in which Masons understand the quality of members in tyled lodges They know nothing of that levelling equality which is the idol of the revolutionists of this world ; they are taught by their Constitutions to be "peaceable sub- jects, and obedient to the civil powers," and are enemies 49
582 MEE— HER.
to that confusion and anarchy which is destructive of social happiness. Hence the level distinguishes the Senior Warden to remind him that while he presides over the labours of the lodge by command of the W. M., as the Junior Warden does over its refreshments, it is his duty to see that every brother meets upon the level, and that the principle of equality is preserved during the work, without which harmony, the chief support of our insti- tution, could not be maintained in its purity and use- fulness.
MEETINGS. Our meetings, when conducted accord- ing to the true spirit of the Order, are characterised by an emulation to excel in wisdom, and the knowledge of practical virtue; and that the instruction incessantly poured from the Master's chair is derived from an ample and exhaustless mine, stored with the richest gems of morality and religion, to reform the manners, and culti- vate genial propensities in the mind.
MEMBERSHIP. A Mason may withdraw from his lodge, but the membership remains inviolable. The true Mason considers, as one of his most sacred duties, the exact fulfilment of the engagements which bind him to his rite, the lodge from whence he first received the light and the masonic body from which he received his powers. He cannot be relieved from his obligations, except by the masonic power with which he made his engagements, and according to the masonic laws which he has sworn to observe and respect. Every attempt which may have for its object to compel a Mason, either by persecution or violence, to quit a rite to which he belongs, is contrary to the spirit and laws of Masonry.
MENATZCHIM. Overseers and comforters of the people in working, who were expert Master Masons.
MENTAL. The mental qualifications of a candidate embrace sanity of mind, a capability of understanding the obligations and instructions of the Order, that he may be prepared to perform its duties.
MERCY. A virtue which inspires us with a com
MER— MET. 585
passion for others, and inclines us to assist them in theii necessities. It is one of the noblest attributes of the Deity, speaking after the manner of men, and explaining what, by supposition, may pass in the mind of God, by what passes in the human mind. The object of mercy is misery; so God pities human miseries, and forbears to chastise severely; so man pities the misery of a fellow man, and assists to diminish it. — Calmet.
MERIDIAN. The sun being a fixed body, the earth constantly revolving round it on its own axis, it necessa- rily follows that the sun is always at its meridian ; and Freemasonry being universally spread over its surface, it follows, as a second consequence, that the sun is always at its meridian with respect to Freemasonry.
MERIT. At the building of King Solomon's temple, merit alone entitled to preferment ; an indisputable in- stance of which we have in the Deputy Grand Master of that great undertaking, who, without either wealth or power — without any other distinction than that of being the widow's son — was appointed by the Grand Master, and approved by the people, for this single reason, because he was a skilful artificer. — Wkitmash.
MESOURANEO. The point within the circle was an universal emblem to denote the temple of the Deity, and referred to the planetary circle, in the centre of which was fixed the sun, as the universal God and father of nature ; for the whole circle of heaven was called God. Pythagoras esteemed the central fire the supernal man- sion of Jove ; and he called it Mtaov^avso, because the most excellent body ought to have the most excellent olace, i. e. the centre.
METAL. Many men dote on the metals silver and gold with their whole souls, and know no other standard whereby to estimate their own worth, or the worth 01 their fellow-beings, but by the quantity of these metals they possess, thereby debasing and degrading those quali- ties of the mind or spirit by which alone mankind ought to be estimated. He who wishes to be initiated into Freemasonry must be willing to relinquish all descrip-
5S4 MET— MID.
tions of metal, and all the adventitious circumstances o( rank and fortune, for it is the MAN that is received into Freemasonry, and not his rank or riches. — Gadicke.
METAL TOOLS. At the building of King Solo- mon's Temple there was not heard the sound of axe, hammer, or any other tool of brass or iron, to disturb the peaceful sanctity of that holy place. The stones were hewn in the quarry, there carved, marked, and numbered. The timber was felled and prepared in the forest of Lebanon, and conveyed by floats from Tyre to Joppa ; the metals were fused and cast on the plains of Zeredathah ; after which the whole was conveyed to Jerusalem, and there set up by means of mauls, and other instruments prepared for that purpose.
MIDDLE CHAMBER. The Temple of Solomon etood on Mount Moriah, and occupied the site of the present mosqr.e of Omar, beneath the dome of which is a remarkable rock, fifteen feet above the level of the sur- rounding platform, evidently left by design for a peculiar purpose, and well answering to the account in 1 Kings vi., where it is stated that " the door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house, and they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third ;" thus establishing the fact that the Holy of Holies was on an elevated spot, to which, and to nothing else, can this remarkable rock be referred with the shadow of a reason.
MID-DAY. As often as the Freemason commences his work, it is noon or mid-day, or that time in which the sun has attained its greatest altitude ; for the earth being round, the sun is always on the meridian some- where. The Freemason has the most enlightened and useful works to do ; and when high noon is passed, he must be able to give the most satisfactoiy proofs ol the utility of his labour.
MIDNIGHT. It is only when midnight draws near that a freemason thinks of concluding his labour ; in fact, Lis activity and industry should penetrate unto high midnight, or low twelve.
MIDDLE CHAMBER.
MIL— MIS. 587
MILITARY LODGES. No warrant shall be granted for the establishment of a military lodge without the consent of the commanding officer of the regiment, bat- talion, or company, to which it is to be attached, being first obtained. No military lodge shall, on any pretence, initiate into Masonry any inhabitant or sojourner in any town or place at which its members may be stationed, o. through which they may be marching, nor any persor who does not at the time belong to the military pro- fession, nor any military person below the rank of a corporal, except as serving brethren, or by dispensation from the Grand Master, or some provincial Grand Master. — Constitutions.
MINERVA. Freemasons use the statue of Minerva, or open temples with her statue therein, as symbols of wisdom. Mythology teaches us that Jupiter opened his scull to bear Minerva, for this reason — she is the symbol of all thoughts that are formed in the head, and the protectress of the arts and sciences. She is generally represented as a young female in Grecian costume, and has an owl or a cock by her side, as a symbol of useful study and watchfulness.
MINUTE BOOK. Every lodge shall have its by-laws fairly written, and shall also keep a book or books in which the Master, or some brother appointed by him as secretary, shall enter the names of its members, and of all persons initiated or admitted therein, with the dates of their proposal, admission, or initiation, passing, and raising ; and also their ages, as nearly as possible, at that time, and their titles, professions, or trades, togethc. with such transactions of the lodge as are proper to be written. — Constitutions.
MISCONDUCT. If any brother behave in such a way as to disturb the harmony of the lodge, he shall be thrice formally admonished by the Master, and if he persist in his irregular conduct, he shall be punished according to the by-laws of that particular lodge, or the case may be reported to higher masonic authority. — Constitutions.
588 HOC— MOM.
MOCK MASONS. In the year 1747 some unfaithful brethren, disappointed in their expectations of the high offices and honours of the society, joined a number of the buffoons of the day, in a scheme to exhibit a mockery of the public procession to the grand feast. This, as may well be supposed, furnished mirth to the gaping crowd, and disgust to the society, who, wisely recollect- ng themselves, determined in future to confine their operations within the limits of their own assembly. They were called Mock Masons. — Noorthouck.
MODEL. The Temple of Solomon was erected ac- cording to the model presented by God to King David, who nevertheless was not permitted to build this sacred temple himself, because his hands had been stained with blood.
MODERATION. Towards the well-governing of a lodge of Masons, I would recommend moderation in the superior officers aud subordination in the brethren ; for without mutual good will, equanimity of temper, arid reciprocal forbearance, the superstructure will crumble to decay, and the lodge, sooner or later, be inevitably dissolved.
MONAD. The monad is the principle of all things. From the monad came the indeterminate duad, as mat- ter subjected to the cause monad ; from the monad and the indeterminate duad, numbers ; from numbers, points ; from points, lines ; from lines, superficies ; from super- ficies, solids ; from these solid bodies, whose elements are four, fire, water, air, earth ; of all which, trans- mutated and totally changed, the world consists. — Stanley.
MONITORIAL. The monitorial sign reminds us of the weakness of human nature, unable of itself to resist the power of Darkness, unless aided by that Light, which is from above, and we thus acknowledge our own frailty, and that we can do no good acceptable service but through Him from whom all good and just counsel doth proceed, arid under whose divine and special favour we cai> neve-- be found unprofitable servants in His sight.
MOO— MOR. 589
MOON. The moon is the second lesser light in Free- masonry, moveable, not fixed, and receiving her light from the sun. Changing Wardens lead and assist us» and the moon lights the wanderer on his way by night, but clouds may intercept the light of the moon ; for this reason we must not depend upon her, but choose our road by a great and fixed light. — Gadicke.
MORAL ARCHITECTS. As moral architects we build temples for every virtue ; prisons and dungeons for vice, indecency, and immorality. We are disposed to every humane and friendly office ; ever ready to pour oil and wine into the wounds of our distressed brethren, and gently bind them up, (it is one of the principal ends of our institution,) so that when those who speak evil or lightly of us shall behold our conduct, and see by our means the hungry fed, the naked clothed, the sick sus- tained and cherished — shall see our light so usefully shine — their evil-speaking may be silenced, their fool- ish prejudices removed, and they may be convinced that Masonry is an useful and a venerable structure, supported by the great and everlasting pillars of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. — Codrington.
MORAL DUTIES. The science of Freemasonry em- braces every branch of moral duty, whether it be applied to God, our neighbour, or ourselves. This peculiarity in the system is expressly inculcated on every member of the Order at his first admission into a lodge ; so anxi- ously has Freemasonry provided against any mistake as to its peculiar tenets. No brother can be ignorant of the great points of masonic duty, although he may be unac- quainted with the minuter details. The traditions and peculiar doctrines which are included in the more abstruse portions of the lectures may have remained unexplored ; but of its moral and religious tendencv he cannot be uninformed.
MORAL LAW. A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obey the moral law ; and if he rightly understand the art, he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine. He of all men should best know that God not as man seeth ; for man looketh at the outward
590 MOR.
appearance, but God looketh to the heart. A Mason is therefore particularly bound never to act against the dic- tates of his conscience. Let a man's religion or mode of worship be what it may, he is not excluded from the Order, provided he believe in the glorious Architect of heaven and earth, and practise the sacred duties of mo- rality.— Ancient Charges.
MORAL QUALIFICATIONS. The moral qualifica- tions of a candidate are, that he shall neither be an atheist, an infidel, nor an irreligious libertine ; that he must practise the four cardinal and the three theologi- cal virtues ; he must be an humble believer in the wis- dom, power, and goodness of God, because this consti- tutes the religious creed of Freemasonry, and acts as a check upon vice, and a stimulus to virtue.
MORAL .PHILOSOPHY. The moral philosophy of the Order refers to Him whose injunctions to his crea- tures are peculiarly applicable to the performance of Christian duty. It teaches that we owe a duty to God, which includes reverence for his name and attributes, veneration for his sacred character, and obedience to his just commands. It speaks of a duty to our neighbour; with whom we are directed to act on the square in all the transactions of life. It inculcates a duty to ourselves. We are expected to cultivate self-knowledge and self- respect. For this purpose, an attention to the four cardinal virtues is recommended, as well as the practice of every moral and social duty. Prudence should direct us ; Temperance should chasten us ; Fortitude support us; and Justice be the guide of all our actions. And in the course prescribed for the regulation of our conduct, we are directed to maintain in their fullest splendour those truly masonic ornaments, — Benevolence and Cha- rity ; and to imprint indelibly on our minds the sacred dictates of Truth, Honour, and Virtue.
MORALITY. The morality of Masonry requires us to deal justly with others; not to defraud, cheat, or wrong them of their just dues or rights. But it goes further ; regarding all as the children of one great Father, it considers man as bound by piety, masonic mo-
MOR— MOS. 591
rality, and fraterna bonds, to minister to the wants of the destitute and afflicted ; and that we may be enabled to fulfil this high behest of humanity, it strictly enjoins industry and frugality, that so our hands may ever be filled with the means of exercising that charity to which our hearts should ever dispose us. — Henkle.
MORIAH. The name of the whole mountain, on th several hills and hollows of which the city of Jeiusalem stood, was called Moriah, or Vision; because it was high land, and could be seen afar off, especially from the south; but afterwards that name was appropriated to the most elevated part on which the Temple was erected, and where Jehovah appeared to David. This mountain is a rocky limestone hill, steep of ascent on every side, except the north, and is surrounded on the other sides by a group of hills, in the form of an amphitheatre, which situation rendered it secure from the earthquakes that appear to have been frequent in the Holy Land, and have furnished the prophets with many elegant allusions. — Home.
MORTALITY. Let the emblems of mortality which lie before you lead you to contemplate your inevitable destiny, and guide your reflection to that most interest- ing of human study — the knowledge of yourself. Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day ; continue to listen to the voice of nature, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to trample the King of Terrors beneath our feet, and lift our eyes to the bright Morning Star, whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.
MOSAIC PAVEMENT. The mosaic pavement was found before the porch of King Solomon's Temple. For- tunate are they who can draw near unto it, as also unto the porch. — Gadicke.
MOSES. Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; he was initiated in all the knowledge of the wise men of that nation, by whom the learnir.g of anti-
592 MOT.
quity had been retained and held sacred ; wrapped up from the eye of the wicked and vulgar in symbols and hiero- glyphics, and communicated to men of their own order only, with care, secrecy, and circumspection. This secrecy is not in any wise to be wondered at, when we consider the persecution which would have followed a faith unacceptable to. the ignorance of the nations who were enveloped in superstition and bigotry. Moses purged divine worship of its mysteries and images, and taught the Jews the knowledge of the God of the Universe, unpolluted with the errors of the nations of the earth, and uncorrupted with the devices and ludicrous ceremonies instituted by the people of the east, from whom he derived his first knowledge of the Divinity. — Hutchinson.
MOTIONS. Let the Master of a lodge discourage, on all occasions, that itching propensity which incites a brother to make motions on indifferent or trifling sub- jects. Any motion, on which the lodge is divided, must be to a certain extent injurious, amongst so many various habits, views, and propensities, as usually constitute a lodge of Masons.
MOTIVE OK REASON. He who wishes to enter into the Order of Freemasonry, should first be able to render unto himself a good and satisfactory account why he wishes to take that step. This is not easy. A man who is not a Freemason, can only know the Order by hearsay, or by reading masonic books, and it is rather a dangerous undertaking to join a society, with which a person is totally unacquainted. It is quite different to joining any other select society, who publish their rules and regulations, and the names of all their members, and by those means invite others to join their society. Free masons on the contrary, try to persuade no one to join their society, do not publish their rules or regulations, and the names of the members are very rarely known, and what is more, the candidate must submit himself to rules and regulations, the purport of which are entirely un- known unto him ; it is true, that there is nothing in those rules contrary to the laws of God, or to his duty to his king and country, as a good citizen (if the state ; but he who is not a Freemason, cannot have any clear idea of
MOU— MUS. 593
what those duties are. What then are the motives suffi- ciently string to induce a free man to ofier himself as a candidate for admission into a comparatively unknowc society. Those parties act the most prudently, who ad- mit that they wish to join the Order, because as a useful and innocent society, it has enjoyed the protection of tht state for such a number of years, because so many pru dent men are members of the Order, and because, ii general, the members distinguish themselves by the pro priety of their manners, the uprightness of their busines transactions, and the correctness of their moral conduct — Gadickc.
MOUNT OF GOD. The ascent to the summit of the paradisiacal mount of God, by means of a pyramid consist- ing of seven steps, was an old notion, certainly enter- tained before the vision of Jacob, for it prevailed amongsr the Mexican savages ; and the original settlers on th« vast continent of America could have no knowledge o^ this vision, either by tradition or personal experience The Jewish Cabaiists entertained a belief that the para- disiacal mount was the place of residence chosen by the children of Seth, while the contaminated descendants ot Cain resided in the plains below ; and its altitude was said to be so great, that from its summit might be heard the angels of heaven, singing their celestial anthems before the throne of God !
MOVEABLE JEWELS. The compasses, square, level and plumb, are called the moveable jewels, because they distinguish the officers of a lodge, and are transfer- able to their successors. They were formerly suspended from narrow white ribbons, which were succeeded by blue of the same width; but the regulation now is, "the collars to be made of light blue ribbon four inches broad; if silver chain be used, it must be placed ever the light blue ribbon."
MUSIC. Music teaches the art of forming concords, so as to compose delightful harmony, by a proportional arrangement of acute, grave, and mixed sounds. This art, by a series of experiments, is reduced to a science, with respect to tones, and the intervals of sound oulv 50
594 MUS— MYS.
It inquires into the nature of concords and discords, and enables us to find out the proportion between them by numbers. — Preston.
MUSICAL BRETHREN. No lodge is willingly held without songs and music, or a piano at least. If there are many brethren belonging to a lodge who can contri- bute to the musical entertainment, they form themselves into a musical society, and thus provide both social and sacred musical entertainments. — Gadicke.
MYSTERIES. The usages and customs of the ancients in their secret societies are called mysteries. If by mys- teries we merely understand a secret religion, then, in the civilized part of the globe, there can be no mysteries, for God may be openly worshipped everywhere; but if by mysteries we understand secret ceremonies and doc- trines, then we may say that there are still mysteries among Freemasons. But we do not call our secrets mysteries, and we thereby prove that with us there can be no secret religion. No one among us is a mystagogue, and our outward appearance has nothing mysterious about it. — Gadicke.
MYSTERY. The word mystery has given occasion to many improper impressions against our masonic socie- ties. Treason, infidelity, a charge of taking rash and unnecessary obligations, have been laid to their responsi- bilitvj yet none of these charges have ever been sub stantiated by their persecutors. The word mystery hat. brought down anathemas from over-zealous divines upon the heads of Masons, and has induced merciless governors to use their weapons against the Craft, when, upon a slight inquiry, the church as well as the state might be informed, that devotion to God, obedience to the state, and to all superiors, brotherly love and universal charity are the principles which separate our Fraternity from all other sectet societies which have of late years risen, to the degradation of religion, and to the danger of good order in society and the state. — Husenbcth.
MYSTIC. Denotes a secret doctrine which wrorkt specially up >n the feelings of the heart, or <>f feelings
MYS -NAM. 595
which cannot be expressed by words. The mystic is a man who believes himself exalted above tl.e material world, and feels himself united with the immaterial and spiritual. We may call mysticism the feeling of faith, or living and moving in supernatural and immortal life. Every man ought to be somewhat mystical, but ought to guard against that coarse mysticism, which believes in intercourse with angels, and to be able to penetrate into the third heaven. — Gadicke.
MYSTIC TIE. The sacred and universal principle oi the ro3'al art, which unites men of the most opposite tenets, of the most distant countries, and of the most contradic- tory opinions in one indissoluble bond of affection, so that in every nation a Mason finds a friend, and in every clime a home, has been amply denominated the mystic tie, and the Fraternity are often termed " Brethren of the Mystic Tie."
MYSTICAL LECTURE. The mystical knowledge of the Royal Arch degree, comprehends the form and exposition of the sacred signs, and the nature and import of the Holy Word, and the traditional ceremony to be used in showing and communicating the secrets.
NAKED FEET. The act of going with naked feet was always considered a token of humility and reverence, and the priests in the Temple always officiated with feet uncovered, although it was frequently injurious to their health. The command thus given to Moses, did not represent the civil and legal ceremony of putting off the shoes, as the Jews were subsequently directed to do, when they renounced any bargain or contract, nor yet the sign of grief and sorrow, as when David entered into Jerusalem barefooted; but it was enjoined that Moses might approach that sacred place with reverence and godly fear, as if it had been a temple consecrated to divine worship. Thus the preacher says, " Take heed unto thy feet, when thou enterest the temple of God "
NAME OF GOD. Josephus says that the Name was never known, until God told it to Moses in the wilder- ness; and that he himself did not dare to mention it. for
NAM.
that it was forbidden to be used, except once in a year by the High Priest alone, when he appeared before the Mercy Seat on the day of expiation. He further adds that it was lost through the wickedness of man ; and hence has arisen a difference of opinion, some supposing the Word itself lost; others, the import, or the meaning only; and many, the manner of its delivery; and from hence contend, that Moses did not ask the Almighty for his name to carry to his brethren, but for the true delivery or pronunciation only. How far that might be the case, is to us uncertain ; but it is certain that the true mode of delivery cannot now be proved from any written record; first, because it is capable of so many variations from the manner of annexing the Masoretic points, which points were not extant in the days of Moses; and secondly, because the language now in use amongst the Jews, is so corrupt and altered from that in which he wrote, that none of them, except some few of their learned, understand anything of it; for which reason the Jews call it nTjsnn DO Shem Hamphoreth, the unutterable name. Hence is our learned brother Pytha- goras his ler^a^afifiniov or quaternion. — Dunkerly.
NAME OF THE LODGE. Any lodge which may not be distinguished by a name or title, being desirous jf taking one, must for that purpose procure the appro- bation of the Grand Master or Provincial GranoJ Master, ;md the name must be registered with the Grand Secre- tary. No lodge shall be permitted to alter its name without the like approbation. — Constitutions.
NAMES OF MASONRY. We still retain all the names by which the science has been distinguished in every age of the world, either in its speculative or operative form; whether it were characterized by the name of Lux, as in the patriarchal age; or Geometry, as it was called by Euclid; or Philosophy, as Pythagoras named it; or Mesouraneo, or any other title; a memorial of such designation has been embodied in the system. We say Freemasonry is a system of Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, and the definition was adopted from our ancient G. M. King Solomon, who called the science Wisdom ; which by the Cabalists was subsequently de-
NAT— NEH. 597
nominate*! Baphomet. And he defines it thus: "Wis- dom is the worker of all things; she is the brightness of the everlasting Light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness. She is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of the stars; being compared with the light, she is found before it."
NATURE AND ART. If we take a view of the pro ductions of nature and art on the face of the planet which we inhabit, we shall tiud that all is replete with the divine principle of the Order. There is not a mountain or valley, a tree, a shrub, or a blade of grass ; there is not a magnifi- cent structure of polished marble, rich in the splendid decorations of gorgeous architecture, or a refuse stone rejected from the quarry ; there is not an object, animate or inanimate in universal nature, but it is instinct with the genius of Freemansonry ; and the learned brother may find an instructive masonic lecture in the wing of a moth, as well as the motions of the august lights o heaven.
NEBUCHADNEZZAR In the eleventh year of the reign of Zedekiah, King of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Bab}7lon, besieged, and took the city of Jerusalem, set fire to the temple and city, totally leveling and razing it until it became desolate, and the remnant of the people who escaped the swovd he carried away captive to Babylon.
NEGATIVE. When any one is proposed to become a member, or any person to be made a Mason, if it appear upon casting up the ballot that he is rejected, no member or visiting brother shall discover, by any means whatso- ever, who those members were that opposed his election, under the penalty of such brother being for ever expelled the lodge (if a member,) and, if a visiting brother, of his being never more admitted as a visitor, or becoming a member ; and immediately after a negative passes on any person being proposed, the Master shall cause the law to be read, that no brother present may plead ignorance. — Old Constitutiojis.
NEHEMIAH- Nehemiah was entrusted with a sj»ecia;
61)3 NEI— NEU.
commission to rebuild the walls, and renew the fortifica- tions of Jerusalem, and to effect a full restoration of the lands and property which had been seized during the captivity, by the neighbouring nations. When he arrived at Jerusalem, and took possession of his government, he found his country's enemies, the Samaritans and others, headed by Sanballat, Tobias and Geshem, opposing every obstacle that might distress and discommode the Jews. The reparations of the walls and fortifications met with a formidable resistance from those people, who conspired to attack the Jews while engaged in labour, and conse- quently unarmed ; and to this they were encouraged by some traitors within the city. The vigilance of Nehemiah frustrated the scheme.
NEIGHBOUR. Freemasonry instructs us in our duty to our neighbour, teaohes us to injure him in none of his connections, and in all our dealings with him, to act with justice and impartiality. It discourages defamation, it bids us not to circulate any whisper of infamy, improve any hint of suspicion, or publish any failure of conduct. It orders us to be faithful to our trusts, to deceive not him who relieth upon us, to be above the meanness of dissimu- lation, to let the words of our mouths be the thoughts of our hearts, and whatsoever we promise, religiously to perform. — Codrino-ton .
NETWORK. Was one of the enrichments with whiJi I he chapiters of the two pillars of Solomon's Porch weie adorned. From the connection of its meshes, it denoted unity.
NEUTRAL. As all were not of Christ who called themselves Christians in the time of the apostles, so all are not Masons who have been initiated into the Order. A knowledge of signs, words and tokens, without an ability to apply them according to their proper design, can no more constitute a Mason, than the possession of working tools can make a man a carpenter, unless he knows how to use thorn. Th?re are many erroneous opinions abroad on this point. A person procures initia- tion, and fancies that is all he wants. There never w»s a more fatal mistake. Initiation is but the horn-book of
NEW— N1N. 509
Masonry, and is only of the same use towards a knowledge of its principles, as the alphabet is to those who desire to excel in literary attainments. If this consideration were duly enforced upon every candidate for Masonry, the Order would assume a different aspect, and its genuine lustre would be more universally displayed.
NEW LAW. No motion for a new law or regulation or for the alteration or repeal of an old one shall be made, until it shall have been proposed in, or communicated to, the general committee, nor until it shall have been handed up in writing to the Grand Master. After hav- ing been perused and found by him not to contain any- thing contrary to the ancient landmarks of the Order, the motion may be publicly proposed. If seconded, the question shall be put thereon for the opinion of the Grand Lodge. If approved and confirmed, at the next ensuing meeting of the Grand Lodge, it becomes a law of the society. — Gcnutitutioii*.
NILE. In the time of Euclid the river Nile over flowed so far, that many of the dwellings of the people of Egypt were destroyed. Euclid instructed them in the art of making mighty walls and ditches, to stop the progress of the water ; and by geometry measured out the land, and divided it into partitions, so that each man might ascertain his own property. — Old Masonic Manu- script.
NIL NISI CLAVIS DEEST. Attached to the inter- secting triangle of the original jewel of the Royal Arch there is frequently the motto of " nil nisi clavis deest,'' which is a declaration that the wearer of a jewel con- taining this emblem is desirous of doing his duty, and tilling up with justice that link in the chain of creation, wherein the Most High hath pleased to place him.
NINE. Nine being the square of three, is a perfect ternary, beyond which there is no number. It is ob- served by arithmeticians, says Hume, (Dial. Nat. Rel. p 167,) " that the products of nine compose always either 9, or some lesser products of 9, if you add together all the characters of which any of the former products is
GOG NIN— OAT.
composed. Thus of 18, 27, 36, which are products of 9, you make 9 by adding 1 to 8, 2 to 7, 3 to 6. Thus 309 is a product also of nine ; and if you add 3, 6, 9, you make IS, a lesser product of nine."
NINE MASTERS. The following are the names 01 the nine masters who are said to have been elected by Solomon after the death of Hiram Abiff ; Moabon, Jachin, Boaz, Ganigam, Azariah, Joram, Jsch'gi, Achal, Obed.
NOACHID^E. Sons of Noah ; the first name of Free- masons ; whence we may observe that believing the world was framed by one supreme God, and is governed by him ; and loving and worshipping him ; and honouring our parents ; and loving our neighbour as ourselves ; and being merciful even to brute beasts, is the oldest of all religions.
NORTH. The operative mason is accustomed to lay the foundation-stone of a new building on the north side, and for this reason, all those who have not been ini- tiated amongst us have their place in the north. The light streams from the east unto the north, as all our knowledge has been obtained from the orient. — Gadickc.
NORTH-EAST. The foundation-stone of every mag- nificent edifice was usually laid in the north-east ; which accounts in a rational manner for the general disposition of a newly initiated candidate. When enlightened but uninstructed, he is accounted to be in the most superficial part of Masonry.
NUMBERS. We consider the number three, or three times three, as a sacred number; and in all the mysteries of the ancients, the number nine, was most important. Whether we, as Christian Freemasons, still have an an- cient explanation of the sacredness of this number, or whether we derive its sanctity from the Holy Trinity, we cannot here determine. — Gadicke.
OATH. In Freemasonry a number of men form them- selves into a society, whose main end is to improve iu 'Commendable skill and knowledge, and to promote uui-
QBE— OBJ. 001
versal beneficence and the social virtues 01' human life, under the solemn obligation of an oath. This liberty all incorporate societies enjoy, without impeachment or re- flection.— Anderson.
OBEDIENT. To be obedient is one of the great duties of a Freemason, not only to the laws of the Craft, but to the laws of the kingdon or state in which he may reside, to the laws of God, to the laws of morality, but above all, to the laws of true benevolence. He is also bound to be obedient to the commands of his superiors when in the lodge ; but every ruler ought to be cautious, and only give such orders as may be cheerfully obeyed by a free man and Mason, and not require a slavish obe- dience, for in the lodge there are neither lords nor slaves, but truth and justice must there reign in unanimity. — Gndicke.
OBELISK. A high, square-sided and sharp-pointed pillar, which is commonly erected in commemoration of some celebrated person or remarkable event. They are to be found among the masonic emblems. — Gadicke.
OBJECTS. To communicate the blessings of which we are partakers ; to contribute to the successful propa- gation of knowledge, virtue and peace, of the sciences and arts, and of whatever adorns social life ; and to assert the advancement of human happiness, have ever been the great objects of Freemasonry.
OBJECTIONS. Objections have been urged against Freemasonry in all ages of its existence, by those who were jealous of its secret influence, or envied the privi- leges of the favoured individuals who had been initated into its mysteries. But although refuted over and over again, the same objections recur at stated periods ; being reproduced, as it should appear, for the purpose of fan- ning our zeal and keeping alive our interest in the insti- tution. It is amusing, in studying the history of the Craft, to find the hackneyed arguments which were refuted by Hutchinson, Calcott and others, in the last century, brought forward again and again by new candi- dates for the honour of an anonymous blow at th«
602 OBL.
.immortal giantess Scarcely any novelty in t':ie form of an objection is to be found. The censures have been chiefly confined to its secrecy, the exclusion of females, the obligation, &c.
OBLATIONS. The oblations which were made by the people towards the erection of the Tabernacle, were so many types of the several graces of Christianity j the gold of Faith, the silver of Hope, the precious stones of Charity ; the blue colour of the silks, &c., denoting the lifting up our hearts to heaven, a privilege conveyed to mankind by the meritorious atonement of Jesus Christ; the purple, our warfare and tribulation for the sake of religion ; and the crimson, or as the original words (tolag hath shani) signify, the double scarlet, the joint love of God and man.
OBLIGATION. Freemasons in their secret societies, obligate their disciples, similar to the ancient brethren, to keep their doctrines, their engagements, and their transactions, from those who are not of the Order. This obligation is not composed of such tremendous oaths with which we are charged by bigots, who, ignorant as they naturally must be, of the whole of our transactions, unless they had been received into our society, thunder their unholy anathemas and excommunications against us. And thereby make fools approve their rash acts, the world wonder, and the Mason smile at their daring inso- lence, to condemn their fellow-creatures for imaginary sins against God and religion, which must ultimately be laid to the charge of those triflers with their neighbours' consciences. — Husenbeth.
OBLONG. The Tabernacle, with its holy emblems, was a type of a Masons' lodge. It was an oblong square, and, with its courts and appendages, it represented the whole habitable globe. Such is also the extent of our lodges. The former was supported by pillars, and the latter is also sustained by those of W. S. and B. They were equally situated due east and west. The sacred roll of God's revealed will and law was deposited in the Ark of the Covenant; the same holy record is placed in a conspicuous part of our lodges. The altar of inrensa
OBS— OFF. 003
was a do foundation. The covering of the Tabernacle was com- posed of three colours, as a representation of the celestial hemisphere ; such also is the covering of a Masons' lodge. The floor of the Tabernacle was so holy that the priests were forbidden to tread upon it without taking ofl' their ghoes ; the floor of the lodge is holy ground.
OBSERVANCES. Almost all the circumstances attending the promulgation of the Jewish dispensations have been introduced into Freemasonry ; and the par- ticular observances incorporated with its ceremonial. The Divine appearance at the Burning Bush, the shoes, the rod, the serpent, and the Sacred Name, are equally embodied in the system. The plagues of Egypt, with the signs which attended the divine deliverance of the children of Israel from captivity — the pillar of a cloud and of fire, the mighty winds, the division of the Red Sea, the salvation of God's people, and the destruction of Pharaoh and his host; the wanderings in the wilder- ness, the delivery of the law, the building of the Taber- nacle, and the establishment of the hierarchy, the order observed in the frequent migrations, led by the banners of each tribe, and other important events, all form parts of the complicated system of Freemasonry, and show its connection with the offices of religion.
ODD NUMBERS. Odd numbers were ever esteemed more propitious than even ones, and hence were the conservators of greater virtues. They were sacred to the celestial deities, and represented the male sex, while even numbers were female, and appropriated to the sub- terranean gods. Hence the monad was esteemed the father of numbers, and the duad the mother, from whose union proceeded riot only the triad but the sacred quater- nary, which was the origin of the seven liberal sciences, and the maker and cause of all things.
OFFICE. If the superior officers of a lodge be un- acquainted with the principles of the institution, it can scarcely be expected to prosper. Should the Master be ignorant of his work, the brethren will soon learn to despise his authority. To speak in the technical Ian-
604 OFF— OL1.
guage of Masonry, if he be unpossessed of the art of drawing designs, how are the Fellowcrafts to execute, or the Apprentices to be instructed ?
OFFICERS. The masonic officers of a lodge are the Master and his two Wardens, with their assistants, the two Deacons, Inner Guard, and the Tyler ; to which, for the better regulation of the private concerns of the lodge, may be added other officers, such as Chaplain, Treasurer, Secretary, &c. — Constitutions.
OIL. One of the elements of consecration. Oil was anciently considered the symbol of prosperity and hap- piness. The oil of gladness mentioned in the Jewish writings was a perfumed oil with which people anointed themselves on days of public rejoicing and festivity. Everything that was appropriated to the purposes of religion in the Tabernacle and Temple, were all conse- crated with oil. Kings and priests were anointed in the same mannei. And our lodges, as temples conse- crated to morality and virtue, are also hallowed by the application of corn, wine, and oil.
OLIVE BRANCH. A very great sensation has been created in India by the proposal of the Right Worship- ful Brother Burns, Prov. G. M. for western India, to establish a new order, under the designation of the " Brotherhood of the Olive Branch in the East." The proposal was brought forward on St. John's Day, June 24, 1845, when no fewer than eighty brethren, of various nations, were assembled at Bombay; and it has been received by the principal members of the Craft in India with great enthusiasm.
OLIVE TREES. There are some who compare the symbol of a point within a circle to the golden candle- stick flanked by two olive trees, mentioned by Zechariah ; the candidate representing the circle, the oil the point, and the trees the two perpendicular parallel lines. The former was an emblem of the Jewish nation governed by the central oil, or the Holy Spirit of God ; and the olive trees were the two anointed ones, viz., the king and priest, applied by the prophet to Zerubbubel and
ON— OPE. 605
Jeslma, who were raised up by divine providence to preside over the temporal and spiritual affairs of the Jewish nation when the second Temple was building, and bearing an ultimate reference to the lights and ornaments of the Christian church.
ON. Under this appellation the Deity was worship- ped by the Egyptians, and they professed to believe that he was eternal, and the fountain of light and life but, according to their gross conceptions, being neces sarily visible, the sun was adored as his representative, and was most probably the same as Osiris. If they believed On to be the living and eternal God, they allowed the same attributes to the sun, which they undoubtedly worshipped as the Lord of the creation. Oannes was the God of the Chaldeans, and Dag-On of the Philistines ; both of which are derivations of the same name. On was evidently the same deity as the Hebrew Jehovah, and was introduced amongst the Greeks by Plato, who acknowledges his eternity and incomprehen- sibility in these remarkable words : " Tell me of the God On; which is, and never knew beginning." And the same name was used by the early 'Christians for the true God; for St. John, in the Apocalypse, has this expression — 0 Qv, *«* b rtv, y.ai o egxoptvos, which is trans- lated by our authorized version of the Scriptures, by "Him, which is, and which was, and which is to come."
OPENING. The opening of the lodge is a ceremony of great solemnity and importance. Everything is con- ducted in such a manner as to inculcate respect Tor those in authority, with solemn reverence and adoration of the Deity, whose blessing and direction on our leaders is invoked, not in a light and thoughtless manner, as some may perhaps infer, but with the gravity and decency of a well-regulated church.
OPERATION. The veil thrown over Masonry renders its operations silent and unobserved; yet the influence of a body spread through all classes of society, pervading every circle, and diffusing (though by its separate mem- bers) opinions digested and matured, from remote periods, in the brotherhood, must be powerful in its effect. 51
606 OPE— OPI.
OPERATIVE. As operative masons \vs are taught to hew, square, lay stones, and prove horizontals. We allude by operative masonry to a proper application of the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure derives figure, strength, and beauty, and whence result a due proportion and a just correspondence in all its parts.
OPHIR. Various have been the conjectures con- cerning the situation of Ophir. Josephus places it in the East Indies, in a country which, by his description, should appear to be Malacca. Bochart contends that it was Taphrobana, or Ceylon. Calrnet places it in Armenia; Montanus in America; and Huetius in the eastern coast of Africa. As various have been the sentiments with respect to Tarshish; some consider it as having been near, and others as distant from, Ophir All that Scripture tells us is, that the navy of Tarshish came in once in three years, and furnished Solomon with immense wealth; of which we know not the amount, since we can make no exact estimate of the value of the talents specified.
OPINIONS. Individuals have passed various oj inions respecting the purity and usefulness of Freemasonry. One says it is a modern institution, and therefore o1 little value; another terms it frivolous, and coriseqently con- temptible. A third calls it anti-christian, and wains the public to avoid it as a snare. Others affirm that it is behind the advancing spirit of the times, and therefore obsolete; but let any one candidly judge it by its fruits, which is the great Christian criterion by which all things ought to be tried, according to the divine fiat of its founder (Luke vi. 44). We feed the hungry, clothe the naked, coirjfort the sick, relieve the distressed, and provide for the father- less and the widow. Is any one hungry — we give him meat. Is any one thirsty — we give him drink ; naked — we clothe him ; sick — we visit him ; in prison— we come unto him with the messenger of mercy. Whatever may be the opinions of our opponents of such deedss as these, we have the satisfaction of knowing that an approv- ing sentence will be pronounced upon them at the l?et day.
ORD— OR1. «07
ORDER. In every order the spirit of regularity should reign, and more especially in the Order of Freemasonry. The Master's call to order reminds the brethren of this in every lodge, and each one acknowledges by the sign, that he is mindful of his duty. Originally the society of Freemasons was not an Order, but a fraternity, and the name Order has been introduced into England in modern times. — Gadicke.
ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE. By order is meant a system of all the members, proportions, and ornaments of columns and pilasters. There are five orders, which are thus classed : the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.
ORGANIZATION. The Dyonitiasts formed one and the same association, as the Jewish Masons who built the Temple of Jerusalem. These latter, beyond doubt, were bound together in an organization which extended beyond Judea. The Bible exhibits them mixing themselves with the Tyrian Masons, notwithstanding the ordinary repug- nance of the Israelites towards strangers ; and masonic tradition, which must not be contemned, shows that they recognized each other by words and secret signs, similar to those employed by the Masons of other countries. — Clavel.
ORIGINAL POINTS. Ancient Masonry admitted twelve original points, which constitute the basis of the entire system, and without which no person ever did or can be legally received into the Order. Every candidate is obliged to pass through all these essential forms and ceremonies, otherwise his initiation would not be legal They are — opening, preparing, reporting, entering, pray er, circumambulation, advancing, obligated, intrusted invested, placed, closing.
ORIGIN OF MASONRY. The origin of Masonry is indisputably traced from the creation of the universe ; for after the Almighty Architect had finished his great design in making all things good, and, according to geo- metrv, Adam, the first of all the human race, did soon
G08 ORP— OUT.
discover this noble science, by surveying tie works of God in his state of innocence; and although he fell through disobedience, and was expelled from that lovely arbour into the wide world, he still retained the know- ledge thereof, and communicated the same to his offspring — Multa Paucis.
ORPHANS. There lived in the county of Essex, a clergyman named Hewlett. He died of malaria. His troubles had been of no common kind. His wife had died of consumption, about three months previously, and nine orphan children were left without a shilling in the world to provide for them. There was a lodge in Roch- fort, Essex ; they met, took the case into consideration, and before they separated, nine brethren agreed each to take a child to his own home. — Bushell.
OUT OF THE LODGE. A Freemason ought to dis- tinguish himself from other men out of the lodge, as well as in it, by uprightness and friendship to the brethren, by a free and unconstrained manner of thinking, and by an unimpeachable purity of living. A brother Freema- son shall not only conduct himself in the lodge, but also out of the lodge, as a brother towards his brethren ; and happy are they who are convinced that they have in this respect ever obeyed the laws of the Order. A free and unconstrained manner of thinking distinguishes not only an enlightened man, but a man who nobly protects that which is just. — Gadicke.
OUTWARD CEREMONIES. A Freemason can nei- ther become a gross sensualist, nor profess to be stoically dead to all sensual pleasures; for it is not necessary that he should deny himself the innocent enjoyments provided for the eye, the ear, and the taste. No man can maintain that he is entirely uninfluenced by outward impressions. To appeal to the bodily feelings or passions, is found the most effectual means of arousing the sympathy and securing the attention of the mulittude. It is for this reason that among the ceremonies of Freemasonry, we find outward forms calculated to work upon the inward feelings; these ceremonies are, for the greater