-
Articles/Ads
Article THE FREEMASONRY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Page 1 of 2 Article THE FREEMASONRY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasonry Of The New Testament.
THE FREEMASONRY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT .
Extract from a sermon preached by Bro . Rev . C . J . Arnold , St . Peter ' s Church , Detroit , Q 7 th December 1891 .
Bub be not ye called Ribbi : for one is your Master , even Christ and all ye are brethren . And call no man your father upon the earth : for Ono is your Father , which is in heaven . —St . Matthew xxiii . 8 , 9 . rpHE doctrine of God ' s fatherhood , and the resulting
X truth of man ' s brotherhood , wero first distinctly enunciated by the divine Master . The Christian religion rests firmly ou tho truth that God is the Father of our spirits , of whom every family in heaven aud earth is named . This relationshi p of every soul to God is not a legal fiction ,
whereby man is adopted into God ' s family , but a real kinship growing out of man ' s very nature , his likeness spiritually to the great Father . So , too , is the brotherhood of man nothing notional , sentimental or unreal , but natural , actual and real . Every man is my brother beeauso he and
I partake of the same spiritual nature , and own the same spiritual paternity . At times teachers in the Church havo lost sight of this , the greatest of all truths , or have failed to give it that prominence which is its dne . Sometimes the divine sovereignty , with all its insignia of authority
and the awfulness of its majesty , has been permitted to supersede the grander truth of tho divine Paternity , anil as men have lost the latter and advanced the former * religion has become sterner and less lovely , and much of its power to sweeten life , and adorn character has been liken away .
Among the greatest of all human institutions that have cherished and advanced this truth of man ' s brotherhood , is the fraternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons . This is the ruling idea of this society , and since , ns has been said , the power and influence of any individual or
institution is the ideal projected through and multiplied by the personality orpersonel , tho power for good of a fraternity whose ideal is this sublime truth must bj mighty indeed . My friends and brethren , it is because I find so many noble principles in Masonry , so many precepts ,
which if laid to heart , and manifested in daily life , would make mankind happier and nobler , that I tako this occasion , the day set apart to the commemoration of St . John the Evangelist , to speak to Masons and others upon an institution which I regard as the most sublime and
august of all societies of human organization . Those who are within the Order may gain something of inspiration for moro faithful performance of tho duties enjoined , and those without may bo led to approve and adopt many of the principles exemplified in this ancient
society . My Christian brethren , within and without the Masonic Order , let us all realize more fully as we need to do , this fundamental truth that wo are brethren , children of one common Father . Another feature of the teachings of Masonry most strongly commending it to the respect of
Christians is that veneration for tho Word of God , and the exaltation of the Holy Scriptures to the highest pja . ee among the great lights of Masonry . The Bible is regarded by Masons as the great heavenly luminary whose light brightens the pathway of life , casting its beams far into
the fnture , dispelling the deep shadows of the tomb and lost , at last , in brightness of that eternal glory yet to be revealed in us . Masons raise no questions about the inspiration or authority of the Word of God . Its exalted precepts afford a sure guidance upon life ' s pathway and for
this reason it is followed and its glorious promises sustain the hopes and satisfy the yearnings of the human heart , therefore it is believed in . In this unquestioning acceptance of the Bible as of divino authority , Masons set a
worthy example to doubting churchmen . The members of this Order put the Holy Scriptures to the test of practice , and have not found it wanting . My friends , I honour Masonry for this noble testimony to the truth of God .
Again , the uniformity of teaching and principles in Masonry , and its perpetuation of its ancient forms and ceremonies , not suffering innovations , must most strongly commend itself to true and loyal Churchmen . The Master
of every Lodge , when installed , is instructed not to permit departure from the ancient and accepted principles , teachings and ceremonies of the Order , and is charged to countenance no schismatic or heretic . Thus , among all nations , throngh all times , where ignorance prevailed or
The Freemasonry Of The New Testament.
tho pride of intellect ruled , the Masonic Order has perpetuated ita venerable and houonrablo principles aud ceremonies , handing- them down across tho billowy centuries with their pristine truthfulness and beauty unimpaired , as tho heribigo of generations vet unborn .
bomething of this veneration of the anoient way ? , something of this love of the old paths , to walk therein , would bo a source of great blessing among Christians . Such a spirit of unity and uniformity as this Order presents would have prevented the rupture of the Christian Church , and
could it now enter into all the fragments of Christ ' s Kingdom would obliterate all lines of separation among brethren , and present to the unbelioving world that strength of unity which is irresistible , and that beauty of concord which is captivating . How could any thoughtful
man fail to be impressed with tho uniformity in ceremonial which wide separation in timo or space does not interrupt ! Recently , coming to this city from the far South , I was especially impressed with the almost exact identity in ceremonial in the two sections of our broad land . Another
enforcement of this truth is to be found in tho reminder given the Master at this ceremony of inauguration , that it is not in the power of any man or set of men to establish an order of Masons . This is a token of fidelity to the trust confided to the successive officers of tho Lodge , in the
perpetuation of the true aud ancient principles of the Order . In this is recognized the fact , that there is a stewardship of truths aud teachings for the good of mankind through ages yet to come , which would be imperilled by suffering tho institntion to be changed and revolutionized , by the
schemes ot tho ambitious , or tho whims of the iguorant . How long would tho Masonic Order end arc if every man becoming dissatisfied with a certain regime , should be permitted to organize a substitute for the Ancient " Craft , " which should bo recognized as of equal dignity and
authority with the original Order ? Such acts of disloyalty to the divine Church have given rise to scores of denominations and sects of Christians , the latest hiving claim to
equal dignity and authority with tho ancient ehurch , tracing its existence throngh tho light and tho dark ages ot' tho Christian era . Thus is tho body of Christ , dismembered and set in antagonism , part against part .
These excellent principles set forth and emphasized in tho teachings of Masonry are earnestly commended to thoughtful Christians . But , while Ave exalt this Order , and extol its teachings , wo must speak a word of warning to brethren of the " Craft . " There are those who accord
to this ancient institution powers and functions never claimed by the Order , nor demanded as its own by any worthy and accepted teacher of its truths . I refer to the statement often made by brethren that Masonry is a good enough religion for them , that if a man lives up to the
teachings of this noble Order ho need fear nought for the future . My brethren , what salvation does Masonry offer you ? Does it hold up a Saviour able to save from sin and death ? Has it discovered a law that can give life ? Has it consolation for your sorrows , pardon for your sins , grace
for your weakness in the struggles and conflicts of lite . It does , indeed , hold up before ns a torch of Hope lit in the blazing Sun of Righteousness , a faith resting on the sure foundation of God ' s Holy word , and a love inculcated by the religion of Christ , all of which abide for ever , but these
are as guides and encouragements on the journey of life , for which is not claimed any power to save . Masonry inculcates the true principles of morality , and that man who should live according to these pure precepts would be noble and upright among men , but he would thereby have
no assurance of salvation . Salvation cometh of God—it is tbe Father ' s gift to man . It is apprehended b y faith ia Christ whose name is that alone given among men whereby they must be saved . I have noticed , however , my brethren , that the best , most active , consistent , ancl devoted Masons are those who are likewise devout and
earnest Christians . In this Order are set forth the principles of Operative Masonry as applied to the rearing and adornment of character . I know not whether St . Paul was a Mason or not , but of this I am sure , he recognised the value of these
principles of architecture as illustrative of the upbuilding of that temple of the soul , not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . I would , in conclusion , draw out and
present some of those lessons of life which architecture illustrates so clearly and impressively . In architecture we read man ' s progress , and are made to reflect upon the greatness of human endowments . Man is revealed in art ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasonry Of The New Testament.
THE FREEMASONRY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT .
Extract from a sermon preached by Bro . Rev . C . J . Arnold , St . Peter ' s Church , Detroit , Q 7 th December 1891 .
Bub be not ye called Ribbi : for one is your Master , even Christ and all ye are brethren . And call no man your father upon the earth : for Ono is your Father , which is in heaven . —St . Matthew xxiii . 8 , 9 . rpHE doctrine of God ' s fatherhood , and the resulting
X truth of man ' s brotherhood , wero first distinctly enunciated by the divine Master . The Christian religion rests firmly ou tho truth that God is the Father of our spirits , of whom every family in heaven aud earth is named . This relationshi p of every soul to God is not a legal fiction ,
whereby man is adopted into God ' s family , but a real kinship growing out of man ' s very nature , his likeness spiritually to the great Father . So , too , is the brotherhood of man nothing notional , sentimental or unreal , but natural , actual and real . Every man is my brother beeauso he and
I partake of the same spiritual nature , and own the same spiritual paternity . At times teachers in the Church havo lost sight of this , the greatest of all truths , or have failed to give it that prominence which is its dne . Sometimes the divine sovereignty , with all its insignia of authority
and the awfulness of its majesty , has been permitted to supersede the grander truth of tho divine Paternity , anil as men have lost the latter and advanced the former * religion has become sterner and less lovely , and much of its power to sweeten life , and adorn character has been liken away .
Among the greatest of all human institutions that have cherished and advanced this truth of man ' s brotherhood , is the fraternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons . This is the ruling idea of this society , and since , ns has been said , the power and influence of any individual or
institution is the ideal projected through and multiplied by the personality orpersonel , tho power for good of a fraternity whose ideal is this sublime truth must bj mighty indeed . My friends and brethren , it is because I find so many noble principles in Masonry , so many precepts ,
which if laid to heart , and manifested in daily life , would make mankind happier and nobler , that I tako this occasion , the day set apart to the commemoration of St . John the Evangelist , to speak to Masons and others upon an institution which I regard as the most sublime and
august of all societies of human organization . Those who are within the Order may gain something of inspiration for moro faithful performance of tho duties enjoined , and those without may bo led to approve and adopt many of the principles exemplified in this ancient
society . My Christian brethren , within and without the Masonic Order , let us all realize more fully as we need to do , this fundamental truth that wo are brethren , children of one common Father . Another feature of the teachings of Masonry most strongly commending it to the respect of
Christians is that veneration for tho Word of God , and the exaltation of the Holy Scriptures to the highest pja . ee among the great lights of Masonry . The Bible is regarded by Masons as the great heavenly luminary whose light brightens the pathway of life , casting its beams far into
the fnture , dispelling the deep shadows of the tomb and lost , at last , in brightness of that eternal glory yet to be revealed in us . Masons raise no questions about the inspiration or authority of the Word of God . Its exalted precepts afford a sure guidance upon life ' s pathway and for
this reason it is followed and its glorious promises sustain the hopes and satisfy the yearnings of the human heart , therefore it is believed in . In this unquestioning acceptance of the Bible as of divino authority , Masons set a
worthy example to doubting churchmen . The members of this Order put the Holy Scriptures to the test of practice , and have not found it wanting . My friends , I honour Masonry for this noble testimony to the truth of God .
Again , the uniformity of teaching and principles in Masonry , and its perpetuation of its ancient forms and ceremonies , not suffering innovations , must most strongly commend itself to true and loyal Churchmen . The Master
of every Lodge , when installed , is instructed not to permit departure from the ancient and accepted principles , teachings and ceremonies of the Order , and is charged to countenance no schismatic or heretic . Thus , among all nations , throngh all times , where ignorance prevailed or
The Freemasonry Of The New Testament.
tho pride of intellect ruled , the Masonic Order has perpetuated ita venerable and houonrablo principles aud ceremonies , handing- them down across tho billowy centuries with their pristine truthfulness and beauty unimpaired , as tho heribigo of generations vet unborn .
bomething of this veneration of the anoient way ? , something of this love of the old paths , to walk therein , would bo a source of great blessing among Christians . Such a spirit of unity and uniformity as this Order presents would have prevented the rupture of the Christian Church , and
could it now enter into all the fragments of Christ ' s Kingdom would obliterate all lines of separation among brethren , and present to the unbelioving world that strength of unity which is irresistible , and that beauty of concord which is captivating . How could any thoughtful
man fail to be impressed with tho uniformity in ceremonial which wide separation in timo or space does not interrupt ! Recently , coming to this city from the far South , I was especially impressed with the almost exact identity in ceremonial in the two sections of our broad land . Another
enforcement of this truth is to be found in tho reminder given the Master at this ceremony of inauguration , that it is not in the power of any man or set of men to establish an order of Masons . This is a token of fidelity to the trust confided to the successive officers of tho Lodge , in the
perpetuation of the true aud ancient principles of the Order . In this is recognized the fact , that there is a stewardship of truths aud teachings for the good of mankind through ages yet to come , which would be imperilled by suffering tho institntion to be changed and revolutionized , by the
schemes ot tho ambitious , or tho whims of the iguorant . How long would tho Masonic Order end arc if every man becoming dissatisfied with a certain regime , should be permitted to organize a substitute for the Ancient " Craft , " which should bo recognized as of equal dignity and
authority with the original Order ? Such acts of disloyalty to the divine Church have given rise to scores of denominations and sects of Christians , the latest hiving claim to
equal dignity and authority with tho ancient ehurch , tracing its existence throngh tho light and tho dark ages ot' tho Christian era . Thus is tho body of Christ , dismembered and set in antagonism , part against part .
These excellent principles set forth and emphasized in tho teachings of Masonry are earnestly commended to thoughtful Christians . But , while Ave exalt this Order , and extol its teachings , wo must speak a word of warning to brethren of the " Craft . " There are those who accord
to this ancient institution powers and functions never claimed by the Order , nor demanded as its own by any worthy and accepted teacher of its truths . I refer to the statement often made by brethren that Masonry is a good enough religion for them , that if a man lives up to the
teachings of this noble Order ho need fear nought for the future . My brethren , what salvation does Masonry offer you ? Does it hold up a Saviour able to save from sin and death ? Has it discovered a law that can give life ? Has it consolation for your sorrows , pardon for your sins , grace
for your weakness in the struggles and conflicts of lite . It does , indeed , hold up before ns a torch of Hope lit in the blazing Sun of Righteousness , a faith resting on the sure foundation of God ' s Holy word , and a love inculcated by the religion of Christ , all of which abide for ever , but these
are as guides and encouragements on the journey of life , for which is not claimed any power to save . Masonry inculcates the true principles of morality , and that man who should live according to these pure precepts would be noble and upright among men , but he would thereby have
no assurance of salvation . Salvation cometh of God—it is tbe Father ' s gift to man . It is apprehended b y faith ia Christ whose name is that alone given among men whereby they must be saved . I have noticed , however , my brethren , that the best , most active , consistent , ancl devoted Masons are those who are likewise devout and
earnest Christians . In this Order are set forth the principles of Operative Masonry as applied to the rearing and adornment of character . I know not whether St . Paul was a Mason or not , but of this I am sure , he recognised the value of these
principles of architecture as illustrative of the upbuilding of that temple of the soul , not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . I would , in conclusion , draw out and
present some of those lessons of life which architecture illustrates so clearly and impressively . In architecture we read man ' s progress , and are made to reflect upon the greatness of human endowments . Man is revealed in art ,