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What Next ?
WHAT NEXT ?
AN" article appears in the Voice of Masonry for August . er titled " Of Great Importance , " from which if appears that some of the Craft are not without desire foi Masonic light . From its statements we learn that a Worshipful Master , solicitous for the perfection of the
work , had arrayed himself in a robe and crown during certain ceremonies , with a view to that " dignity which doth hedge a king , " and also introduced " a . camera ( magic lantern ) and views , " but for what purpose the
latter was required ia not disclosed ; that thereafter he wrote to the Grand Master to ascertain if these things were trul y Masonic , and thereupon the Grand Master , in an answer covering two pages of the Voice , informed the
Worshipful Master that the robe and crown were proper , assigning several reasons therefor , by which he further informed the ' public of several things done by King-Solomon , which are not found in bodies .
Whether or not the crown and robe are necessan
" properties " on such occasions as are mentioned by him , the Grand Master ought to know , and he says they should be worn in order that every part of the work may be made perfect , and all proprieties duly observed , but the magic
Janteru business he leaves in the dark . Perhaps be is right in his decision , as he doubtless is in his intention to contribute to the order and ' perfection of the work , which is nluidable purpose . But this article is not intended for
the purpose of maintaining either side of the question , but to offer a few reflections which may , possibly , be of some service to those who maybe disposed to explore the subject for the benefit of the Craft .
So far as the crown is concerned , it may be said with confidence that throughout the work of all the degrees , the Worshipful Master in his lowest symbolical character , that is , as to the lowest or external degree , represents the sun
—the master and dispenser of natural ( physical ) lightnot only in respect to that , but also as to the bands or bonds of solar attraction by which he holds and directs the planetary bodies in their variable but orderly revolutions around him , through the amazing spaces of the zodiacal belt .
The rays of the sun always have been represented by the rays of a crown , which are pointed and project outward from the royal head of the King , who also represents the sun . as is well known .
The crown has always to this day been represented in every Lodge , as all skilful Masters know , and even the unskilful know where the Worshipful Master " hangs his hat , " even if they know not what is meant by his so doing .
But many Masters do not know that the collar of the Worshipful Master represents the circle of the zodiac ; that belt of sixteen degrees in width around the heavens , within the breadth of which the planets revolve about the sun .
This is represented by the blue collar , and the planets by the figures of the five-pointed stars which adorn it , and this collar is , therefore , a far more signifieaut piece of Masonic apparel than any robe , whether the purple of
Tyre or the scarlet of Jerusalem . It is because this collar represents the zodiac that it is closed in front and not open at the bottom , as those worn by the members of other societies .
Hence , so far as the crown is concerned , Bro . Brown of the Voice properly remarks that the question is debatable , and , we might add , with the chances in favour of the Grand Master of Michigan and the Worshi pful Master mentioned by him .
But as to the robe there is not so much to be shown in
favour of its having been worn at any time in the Lodge . If it ever was used it could not have been derived from the same source as the crown , for the sun is never properly , if at all , represented with a robe . He is the very
embodiment and manifestation of power m action , and represented by such characters as Hercules , Apollo , Mithra , aud the others . He needs no robe ( except during winter in Michigan , perhaps ) . If any robe is to be found in the
Lodge it must be an imitation , not a symbol , and Masonry does not occupy itself with imitations . But if the theatricals of the Lodge require a robe , there is also o throne and
sceptre , and diamonds and other jewels , to say nothing of lords in waiting , messengers , men at arms , courtiers , and particularly that indispensable personage , the king ' s fool . All these go together , with much more , to make up
What Next ?
the properties and proprieties , so that the Worshipful Master mentioned can see that he has only made a mere start in the enterprise of putting King Solomon on the stage , with his eottonnge velvet and cat fnr habiliment .
According to the allocution of tho Grand Master , he appears to take it for granted that everybody would agree that the magic lantern was a part of Ancient Craft Masonry , or at least ought to have been , for he advances
no objection , but passes it without argument . This being so , I do not wish to enter into any argument pro or con Avhieh might disturb settled work in an important jurisdiction , but it may be permitted to remark , that if any
Worshi pful Master in Michigan has a hand-organ and monkey which he wishes to introduce , there may be some reason to fear the disapprobation of the Grand Master , on account of the difficulty of introducing too many reforms
at once , so that such a matter might be better deferred until the other improvement is well established . Besides , such a project would not be so clearly Masonic as the
magic lantern , for it may be that King Solomon had one , or some similar machine , to illustrate his work on botany ; for I have mvself seen used in a "higher decree" than
the Master ' s Lodge a pair of ancient sunflower spectacles , which the principal mystagogue vouched for as having been manufactured for King Solomon in his old age , by a glass carpenter of some seaport town on the Dead Sea .
But , leaving the crown , and robe , and other appliances , to take care of themselves , it might not be amiss to inquire if the Worshipful Master mentioned ever thought it worth
while , in trying to perfect the work , to ascertain and teach the " neophyte " his place in the Lodge , after he had enjoyed tho advantages of crown and robe ?
One mi g ht suppose that it must be fully as important in such a work as Symbolic Masonry , which is designed to be nothing less that the very exemplification of order , that
the work itself should be finished by the last , most signal and most sublime symbolic lesson which the treasure-house of Masonic symbology affords ; yet have we any right to believe that there is in the whole State mentioned one
Worshipful Master who has ever made a persistent effort to solve the problem , that as an Apprentice he has his proper place , and knows some of the meanings which
belong to it , while as a Fellow Craft or Master Mason he has no place at all ? Is there any ground to believe that anv one of them could answer the Grand Master if asked
by him , where , or what is still more important , how and why do you stand ? What is the geometry of this , by which you prove it correct ? Can you inform any
"neophyte , " or is there any means accessible in your Lodge by which he can learn what , the forty-seventh problem of Euclid has to do with these matters ?
The matter of the crown and robe are brought up , and this is termed " of great importance . " Let it be granted , but what knowledge did those who enjoyed what benefit there may be in robe and crown receive concerning the
signification of the salutations and signs ? They could see the dress and take notice of its meaning at a glance , but are they yet able even to guess what the symbolic expressions , by which they prove themselves , signify ?
There is something more than head-gear and fine garments lost among the rubbish , much more than is above hinted at , but what little is there said is enough to show that the order of the work is broken and the Masonic
floor dospoiled of half its mosaic work of wisdom and beauty . This is not meant as the least reproach to any of those mentioned , or reflecting on them in any way more than upon all others . The dilapidation which has been
suffered to go on throughout the entire Masonic structure is the fault of the Craft at large , continued during a long time . In consequence of this , Masters , and Grand Masters ,
and other teachers , habitually speak to the Craft about " the Order , " and " Onr Order , " using terms , which mislead , and which belong to other societies , and to the various side or high degrees .
If this one cause of ignorance and negligence could be overthrown , and the Fraternity at large made to understand that Masonry is not an Order , but a Craft—even if the Grand Officers cannot be reformed—it would alone do
more good than any amount of exhortation towards inducing Masons who desire to learn anything to go at it , and discover what they certainlv will never know if they
wait for Grand Lodge instruction ; that Masonry h'' « _ a science and a philosophy , and a perfect order in its entire design , and is not a miscellaneous accumulation of cere-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
What Next ?
WHAT NEXT ?
AN" article appears in the Voice of Masonry for August . er titled " Of Great Importance , " from which if appears that some of the Craft are not without desire foi Masonic light . From its statements we learn that a Worshipful Master , solicitous for the perfection of the
work , had arrayed himself in a robe and crown during certain ceremonies , with a view to that " dignity which doth hedge a king , " and also introduced " a . camera ( magic lantern ) and views , " but for what purpose the
latter was required ia not disclosed ; that thereafter he wrote to the Grand Master to ascertain if these things were trul y Masonic , and thereupon the Grand Master , in an answer covering two pages of the Voice , informed the
Worshipful Master that the robe and crown were proper , assigning several reasons therefor , by which he further informed the ' public of several things done by King-Solomon , which are not found in bodies .
Whether or not the crown and robe are necessan
" properties " on such occasions as are mentioned by him , the Grand Master ought to know , and he says they should be worn in order that every part of the work may be made perfect , and all proprieties duly observed , but the magic
Janteru business he leaves in the dark . Perhaps be is right in his decision , as he doubtless is in his intention to contribute to the order and ' perfection of the work , which is nluidable purpose . But this article is not intended for
the purpose of maintaining either side of the question , but to offer a few reflections which may , possibly , be of some service to those who maybe disposed to explore the subject for the benefit of the Craft .
So far as the crown is concerned , it may be said with confidence that throughout the work of all the degrees , the Worshipful Master in his lowest symbolical character , that is , as to the lowest or external degree , represents the sun
—the master and dispenser of natural ( physical ) lightnot only in respect to that , but also as to the bands or bonds of solar attraction by which he holds and directs the planetary bodies in their variable but orderly revolutions around him , through the amazing spaces of the zodiacal belt .
The rays of the sun always have been represented by the rays of a crown , which are pointed and project outward from the royal head of the King , who also represents the sun . as is well known .
The crown has always to this day been represented in every Lodge , as all skilful Masters know , and even the unskilful know where the Worshipful Master " hangs his hat , " even if they know not what is meant by his so doing .
But many Masters do not know that the collar of the Worshipful Master represents the circle of the zodiac ; that belt of sixteen degrees in width around the heavens , within the breadth of which the planets revolve about the sun .
This is represented by the blue collar , and the planets by the figures of the five-pointed stars which adorn it , and this collar is , therefore , a far more signifieaut piece of Masonic apparel than any robe , whether the purple of
Tyre or the scarlet of Jerusalem . It is because this collar represents the zodiac that it is closed in front and not open at the bottom , as those worn by the members of other societies .
Hence , so far as the crown is concerned , Bro . Brown of the Voice properly remarks that the question is debatable , and , we might add , with the chances in favour of the Grand Master of Michigan and the Worshi pful Master mentioned by him .
But as to the robe there is not so much to be shown in
favour of its having been worn at any time in the Lodge . If it ever was used it could not have been derived from the same source as the crown , for the sun is never properly , if at all , represented with a robe . He is the very
embodiment and manifestation of power m action , and represented by such characters as Hercules , Apollo , Mithra , aud the others . He needs no robe ( except during winter in Michigan , perhaps ) . If any robe is to be found in the
Lodge it must be an imitation , not a symbol , and Masonry does not occupy itself with imitations . But if the theatricals of the Lodge require a robe , there is also o throne and
sceptre , and diamonds and other jewels , to say nothing of lords in waiting , messengers , men at arms , courtiers , and particularly that indispensable personage , the king ' s fool . All these go together , with much more , to make up
What Next ?
the properties and proprieties , so that the Worshipful Master mentioned can see that he has only made a mere start in the enterprise of putting King Solomon on the stage , with his eottonnge velvet and cat fnr habiliment .
According to the allocution of tho Grand Master , he appears to take it for granted that everybody would agree that the magic lantern was a part of Ancient Craft Masonry , or at least ought to have been , for he advances
no objection , but passes it without argument . This being so , I do not wish to enter into any argument pro or con Avhieh might disturb settled work in an important jurisdiction , but it may be permitted to remark , that if any
Worshi pful Master in Michigan has a hand-organ and monkey which he wishes to introduce , there may be some reason to fear the disapprobation of the Grand Master , on account of the difficulty of introducing too many reforms
at once , so that such a matter might be better deferred until the other improvement is well established . Besides , such a project would not be so clearly Masonic as the
magic lantern , for it may be that King Solomon had one , or some similar machine , to illustrate his work on botany ; for I have mvself seen used in a "higher decree" than
the Master ' s Lodge a pair of ancient sunflower spectacles , which the principal mystagogue vouched for as having been manufactured for King Solomon in his old age , by a glass carpenter of some seaport town on the Dead Sea .
But , leaving the crown , and robe , and other appliances , to take care of themselves , it might not be amiss to inquire if the Worshipful Master mentioned ever thought it worth
while , in trying to perfect the work , to ascertain and teach the " neophyte " his place in the Lodge , after he had enjoyed tho advantages of crown and robe ?
One mi g ht suppose that it must be fully as important in such a work as Symbolic Masonry , which is designed to be nothing less that the very exemplification of order , that
the work itself should be finished by the last , most signal and most sublime symbolic lesson which the treasure-house of Masonic symbology affords ; yet have we any right to believe that there is in the whole State mentioned one
Worshipful Master who has ever made a persistent effort to solve the problem , that as an Apprentice he has his proper place , and knows some of the meanings which
belong to it , while as a Fellow Craft or Master Mason he has no place at all ? Is there any ground to believe that anv one of them could answer the Grand Master if asked
by him , where , or what is still more important , how and why do you stand ? What is the geometry of this , by which you prove it correct ? Can you inform any
"neophyte , " or is there any means accessible in your Lodge by which he can learn what , the forty-seventh problem of Euclid has to do with these matters ?
The matter of the crown and robe are brought up , and this is termed " of great importance . " Let it be granted , but what knowledge did those who enjoyed what benefit there may be in robe and crown receive concerning the
signification of the salutations and signs ? They could see the dress and take notice of its meaning at a glance , but are they yet able even to guess what the symbolic expressions , by which they prove themselves , signify ?
There is something more than head-gear and fine garments lost among the rubbish , much more than is above hinted at , but what little is there said is enough to show that the order of the work is broken and the Masonic
floor dospoiled of half its mosaic work of wisdom and beauty . This is not meant as the least reproach to any of those mentioned , or reflecting on them in any way more than upon all others . The dilapidation which has been
suffered to go on throughout the entire Masonic structure is the fault of the Craft at large , continued during a long time . In consequence of this , Masters , and Grand Masters ,
and other teachers , habitually speak to the Craft about " the Order , " and " Onr Order , " using terms , which mislead , and which belong to other societies , and to the various side or high degrees .
If this one cause of ignorance and negligence could be overthrown , and the Fraternity at large made to understand that Masonry is not an Order , but a Craft—even if the Grand Officers cannot be reformed—it would alone do
more good than any amount of exhortation towards inducing Masons who desire to learn anything to go at it , and discover what they certainlv will never know if they
wait for Grand Lodge instruction ; that Masonry h'' « _ a science and a philosophy , and a perfect order in its entire design , and is not a miscellaneous accumulation of cere-