C. K. K. Tynte, Esq., M.P., P.G.M. Somersetshire.

Rev. S. S. Colman, Past P.G.M. Norfolk, and G.C.
Sir William Rawlins, P.S.G.W. Sir Frederick Fowke, Bart., P.S.G.W. Rev. Barnard Han bury, G. Chaplain. Rev. Lucius Coghlan, D.D., Past G. Chaplain. William Meyrick, Esq., G. Registrar. William H. White, > Q g Edwards Harper, j
With the rest of tho Grand Officers, the Grand Stewards for the year, and the Mast* -rs. Past Masters, and Wardens of the Grand Stewards' and many other Lodges.
The Grand Master observed, that feeling it to be of the first importance to obtain the sanction and protection of the members of the Royal Family to the proceedings of the Craft, and being anxious that the Prince of Wales' s Lodge, No. 493, which had for so many years past been honoured by the presidency of the Royal Family — first, in the person of his present Majesty when Prince of Wales, and afterwards by his late Royal Highness the Duke of York — should still continue to have a royal per- sonage at its head, — for this purpose, he had solicited his illustrious relative, the Duke of Clarence, the Lord High Admiral, a Past Deputy Grand Master of the Craft, to take the command of that Lodge, and he had now the satisfaction to announce to the Grand Lodge that his solicitation had met the desired result, his Royal High- ness having been graciously pleased to accede to the request. Feeling that this important .occurrence and manifestation of regard towards the fraternity by H. R. H. the Duke of Clarence should be met by the Craft with every demonstration of respect, gratitude, and duty ; and considering also, that the Master's jewel of the Prince of Wales's Lodge had, under very peculiar circumstances, been received by him, the M. W. Grand Master, in Grand Lodge, his Royal Highness deemed it expedient that he should deliver it to the care of his royal brother in the most effective and ample form possible ; he had, there-
OF MASONRY. 346
fore, convened this meeting, that the ceremony of inves- titure might be performed in a Grand Lodge.
His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence having arrived, was conducted into the Lodge, and according to ancient custom, was installed by the M. W. Grand Mas- ter as Master of the Prince of Wales's Lodge, and was proclaimed and saluted with the usual honours.
In conducting the affairs of such an unwieldy body as Masonry has now become, it is evident that considerable expenses must be periodically incurred, besides the vast sums annually voted from the Fund of Benevolence for the relief of distressed Brethren, or their widows and orphan children ; and these expenses can be provided for by no other means so equitably as the periodical contri- butions of the members. It has accordingly been agreed, with the general consent of the Craft, that the fee for " registering a Mason within the London district, be one guinea; for a Mason made in a country, foreign, or mili- tary lodge, ten shillings and sixpence ; for a Brother joining a Lodge in the London district, he having been initiated in another Lodge, five shillings ; and for a Brother so joining a country, foreign, or military Lodge, two shillings and sixpence. Every member of each lodge in the London district, to pay towards the fund for ma- sonic benevolence, one shilling per quarter, or four shil- lings per annum ; and every member of each country, foreign, or military Lodge, sixpence per quarter, or two shillings per annum."126
These payments, so trifling to each individual Lodge, are expected to be punctually and regularly discharged, and a non-compliance with the ordinance subjects the offending Lodge, very justly, to censure, and, in extreme cases, to erasure. The Grand Lodge,, however, is generally indulgent in this particular ; but if, after repeated admo- nitions, its clemency be abused, it will not fail to put its powers into execution, and rigorously enforce the pen- alty. These observations have been elicited by a very extensive example, which was made at a Quarterly Com- munication of the 5th March, 1828 ; by which fifty-nine Lodges, having neglected, for a considerable space ot time, to make any returns or communications to the
126 Const. "Of Contributions." 16*
346 ILLUSTRATIONS
Grand Lodge, although repeatedly called on for that purpose, were erased from the books, and their warrants declared forfeited.
Having thus brought down the History of Masonry to the year 1828, the Editor takes leave of his Brethren by recommending to them, as the most efficient means of ensuring the permanency and extending the influence of the Craft, the cultivation of that beautiful code of morals which runs like a rich vein through the entire system of Freemasonry; assured that nothing can tend so effec- tually to crown the science with the verdant wreath of public approbation, as the virtuous life and guileless demeanour of its assiduous professors.
OF MASONRY. 847
MASONIC POETRY:
A COLLECTION
ODES, ANTHEMS, AND SONQS
ODE I.
BY MR. CUNNINGHAM.
HAIL to the Craft ! at whose serene command The gentle Arts in glad obedience stand : Hail, sacred Masonry ! of source divino, Unerring sov'reign of th' unerring line : Whose plumb of truth, with never-failing sway. Makes the join'd parts of symmetry obey : Whose magic stroke bids fell confusion cease, And to the finish' d Orders gives a place : Who calls vast structures from the womb of earth, And gives imperial cities glorious birth.
To works of Art her merit not confin'd, She regulates the morals, squares the mind ; Corrects with care the sallies of the soul, And points the tide of passions where to roll : On virtue's tablet marks her moral rule, And forms her Lodge an universal school ; Where Nature's Mystic laws unfolded stand, And Sense and Science join'd, go hand in hand.
0 may her social rules instructive spread, Till Truth erect her long-neglected head ! Till through deceitful night she dart her ray, And beam full glorious in the blaze of day ! Till men by virtuous maxims learn to move, Till all the peopled world her laws approve, And Adam's race are bound in Brothers* love.
348 ILLUSTRATIONS
ODE II.
Written by a Member of the Alfred Lodge at Oxford, set to Music by Dr. FISHER, and performed at the dedication of Freemasons' Hall.
STROPHE.
AIR.
WHAT solemn sounds on holy Sinai rung, When heavenly lyres, by angel fingers strung, Accorded to th' immortal lay That hymn'd creation's natal day !
RECITATIVE, accompanied. 'Twas then the shouting sons of morn Bless'd the great Omnific word ; Abash'd, hoarse jarring atoms heard, Forgot their pealing strife, And softly crowded into life, When order, law, and harmony were born.
CHORUS.
The mighty Master's pencil warm Trac'd out the shadowy form, And bade each fair proportion grace Smiling Nature's modest face.
AIR.
Heaven's rarest gifts were seen to join To deck a finish' d form divine,
And fill the Sovereign Artist's plan ; Th' Almightv's image stampt the glowing frame, And seal'd him with the noblest name,
Archetype of beauty, Man.
ANTISTROPHE.
SEMI-CHORUS AND CHORUS.
Ye spirits pure, that rous'd the tuneful throng, And loos'd to rapture each triumphant tongue,
Again with quick instinctive fire
Each harmonious lip inspire : Again bid every vocal throat
Dissolve in tender votive strain.
AIR.
Now, while yonder white-rob'd train m Before the mystic shrine In lowly adoration join, Now sweep the living lyre, and swell the melting note.
RECITATIVE.
\ Yet, ere the holy rites begin The conscious shrine within, Bid your magic song impart.
V The Brethren in their white aprons.
OF MASONRY. 849
V
AIR.
How, within the wasted heart,
Shook by passion's ruthless power,
Virtue trimm'd her faded flower To op'ning buds of fairest fruit:
How from majestic Nature's glowing face
She caught each animating grace, And planted there th' immortal root.
EPODE. RECITATIVE, accompanied.
Daughter of gods, fair Virtue, if to thee, And thy bright sister, Universal Love,
Soul of all good, e'er flowed the soothing harmony Of pious gratulation ; — from above.
To us, thy duteous votaries, impart Presence divine. —
AIR.
The sons of antique art,
In high, mysterious jubilee,
With Paean loud, and solemn rite,
Thy holy step invite,
And court thy listening ear,
To drink the cadence clear That swells the choral symphony.
CHORUS.
To thee, by foot profane untrod,
Their votive hands have rear'd the high abode.
RECITATIVE.
Here shall your impulse kind Inspire the tranced mind :
AIR.
And lips of truth shall sweetly tell What heavenly deeds befit The soul by wisdom's lesson smit,
What praise he claims who nobly spurns Gay vanities of life, and tinsel joys,
For which unpurged fancy burns.
CHORUS.
What pain he shuns, who dares be wise. What glory wins, who dares excel.
350 ILLUSTRATIONS
ODE HI.
Performed at every Meeting of the Grand Chapter of HARODIM.
Written by Brother NOORTHOUCK. Set to Music by Companion WEBBE.
Sung by Companions WEBBE, GORE, and PAGE.
OPENING.
44 ORDER is Heaven's first law ;" through boundless space
Unnumber'd orbs roll round their destm'd race ;
On earth, as strict arrangements still appear.
Suiting the various seasons of the year,
Beneficence divine presents to view
Its plenteous gifts to man, in order true ;
But chief a mind, these blessings to improve,
By arts, by science, by fraternal love.
DIVISION.
When men exalt their views to Heaven's high will, With stead v aim their duty to fulfil.
The mind expands, its strength appears,
Growing with their growing years, Mounting the apex of Masonic skill, Be this the earnest purpose of our lives ; Success must crown the man who nobly strires !
CONCLUSION. Loud let us raise our swelling strains,
And Harodim proclaim,
Of excellence the name ;
Good- will to all, love to each other,
The due of every skilful Brother Who worthily our ancient lore maintains!.
Indulgence in pleasure
By prudence we measure ; And cheerfully parting, exchange an adieu, Till we meet with fresh ardour our tasks to renew.
ODE IV.
Performed at Coach-makers' Hall. Written by ME SHOWN. Set to Music by MR. REMY.
RECITATIVE. .
WHEN first the golden morn aloft, With maiden breezes whisp'ring soft, Sprung from the east with rosy wing, To kiss the heav'nly first-born spring ; Jehovah then, from hallow'd earth, Gave Masonry immortal birth. 'Twas then, the new creation rung And thus the host of Heaven sung :
OF MASONRY. 861
AIR. Hail, hail, 0 hail, thou source of love,
Great Artist of this goodly frame! The earth and sea, the sky above,
Thou form'st to thy immortal fame.
SEMI-CHORUS.
To thee, our sire,
The cherub choir The air move with seraphic sound ;
Ye breezes sweet
The cadence meet, And waft it o'er the hallow'd ground.
AIR. Ten thousand orbial beauties bright,
Which long confus'd in chaos lay, Thou brought' st them forth to give delight,
And make the face of Heaven gay.
SEMI-CHORUS.
To thee, our sire, &c.
RECITATIVE.
'Twas thus the Heavens in concert rung, While Nature kind from chaos sprung, Brought forth her tender infant green, And flowery sweets, to deck the scene ; To finish then the artist's plan, Of purest mould he form'd the man, Then gave him an immortal soul, And bid him live and rule the whole ; While angels, from their golden shrine, Sung with angelic strains divine :
AIR.
Happy, happy mortals, rise, Taste with us immortal joys, Blooming on yon sacred tree, Planted by the Deity; The hallow'd fruit is Masonry.
Far beyond the pregnant sky, There the hopes of Masons lie ; Masons' happy choice above, Masons every blessing prove, Friendship, harmony, and love.
RECITATIVE.
As perfect love and power divine First gave our science birth,
So Friendship shall our hearts entwine, And harmonize the earth :
Behold the virgin hither flies,
To crown us with her blissful joys.
368 ILLUSTRATIONS
Blooming as fair Eden's bower,
Friendship, goddess heavenly bright, Dropping in a balmy shower,
Breathing concord and delight; Each Mason feels the sacred fire
Glow with ardour in his heart ; The flame inspires him with desire,
To relieve each other's smart.
FULL CHORUS
From Heaven since such blessings flow, Let every Mason while below Our noble science here improve : 'Twill raise his soul to realms above, And make his lodge — a lodge of love.
ODE V.
BY MR. THOMAS DERMODY.
THOU fairest type of Excellence divine, Whose social links the race of man combine, Whose awful mandates coward Vice control, And breathe through Nature one enlighten'd soul; From thy mild sway benignant virtues rise, Pour on the heart, and emulate the skies ; From thy sage voice sublime Instruction springs, While Knowledge waves her many-colour'd wings, And star-ey'd Truth, and Conscience, holy zest, Enthron'd true feeling in the glowing breast, Then deign the labour of thy Sons to guide, O'er each full line in nervous sense preside, Adorn each verse, each manly thought inflame, And what we gain from Genius give to Fame !
ODE VI.
BY MR. WILLIAM WALKER.
STRIKE to melodious notes the golden lyre !
Spread wide, to all around, the ardent flame. Till each rapt bosom catch the sacred fire, And join the glorious theme !
'Tis Masonry, The Art sublimely free, Where Majesty has bow'd, and own'd a Brother's name !
Through ample domes wide let the chorus roll, Responsive to the ardour of the soul, Hail ! inspiring Masonry !
To thy shrine do myriads bend; Yet more glorious shalt thou be,
Till o'er the world thy power extend, Still to the sons of Earth thy light dispense, And all shall own thy sacred influence.
OF MASONRY. 353
Though Genius fires, yet faint his rays appear,
Till thy mysterious lore the soul refine ; 'Tis thou to noblest heights his thoughts must rear, And make them doubly shine.
0, Masonry ! Thou Art sublimely free.
'Tis thou exalt' st the man, and mak'st him half divine. Ye Masons, favour'd men, your voices raise ! You speak your glory while you sing its praise. Hail ! inspiring Masonry, &c.
Blest be the man, and blest he is, who bears
With virtuous pride a Mason's sacred name ; And may each Brother, who the blessing shares, Enrich the list of Fame. Blest Masonry! Thou Art sublimely free !
Heav'n bids thy happy sons, and they thy worth proclaim With loud assent ! their cheerful voices raise, Their great, immortal Masonry to praise, Hail ! inspiring Masonry, &c.
The tower sky- pointing, and the dome sublime,
Rais'd by the mystic rules and forming power, Shall long withstand the iron tooth of time, Yet still their fall is sure:
But Masonry, The Art sublimely free, Founded by God himself, thro' time shall firm endure.
Still shall its sons their grateful voices raise, And joyful sound their Great Grand Master's praise. At thy shrine, 0 Masonry!
Shall admiring nations bend ; ^
In future times, thy sons shall see
Thy fame from pole to pole extend. To worlds unknown thy heav'n-born light dispense And systems own thy sacred influence.
ODE VII.
WAKE the lute and quiv'ring strings, Mystic truths Urania brings ; Friendly visitant, to thee We owe the depths of Masonry; Fairest of the virgin choir, Warbling to the golden lyre, Welcome; here thy art prevail! Hail ! divine Urania, hail !
Here in Friendship's sacred bower, The downy-wing'd and smiling hour, Mirth invites, and social song, Nameless mysteries among :
364 ILLUSTRATIONS
Crown the bowl and fill the glass. To every virtue, every grace, To the Brotherhood resound Health, and let it thrice go round.
We restore the times of old, The blooming glorious age of gold ; As the new creation free, Blest with gay Euphrosyne ; We with godlike Science talk, And with fair Astraea walk ; Innocence adorns the day Brighter than the smiles of May.
Pour the rosy wine again, Wake a brisker, louder strain • Rapid Zephyrs, as ye fly, Waft our voices to the sky ; While we celebrate the Nine, And the wonders of the Trine, While the angels sing above, As we below, of peace and love.
ODE VIII.
For an Exaltation of Royal Arch Masons. By Brother
DUNCKERLEY.
[Tune, Rule, Britannia.]
ALMIGHTY Sire ! our heavenly King, Before whose sacred name we bend, Accept the praises which we sing, And to our humble prayer attend ! All hail, great Architect divine! This universal frame is thine.
Thou, who didst Persia's king command
A proclamation to extend, That Israel's sons might quit his land,
Their holy temple to attend ;
That sacred place, where three in one Compris'd thy comprehensive name ;
And where the bright meridian sun Was soon thy glory to proclaim.
Thy watchful eye, a length of time, The wond'rous circle did attend;
The glory and the power be thine, Which shall from age to age descend.
On thy omnipotence we rest,
Secure of thy protection here ; And hope hereafter to be blest,
When we have left th?s world of care.
OF MASONRY. 355
Grant us, great God ! thy powerful aid
To guide us through this vale of tears For where thy goodness is display'd,
Peace soothes the mind, and Pleasure cheers.
Inspire us with thy grace divine,
Thy sacred law our guide shall be : To every good our hearts incline,
From every evil keep us free. All hail! &c.
ODE IX.
By the SAME. For solemn Ceremonies. [Tune, God save the King.]
HAIL ! universal Lord !
By heaven and earth ador'd :
All hail ! great God ! %
Before thy name we bend, To us thy grace extend, And to our prayers attend,
All hail ! great God !
ODE X.
Set to Music by DR. ARNOLD.
[Tune, My fond Shepherd.] ASSIST me, ye fair tuneful Nine,
Euphrosyne, grant me thy aid ; While the honours I sing of the Trine,
Preside o'er my numbers, blithe maid Cease, Clamour and Faction, oh cease .'
Fly hence, all ye cynical train : Disturb not the Lodge's sweet peace,
Where silence and secrecy reign.
Religion untainted here dwells ;
Here the morals of Athens are taught ; Great Hiram's tradition here tells
How the world out of chaos was brought. With fervency, freedom, and zeal,
Our Master's commands we obey; No Cowan our secrets can steal,
No babbler our inyst'ries betray.
Here Wisdom her standard displays,
Here nobly the sciences shine ; Here the temple's vast column we raise,
And finish a work that's divine. Ilium 'd from the East with pure light,
Here arts do their blessings bestow; And, all perfect, unfold to the sight,
What none but a Mason can know.
966 ILLUSTRATIONS
If on earth any praise can be found,
Any virtue unnam'd in my song, Any grace in the universe round,
May these to a Mason belong ! May each Brother kis passions subdue,
Proclaim Charity, Concord, and Love ; And be hail'd by the thrice happy few
Who preside in the Grand Lodge above.
ODE XI.
Written for (and performed at) the Union of the two Grand Lodges, by WALLER RODWELL WRIGHT, Esq. ; and recited by Brother POPE, of th* Theatre Royal, Drury-lane.
STROPHE I.
\ H for a hand, whose magic power, Might wake the lyre of other days To lofty and immortal lays, Such as, in bold majestic swell, Burst from the Theban's classic shell. Where through Olympia's consecrated shade, Alpheus rolls his turbid course,
That linger' d oft those shades among And listen'd to the mighty song ; Or those melodious strains,
Whose gentle but resistless force Boeotia's very rocks obey'd What time amidst her wild and desert plains, The sacred dome and high embattled tow'r
In self-compacted order rose* And taught the wond'ring Sons of Greece,
Unfelt before, the happiness that flows From social union, harmony, and peace.
ANTISTROPHE I. Or rather, for that holy ecstasy,
Which bade the Royal Bard of Jesse's line Attune his harp's inspir'd minstrelsy
To songs of seraphim and themes divine ;
For while, in this auspicious hour, Our hands and hearts we thus unite, And seek in closer folds to bind The compact of fraternal love, The vow which Angels might approve, Of peace and charity to all mankind ;
While taught by Faith, before the throne
Of heaven's High Architect we bend, With hope that rests on Him alone, While stars like these their radiance blend
Their genial influence deign to pour On this our high and solemn rite ; Like Sion's hallo w'd strain the song shall rise That wafts our grateful tribute to the skies.
OF MASONRY. 867
EPODE I.
Vain is the hope — no Master's hand To-day explores the breathing lyre ; No gifted bard, whose Heaven-imparted fire Subdues the yielding soul to his command ; But simple are the votive lays, That breathe our gratitude and praise To that creative Pow'r, Whose wisdom sketched the vast design Of Nature's universal plan :
Whose mighty fiat o'er the realms of night, Shed the first glories of eternal light ;
Whose spirit, hov'ring on the vast profound, Laid the foundation sure, and wide,
By Truth's unerring geometric line, Above, below, on every side,
Life, harmony, and beauty breath'd around ; The orbs of Heav'n their circling course began • And angels hail'd Creation's natal hour.
STROPHE II.
One last and greatest work remain'd.
Hush'd was the strain ; in silent awe The host of Heaven with wonder saw The cold and senseless mass that lay, Unform'd, amidst its native clay,
Now kindling with a spark divine, True to the laws of that mysterious spell, Which binds in one concordant chain The earth, the air, the ambient main,
Its latent powers unfold — Each limb in due proportion swell, In beauteous symmetry combine To frame a structure of immortal mould. But when in this fair form its Maker deign'd To breathe an intellectual soul ;
Then first the angelic hymn began, Which the bright spheres still echo as they roll, Glory to God in Heav'n, and peace to man.
ANTISTROPHE II.
And shall the heir of immortality,
Alone regardless of this high behest, Quench the celestial glow of charity
Which heav'nly love liath kindled in his breast? Perverting reason's holy light, Deny the Power by which 'twas given 1 Or arrogantly deem it just,
To close with wild fanatic hate Fair Mercy's everlasting gate, Against his erring brother of the dust ?
368 ILLUSTRATIONS
Par, far from such unhallow'd strife, In man a kindred soul we view; To all who share the ills of life Our pity and relief are due : • Nor ask we what religious rite
Conveys his orisons to Heaven,
Enough for us if comfort we impart,
Or soothe the anguish of a breaking heart
EPODE II.
Lo, where our silent emblems breathe Their sacred influence o'er the soul, In mystic order rang'd : while round the whole
A starry zone the sister virtues wreathe. Ye, who by compass, square, and line, Those hidden trliths can well divine, To all besides unknown.
In each symbolic form pourtruy'd —
Ye, who witli firm undaunted mind,
Have pierc'd the vaulted cavern's awful gloom
And mark'd the holy secrets of the tomb ;
Still let our actions to the world proclaim,
The secret lessons of our art,
By whatsoever mystic rite convey'd,
The rules of moral life impart; —
Nourish bright charity's sethereal flame;
And breathing love and peuce to all mankind,
lake incense rise at Heaven's eternal throne.
STROPHE III. — IRREGULAR.
Fair Queen of science, nurse of ev'ry art That crowns the happiness of social life, Whose dictates from the desolating strife Of warring passions, purify the heart — In ev'ry clime, through cv'ry age, The Prince, the Poet, and the Sage Have knelt before thy hallow'd shrine ; And nations ownM thy origin divine. — Great HERMES, founder of the Memphic rite And MITHRAS erst through Persia's realm rever'd; And he, who to ELEUSIS bore The treasures of thy mystic lore, But chiefly those by holy truths inspired; The chosen servant of the living God Who Sinai's holy precinct trod, And he with love of sacred wisdom fir'd, The Mighty Priuce, whose pious hand, To the eternal fount of truth and light That holy temple rear'd,
The pride and wonder of Judea's land—
OF MASONRY. 369
His great and comprehensive mind
A nobler edifice design'd, That time and envy should defy —
Founded on truth's eternal base,
Vast as the ample bounds of space, And sacred to fraternal unity.
ANTISTROPHE III. — IRREGULAR. Long were the task, and arduous, to recount
What streams deriving from the sacred source Of Sion's pure and unpolluted fount,
Through ev'ry clime have roll'd their devious course — From where Phoenicia greets the eastern tide, To fair Crotona's western tow'rs; Or where, amidst Athenian bow'rs, Ilissus bids his waters glide In gentle course to meet th' ^Egean main ; Or how, in later times, 'midst dire alarms, When fierce contending nations rush'd to arms, And delug'd Palestine's ensanguin'd plain, The vanquish'd victor' cast aside his sword,
Yielding his stubborn pride to thy command, With humble soul the God of Peace ador'd,
And turn'd repentant to his native land. Yes ; from that memorable hour, The Western World has own'd thy pow'r, And though Ambition's frantic strife Will sometimes blast the joys of life, Thy influence bade her feudal discords cease. And taught her sons the nobler arts of Peace. Before the brightness of thine orient ray, The Shades of Prejudice and Error fled, And languid Science raised her drooping head, To greet the fervid blaze of thy advancing day.
EPODE III. — IRREGULAR. Alas ! that e'er a cloud should rise, To dim the glories of thy name — Or little jealousies divide The souls by kindred vows allied ; But see ! while thus our rites we blend, The mingled sacrifice ascend, And, borne to heaven in one united flame, Chase every ling'ring shadow from the skies. And as the sea- worn mariner, When darkness shrouds each guiding star, With transport greets the polar orb of light, Piercing the murky veil of night ; Or those Iwin stars, whose milder beams assuage The tempest in its wildest rage, And pours his tributary strain To the propitious rulers of the main; Such joy is ours : be such the lay That celebrates this happy day.
860 ILLUSTRATIONS
Join then, ye sons of Art, in triumph join ! To hail the ruling star of Brunswick's royal line. And ye fraternal stars whose gentle sway Our sever'd powers have gloried to obey,
EDWARD! AUGUSTUS! Hail! illustrious names ! Whose princely souls confess a nearer tie Thau birth and kindred blood alone supply,
Accept the tribute each so justly claims : While thus our former pledges we renew Of grateful homage and affection true.
And though to one aloue be given To bear the ensign of supremo command, And rule our free united band ;
In all our orisons to Heav'n, Your blended names shall still be found, To both the votive goblet shall be crown'd ; And both, while life and memory remain, Hold in our grateful hearts your undivided reign.
ANNIVERSARY ODE.
Composed for the Annual Meeting of (he Glasgow Ayrthire Friendly Society, 25th Jan., 1820.
THY sorrows, AYR, are like the dews of night,
In pearly drops, o'er Nature's cheek descending, To bid her vernal beauty beam more bright,
The tear and smile in lovely union blending; For like the hymn of gratitude ascending
With incense ever pleasing to the skies, Thine and thy darling poet's fame extending,
Thou hear'st the voice of gratulation rise. And lo ! on this auspicious holiday, The Si-iis of Light in bright array.
With many a mystic streamer flying, To minstrelsy with measur'd steps advance, And seem, at times, to weave the festive dance, At times to shake the spear or couch the lance,
To feet unhallow'd all access denying ; The while they place, by plummet, rule, and square. The corner stone pre-destined to bear The precious monumental pile, Of Ayr the glory, and the boast of Kyle.
Though f]rail the fabric which you raise
The poet's memory to prolong,
Compared with that which speaks his praise,
The energy divine of song :
Yet still our gratitude is due,
Thrice-lov'd, thrice honour'd friends, to you
Wbo bid the beauteous structure rise ; And as our fond regrets were one When Coila wept her favourite son,
So in your joys we sympathize. When the whole world of taste and feeling turnf Its gaze, with rapture ever new, on
OF MASONRY. 361
ANTHEM I.
" LET there be light!"— the Almighty spoke, Refulgent streams from chaos broke
To illume the rising earth ! Well pleas' d the Great Jehovah stood—- The Power Supreme pronounced it good, And gave the planets birth ! In choral numbers Masons join, To bless and praise this light divine.
Parent of light ! accept our praise ! Who shedd'st on us thy brightest ravs,
The light that fills his mind. By choice selected, lo ! we stand, By friendship join'd, a social band !
That love — that aid mankind ! In choral numbers, &c.
The widow's tear — the orphan's cry, All wants — our ready hands supply,
As far as power is given ! The naked clothe — the prisoner free ! These are thy works, sweet Charity !
Reveal'd to us from heaven! In choral numbers, &o.
ANTHEM II.
By HENRY DAGGE, Esq., sung at the Founding of Ficemasotu1
Hall.
[Tune, Rule, Britannia.]
To Heaven's high Architect, all praise, All praise, all gratitude be given ;
Who deign'd the human soul to raise By mystic secrets sprung from heaven.
CHORUS.
Sound aloud the great Jehovah's praise ; To him the dome, the temple raise.
17
362 ILLUSTRATIONS
Thefollouting ANTHEMS, GLEES, fyl:, were jter farmed at the
Union.
ANTHEM, Composed by Brother WESLEV-
(The rocal ports in this, and the following Pieces, written by the R. W. Brother Perry, were sustained by Brothers Kelly, Bellamy, Taylor, Phillips, Pyne, Dignum, Leete, Evans, Clark, &c., &c.)
BEHOLD ! how good a thing it is,
And how becoming well, For Brethren such as Masons are,
In unity to dwell.
Oh ! 'tis like ointment on the head,
Or dew on Sion hill ! For then the Lord of Hosts hath said.
Peace shall be with you still.
SONG,
Composed by Brother KELLY.
MOUNTAINS may fall, and rocks decay, And isle on isle be swept away —
But Masonry's primeval truth, Un broke by force, unchanged by time,
Shall bloom in renovated youth, And energy sublime.
GLEE,
Composed by Brother KELLY.
Lo ! see from Heaven the peaceful dove,
With olive-branch descend ! AUGUSTUS shall with EDWARD join.
All rivalry to end ; And taught by their fraternal love, Our arms, our hearts shall intertwine,
The union to approve.
CHORUS,
Composed by Brother KELLY.
Royal AUGUSTUS FREDERICK, hail! For now, beneath the BRUNSWICK line,
Our system shall prevail : O'er all the earth, with truths divine,
Shall Masonry extend its sway,
Till time itself shall pass away. In unity to shine.
OF MASONRY. 868
GLEE, Composed by Brother KELLY.
THE well-known sign we mark, and fly The wound to heal — to still the sigh — And wipo the tear from sorrow's eye. For our's the aim is, our's the art To meliorate the human heart : Of wild desires to stem the flood, And act as if of kindred blood.
SONG, Composed by Brother KELLY.
HARK ! I hear the Warden call —
" Masons, to your sports away; " Join the banquet in the hall ;
44 Give your hearts a holiday J"
When around the festive bowl,
We delight in song and glee ; Gay and open is the soul
When it feels secure and free.
Joyous as the jest goes round,
Taunt nor gibe can Masons fear ; None, by sacred pledges bound,
Prate again of what they hear.
When we toast the fair we prize,
Not a tongue shall slander tell ; Masons' hearts, by honour's ties,
Guard the sex they love so well.
And though we fill our glasses high,
Feeling still shall warm the breast ; We have not left the poor man dry —
So the cheerful cup is blest.
GLEE, Composed by Brother ATTWOOD, for three Voices
IN Masons' hearts let joy abound ! Let the fraternal health go round ! Fill up the bowl, then !— fill it high ! Fill all the goblets there ! — for why When Masons meet should they be dry ? Why, sons of candour, tell me why?
Our work is done. We've fed the poor; We've chased the wolf from sorrow's door, Fill up the bowl, then !— fill it high ! Fill all the goblets there ! — for why Should ev'ry mortal drink but I ? Why, sons of mortals, tell me why ?
364 ILLUSTRATIONS
SONG I. [Tune, Attic Fire.]
ARISE, and blow thy trumpet, Fame J Freemasonry aloud proclaim
To realms and worlds unknown : Tell them, 'twas this gn-at David's son The wise, the matchless Solomon,
Priz'd far above his throne.
The solemn temples ! cloud-capt towers, Th' aspiring domes, are works of ours ;
By us those piles were rais'd: Then bid mankind with songs advance, And through th' ethereal vast expanse
Let Masonry be prai*'d !
We help the poor in time of need, The naked clothe, the hungry feed,
'Tis our foundation-stone; We build upon the noblest plan, ) ^n For friendship rivets man to man, > « •
And makes us all as one. )*
Still louder, Fame ! thy trumpet blow ! Let all the distant regions know
Freemasonry is this • Almighty wisdom gave it birth, And Heaven has fix'd it here on earth,
A type of future bliss !
SONG II. [Tune, Rule, Britannia. t
ERE God the universe began.
In one rude chaos matter lay, And wild disorder overran,
Nor knew of light one glimmering ray While in darkness o'er the whole Confusion reign'd without control.
Then God arose, his thunders hurl'd, And bade the elements arise ;
In air he hung the pendent world, And o'er it spread the azure skies ;
Stars in circles caus'd to run,
And in the centre fix'd the sun.
Then man he call'd forth out of dust, And form'd him with a living soul
All things committed to his trust, And made him ruler of the whole :
But, ungrateful unto Heaven,
The rebel was from Eden driven.
OF MASONRY. 366
From thence proceeded all our woes, Nor could mankind one comfort cheer;
Until Freemasonry arose,
And form'd another Eden here :
'Tis only on Masonic ground
Pleasure with innocence is found.
'Tis here the purest fountains flow,
Here nought corrupt can enter in : Here trees of knowledge stately grow,
Whose fruit we taste, exempt from sin ; In friendship sweet we still abound, While guardian angels hover round.
SONG III.
By J. F. STANFIELD, Sunderland. A MASTER-MASON'S SONG. [Tune, To Anameon in Heaven.}
NOT the fictions of Greece, nor the dreams of old Rome,
Shall with visions mislead, or with meteors consume ;
No Pegasus' wings my short soarings misguide,
Nor raptures detain me on Helicon's side,
All clouds now dissolve ; from the east beams the day —
Truth rises in glory, and wakens the lay.
The eagle-ey'd muse — sees the light — fills the grove
With the song of Freemasons, of friendship and love !
Inspired with the theme, the divinity flies, And, thron'd on a rainbow, before her arise Past, present, and future, with splendid array, In Masonic succession, their treasures display ; She views murder' d merit by ruffian-hand fall, And the grave give its dead up, at fellowship's call ! While the Craft, by their badges, their innocence prove ; And the song of Freemasons is — friendship and love !
From those ages remote see the muse speeds her way, To join in the glories the present display. In freedom and friendship she sees the true band With their splendour and virtues illumine the land. Eeligion's pure beams break the vapours of night, And from darkness mysterious the word gives the light ! While the Lodge here below, as the choirs from above, Join the song of Freemasons, in friendship and love !
That the future might keep what the present bestows,
In rapture prophetic the goddess arose ;
As she sung through the skies, angels echo'd the sound*
Arid the winds bore the notes to the regions around ;
The kind proclamation our song shall retain ;
'Twas — "that Masonry long may its lustre maintain:
44 And till Time be no more, our fraternity prove,
44 That the objects we aim at, are friendship and love !"
360 ILLUSTRATIONS
SONG IV.
Written and composed for the Masonic Meeting, by a Lady of Bath . and sung by Brother A. LOADER, at the Banquet at Kingston Rooms.
ALL hail! ye dear lov'd social band.
The boast, the glory of our land !
Whose mystic meetings ever prove
The feast of Charity and Love.
Though far apart, where'er ye tread,
Alike by one great motive led,
In heavenly union still ye move,
The friends of Charity and Love.
What though without the tempest raves,
The loyal heart caeli danger braves;
Within these walls no murmurs sound,
Here, Love and Peace are ever found;
Here, brother's hand to brother's joined,
Bespeaks the union of the mind :
Then fill the sparkling goblet high ;
For Church and King, we live or die;
To thee, illustrious Prince, we raise
A lasting monument of praise
In hearts from which thy hommr'd name
The warmest gratitude may claim;
Hearts which, in brother's love close bound.
To thee will eYr be faithful found;
And still, as now, united sing
Long live our Prince ! — God save our King !
SONG V. Composed by Mr. BOSWELL.
VAIN thought ! but had Burns ever witness'd a meeting Of souls so congenial, and warm'd with such fire,
The wild flow of fancy in ecstacy greeting,
Ah ! what might have been the bold notes of his lyre ?
As rays by reflection are doubled, and doubled, His bosom had swell'd to your cheering reply ;
Soft sympathy soothing the heart that was troubled — A smile for his mirth — for his sorrow a sigh.
Admir'd, but unaided, how dark was his story ;
His struggles we know, and his efforts we prize ; From murky neglect, as the flame bursts to glory,
He rose, self-embalm'd, and detraction defies.
A ploughman he was : — would that smiles of false favour Had never decoyed him from home and his team;
And taught all his hope and his wishes to waver, And, snatching reality, left him — a dream.
OK MASONRY. 367
To rank and to title, due deference owing,
We bow, as befitting society's plan ; But judgment awoken' d, and sympathy glowing,
Wo pass all distinctions, and rest upon — Man.
And from the poor hind, who, his day's task completed
With industry's pride to his hovel returns, To him, who in royalty's splendour is seated,
If soul independent be found, 'twas in BURNS.
His birth-right, his muse ! like the lark in the morning, How blithely he caroll'd in praise of the fair ;
With nature enraptur'd, and artifice scorning,
How sweet were his notes on the banks of the Ayr !
And near to that spot where his kindred dust slumbers, And mark'd by the bard on the tablets of fame,
And near the thatch'd shed where he first lisp'd in numbers, We'll raise a proud tribute to honour his name.
SONG VI.
[Tune, Rural Felicity.] YE dull stupid mortals, give o'er your conjectures,
Since Freemasons' secrets ye ne'er can obtain ; The Bible and compasses are our directors,
And shall be as long as the world doth remain. Here Friendship inviting, here Freedom delighting, Our moments in innocent mirth we employ.
CHORUS.
Come, see. Masons' felicity,
Working and singing with hearts full of joy.
No other society that you can mention,
Which has been, is now, or hereafter shall be,
However commendable be its intention, Can ever compare with divine Masonry.
No envy, no quarrels, can here blast our laurels, No passion our pleasure can ever annoy. Cho. Come, see, &c.
To aid one another we always are ready ;
Our rites and our secrets we carefully guard ; The Lodge to support, we like pillars are steady ;
No Babel confusion our work can retard. Ye mortals, come hither, assemble together,
And taste of those pleasures which never can cloy Cho. Come, see, &c.
We are to the Master for ever obedient,
Whenever he calls, to the Lodge wo repair;
Experience has taught us that 'tis most expedient To live within compass and act on the square.
Let mutual agreement be Freemasons' cement, Until the whole universe time shall destroy. Cho. Come, see, &c.
ILLUSTRATIONS
SONG VII. [Tune, Ye Lads of true spirit, pay Courtship to Olaret.]
IN times of old date, when (as stories relate)
Good men to the gods hud admission, When those who were griev'd might with ease be reliev'd
By offering un humble petition ; Some few who remaiii'd in their morals unstuin'd,
Submissively made application To build a retreat, if the gods should think meet,
To shield them from wicked invasion.
Delighted to find there were yet in mankind
Some laudable sentiments planted, Without hesitation they gave approbation,
And instant their wishes were granted. Then for artists they sought, and fain'd architects brought,
Who the various employments were skill'd in ; Each handled his tools and by science and rules
They straightway proceeded to building.
Fair Wisdom began first to sketch out the plan
By which they were all to be guided ; Each order she made was exactly obey'd,
When the portion of work she divided. The great corner-stone was by Charity done,
But Strength was the principal builder; When for mortar they cried, 'twas by Friendship supply'd,
And Beauty was carver and gilder.
Having long persever'd, a grand temple they reorM.
A refuge from folly and scandal, Where all who reside are in Virtue employ'd,
Nor fear the attacks of a Vandal. But if in their rage they should ever engage
In the attempt, 'twould be always prevented ; The door is so high, 'twould be madness to try,
And the walls are all strongly cemented.
The gods all agreed 'twas an excellent deed,
And, to show the affection they bore 'em, A treasure they gave, which the tenants still have.
Secured in the sanctum sanctorum. Thus blessed from above with a token of love,
Each brother with joy should receive it: Safe lock'd in his heart, it should never depart,
Til! call'd for by Heaven that gave it.
OF MASONRY. 369
SONG VIII.
Written ly the EDITOR, and intended to have been sung at the Grand Feast, May 11, 1796.
[Tune, Hearts of Oak.]
A SYSTEM more pure ne'er was modell'd by man, Than that which we boast as the Freemasons' plan ; It unites all the world by the strongest of ties, And adds to men's bliss, while it makes them more wise.
From the prince to the boor,
Be he rich, be he poor,
A Mason is a brother,
And each will help the other ; So grateful the tie is of Freemasonry.
That hence flow the purest enjoyments of life, That banish'd from hence are dissension and strife, That the lessons are good which we practise and teach, Are truths that our foes vainly strive to impeach. From the prince, &c.
The greatest of monarchs, the wisest, and best, Have Masons become, and been true to the test ; And still with royal sanction our rites are pursu'd, Approv'd by the wise, and admir'd by the good. From the prince, &c.
To George our good king much affection we owe ; To his health let libations with due honours flow ; With zeal let "Our Royal Grand Master" be giv'n, And the blessings of Masons be sanctioned by Heav'n. From the prince, &c.
As the task were too tedious the deeds to record Of the great and the good that our annals afford ; In a word, let us vouch for this truth to mankind, There's no temple more pure than the true Mason's mind. From the prince, &c.
SONG IX. [Tune, Goddess of Ease.]
GENIUS of Masonry, descend,
And with thee bring thy spotless train : Constant our sacred rites attend,
While we adore thy peaceful reign ; Bring with tliee Virtue, brightest maid,
Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Friendship here \ While social Mirth shall lend her aid,
To smooth the wrinkled brow of Care.
Come, Charity, with goodness crown'd.
Encircled in thy heavenly robe, Diffuse thy blessings all around,
To every corner of the globe. 17*
370 ILLUSTRATIONS
See where she comes, with power to bless With open hand and tender heart,
Which wounded feels at man's : And bleeds at every human smart.
Envy may every ill devise,
And falsehood be thy deadliest foe, Thou, Friendship, still shalt towering rise.
And sink thine adversaries low: Thy well-built pile shall long endure,
Through rolling years preserve its prinu Upon a rock it stands secure,
And braves the rude assaults of time.
Ye happy few, who here extend,
In perfect lines from east to west, With fervent zeal the Lodge defend,
And look its secrets in each breast: Since ye are met upon the square,
Hid love and friendship jointly reign; Be peace and harmony your care,
Nor break the adamantine chain.
Behold the planets, how they move,
Yet keep due order as they run ; Then imitate tin- stars above,
And shine resplendent as the sun: That future Masons, when they meet,
May all our glorious deeds rehearse. And say, their fathers were so great,
That they adorned the universe.
SONG X. [Tune, Arno's Vale.}
WHEN my divine Althaea's charms No more shall kindle soft alarms, And the keen lightning of her eye Passes unfelt, unheeded by; When Moral Beauty's heavenly form Shall cease the frozen snow to warm ; When manners thus corrupt we see, Farewell the sweets of Masonry •
When Science shall withdraw her light, And Error spread a Gothic night ; When Pity's sacred source is dry. No pearly drop to melt the eye ; When Truth shall hide her blushing head. And famish'd Virtue beg her bread'; When manners thus corrupt we see, Farewell the sweets of Masonry !
OF MASONRY. 371
But while the fair transport our sight, And Moral Beauty's charms delight ; While Science lifts her torch on high. And Pity shows the melting eye ; While Truth maintains despotic power. And Virtue charms without a dower ; While manners thus unstain'd we see, All hail, the sweets of Masonry !
SONG XI.
THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER'S SONG.
ON, on, my dear Brethren, pursue your great lecture, Refine on the precepts of old architecture ; High honour to Masons the Craft daily brings, Who are brothers of Princes, and fellows of Kings.
We drove the rude Vandals and Goths off the stage, Reviving the art of Augustus' fain'd age ; And Vespasian destroy'd the vast temple in vain. Since so many now rise where our principles reign.
The noble five orders, compos' d with such art, Will amaze the fix'd eye, and engage the whole heart ; Proportion's sweet harmony gracing the whole, Gives our work, like the glorious creation, a soul.
Then Master and Brethren, preserve your great name. This Lodge so majestic will purchase you fame ; Rever'd it shall stand till all nature expire, And its glories ne'r fade till the world is on fire.
See, see, behold here, what rewards all our toil, Invigorates genius, and bids nature smile : To our noble Grand Master let bumpers Jbe crown'd. To all Masons a bumper, so let it go round.
Again my lov'd Brethren, again let it pass. Our ancient firm union cements with the glass : And all the contention 'mong Masons shall be, Who better can work, or who better agree.
SONG XII. A FELLOW-CRAFT'S SONG. [Tune, Rule, Britannia]
HAIL, Masonry, thou Craft divine !
Glory of earth, from heav'n reveal'd ;
Which doth with jewels precious shine,
From all but Masons' eyes conceal'*] :
Thy praises due, who can rehearse,
In nervous prose, or flowing verse ?
372
ILLUSTRATIONS
All craftsmen true distinguish 'd are ,
Our code all other laws excels : And what's in knowledge choice and rare, Within our breasts securely dwells. The silent breast, the faithful heart, Preserve the secrets of the art.
From scorching heat and piercing cold,
From beasts, whose roar the forest rends ; From the assaults of warrior's bold, The Mason's art mankind defends. Be to this art due honour paid, From which mankind receives such aid
Ensigns of state that feed our pride, Distinctions troublesome and vain, By Masons true are laid aside —
Art's free-born sons such toys disdain ; Ennobled by the name they bear, Distinguish'd by the badge they wear
Sweet fellowship, from envy free,
Friendly converse of brotherhood; The Lodge's lasting cement be, Which has for ages firmly stood. A Lodge thus built, for ages past Has lasted, and shall ever last.
Then let us celebrate the praise
Of all who have enriched the art; Let gratitude our voices raise,
And each true brother bear a part.
Let cheerful strains their fame resound. And living Masons' healths go round.
SONG XIII. [Tune, In Infancy, &c.]
LET Masonry from pole to pole
Her sacred laws expand, Far as the mighty waters roll,
To wash remotest land ; That Virtue has not left mankind,
Her social Maxims prove ! For stamp'd upon the Mason's mind
Are unity and love.
Ascending to her native sky,
Let Masonry increase ; A glorious pillar rais'd on high.
Integrity its base. Peace adds to olive boughs, entwin'd,
An emblematic dove, As stamp' d upon tho Mason's mind S^\*^ § R A
Are unity and love. '^
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