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Article LECTURE ON FREEMASONRY. ← Page 2 of 2 Article INSTALLATION MEETINGS, &c. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lecture On Freemasonry.
the celebrated archieologist , who ia a great authority in these matters connects that sect with some of the old temples abounding in these Darts and by reasons of those templea bearing Masonic symbols and devices sculptured on their walls , competent authorities connect this 8 eot with Masonry . Another curious circumstance might as well bo mentioned in this connection , and it ia thot , oven in the present day , Hindu artizans ,
such aa masons , carpenters , blacksmiths aud others , observe the last day of the month of Bhadra as sacred to Visvakarma , and cannot be persuaded to handle a single working instrument on that day . The European manufacturing jewellers and ironmongers of Calcutta will bear testimony to this fact , as they are obliged to grant leave to all their workmen on that day .
The materials , however , are too scanty to lead us to any definite conclusion , either as to the . age or history of Masonry in India , bnt the straggling signs and landmarks brought into light by the diligent industry of antiquarians , scholars and masons , strongly point , as I have attempted to shew , to somo connection between the ancient institutions of tbe Brahmins and the Mystic Brotherhood of the
Freemasons ; and they indicate to ua a field of research which cannot fail to be fruitful of the most interesting results , as they would most probably show that there exists an intimate relation between Hinduism and Masonry at a time when the Hindu faith was pure and free from thoso superstitious practices which have crept into it in comparatively modern times .
The double triangle inscribed in a circle is a mystical symbol which Mnsonry possesses in common with many other ancient institutions which had , like ourselves , to do their work in seclusion and secrecy . With the Hebrew Kabalist it played an important part in their mystical ceremonies under tbe name of Solomon's Seal . Among the Brahmins it was known as the Srijantra , or the device of Sri , the
goddess of Fortune , and had a deeply significant meaning , which was communicated only to the initiated of the Brahminical mysteries . The double triangle , in a circle from one point of view , denoted tbe Grand Law of Evolution which , according to tbe sacred writings of the Hindus , works out its course in spirals . Beginning with the highest point of the circle , which is the apex of the triangle pointing
npwards . the human entity completes the round by mounting up to the point , which in a higher plane corresponds with the point from which the start is to be made . The six points in whioh the triangles touch tbe circle , together with the one just mentioned , form the seven grand states of existence through whioh the human entity must paas to attain tbe universal salvation which awaits all afc the end of the
Kalpa . The double triangle symbolises another grand truth in Hindu philosophy . The triangle is the emblem of the trinity in nature , and this mystic symbol represents the grand trinities whioh lie at the two poles of all existence Matter and Spirit , or as they are more popularly called , lody and soul . The triangle pointing npwards stands for the spiritual , and the other for the material trinity . Man ,
as is well known , was looked upon by the ancient Hindus as the Microcosm in the Macrocosm , and what is stated of the little holds good , mutatis mutandis , for the great . The lower trinity is the Sthula ( gross ) , Sukshma ( subtile ) , and E & rana ( causal Deha ) or body . The St hula deha is the outer man or the gross physical body , the Sukshma deha is the astral or ethereal likeness of the body , the Karana deha
is the body as existing in its cause , just aa the tree exists in the seed ana consists of matter in a state of indifferentiation . The identity of cause and effect which German philosophers are just beginning to recognise , forms one of tho fundamental notions of the Sankhya and the Vedanta systems of the Hindus . The higher trinity consists of Prakriti . Purusha , and Sakti or Maya . These are the three aspects
of Parabrahmah or the Noumennn of this phenominal existence . In the first aspect Parabrahma , as Purusha , is cosmic matter in its potential state , it is the absolute existence , and as such the negation of every limited thing , that is , things which are capable of becoming the objects of our cognition under ordinary circumstances . Mayah or Sakti is the power or law which is inherent in Parabrahmah , and
nofc a separate entity from it just as thinking is nothing distinct from man , in virtue of which the potentiality of matter is propelled into actualit y . The circumscribing circle means that matter and spirit , far from being different substances , are eternally interlocked . Two eternal infinites being a palpable absurdity , the symbol also means that matter and spirit are but tbe two poles , as Prakriti and Purusha
of one grand existence tbe Parabrahmah . In the mystical work of Purna nunda Gosvami called the Shatchahraveda , some curious information is given with respect to the constitution of man ; the physical , mental and spiritual powers of man are there located in six different centres . The lines of force in these centres are , with one solitary exception , exhibited as double triangles inscribed in circles .
An explanation in plain language of the mystic lore , contained in this little work , cannot be attempted within the space at my disposal . Suffice it to say , that it is no refutation of the mystic to say that these centres of force are not liable to detection by tho surgeon ' s knife , or the anatomist ' s microscope , any more than imperceptibility of sound by the eye is a proof of its non-oxisteuco .
As for the use of the symbols in the rituals of high magic I would refer all curious inquirers to the celebrated treatise of tho Abbe Louis Oonstans on the " Dogme et Putuel de la Haute Magic in which some interesting information is also to be gleaned . Such , brethren , are some of the philosophic or Tan trie significations ot
the double triangle in a circle . It is not as yon see a mere geometrical figure to solve the propositions of Euclid , but it has a higher and a more sublime meaning attached to it . I have onl y lightly touched upon the subject in this brief sketch , but will again refer po it in a subsequent lecture , dealing also with other Masonic themes interesting to us all .
Th . 9 Revised Book of Constitutions ; Critically Considered a-ud Compared with the Old Edition . London : Simpkin , ¦ Marshall & Co ., 4 Stationers' Hall Court , E . C . Sent on receipt of stamps , One Shilling , by W . W . Morgan , Freemason ' s ^ tobnicle Office , Belvidere "Works , Hermes Hill . Pentonville ,
Installation Meetings, &C.
INSTALLATION MEETINGS , & c .
POLISH NATIONAL LODGE , No . 534 . THE installation meeting of this old established and flourishing Lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Qneen-street , on Thursday , 10 th inst . Tho brethren assembled iu good time , under the presidency of Bro . E . T . Smith W . M ., who was supported by the following Officers : —J . J . Ritntz S . W . and W . M . elect , Bieling J . W ., Bryant S . D ., Tongue J . D ., Gordon I . G ., Apsey D . C , and Banks Tyler . After the minutes of the last meeting had been read and
confirmed , Lodge was advanced to tho third degree , and Bros . Tolly and Ronner were raised in the nsual perfect and impressive manner which has characterised the working of the ceremonies by the retiring W . M . during hia year of office . The report of the Audit Committee was read ; it showed the funds of the Lodge to be in a highly satisfactory condition . Bro . Lancaster P . M . then presented the
W . M . elect to receive the benefit of installation . All the M . M . s having retired , the ceremony was performed in a manner whioh gave great satisfaction to the Board of Installed Masters , which we may hero state numbered twenty-one . On the re-admission of the brethren the W . M . waa saluted in a most hearty manner . The following Officers wero appointed for the coining session : —Bros . Bieling
S . W ., Bryant J . W ., Tongue S . D ., Gordon J . D ., Apsey I . G . and Turner D . C . Bro . Nowakowski P . M . was ngiin re-invested Treasurer , and Bro . Lancaster Secretary , in the place of Bro . Paas , who resigned his office after serving the Lodge faithfully for nearly thirty years . It was proposed by Bro . Nowakowski , seconded by Bro . Rath P . M ., and unanimously carried , that a Committee of P . M . ' s should
be formed to consider a plan for raising a testimonial recognising the long services of Bro . Paas . The sum of two guineas was voted for the widow of a deceased Brother . The name of Mr . W . Vaughan , of The Nook , Gipsy Hill , was handed in as a candidate for initiation at the next meeting . Bro . E . T . Smith was presented with a P . M . ' s jewel for the manner in which he had performed his duties .
He also bad the honour of having presented to him the Commander s White Eagle , which is only given to those who have especially distinguished themselves in this Lodge ; several other minor matters having received consideration , Lodge was closed in the usual manner , and the brethren retired to tbe banquet room . Dinner being finished , the W . M ., in proposing the Queen and Craft , made feeling
allusion to the cloud of grief which had fallen upon Her Majesty ; also allusion was made to the many and well-known virtues of the deceased Prince , and a request was made that the toast should be drank in silence . The next toast was that of H . R . H . the Grand Master , and tbe rest of the Grand Officers , coupling the name of Bro . Philbrick , Q . C ., P . G . D ., who responded . He was most happy
at the request of the W . M . to return thanks for the Grand Officers . It was the first time he had had the pleasure of being present at this old-established Lodge , as a Grand Officer ; he had been much impressed , not only by the manner in which the degrees had been worked , but especially by tbe able and intellectual rendering of the ceremony of installation by the retiring W . M . The present W . M . had likewise
performed the few duties that had fallen to his share most creditably , and from this we have an earnest of what he intends to do . ^ Thanks were also due to the P . M . ' s , who had taken so much interest in assisting at the working of the Lodge . On entering the Lodgo that evening , almost as a stranger , the first kindly face he met was ono he had always been taught to honour during his Masonic career ; a
brother well known to him . Need he say it was their most excellent Bro . Paas , who , he was sorry to hear , felt it incumbent on him to retire from his office after nearly thirty years of faithful service . It was gratifying , however , to know the brethren intended to recognise his services in a suitable manner . The Polish Nitional Lodge has a distinctive name ; but in Masonry we know of no distinctim , either
in race or religion . It makes us feel we all meet on equahr . y ; superior to mere party politics , or even the accident of birth ; and so long as we adhere to those principles of Masonry , which no tyranny can put down , and which recognises the broadest principles of human nature , so long will Freemasonry and the Polish National Lodge prosper . The I . P . M . then proposed the health of the new W . M ., who wai
well known and highly respected by the brethren . This was followed by Bro . Sidney Tower singing with great fervour , " Only once more . " The Worshipful Muster , in response , thanked the brethren for tbe great kindness he had received from them during the seven years which had elapsed since he had been initiated by Bro . Rath . He trusted that during his year of office the Lodge would not suffer
through hia Stewardship . The next toaat waa that of the Visitors , viz .: —Bros . F . A . Philbrick P . G . D ., Geo . Corbie 453 P . P . GJ . W . Essex , Glass P . M . 453 P . P . S . G . W . Essex , F . Adlard P . M . 7 , Norris W . M . 181 , Perry Corinthian , Simons Mozart , Monk P . M . 169 , Saegert P . M . 518 , Angier Golden Rule , Fry 167 , Alford P . M . 228 , Atkins P . M . 857 , Tower 1491 , Rcnardson 1491 , John Webber P . M ., Matthews
70 , Bedell 319 , Browne P . M . 780 , Smart P . M . William Preston , Carter 615 , Meen Eleanor , Eastgate 1563 , Inglis 946 , Gordon 907 . This was briefly responded to by Bros . Philbrick and Adlard . Here followed a very fine glee , " The mighty Conqueror . " The Worshipful Master then proposed tho health of the I . P . M ., who had so ably performed the long and arduous duties of the evening , viz ., two raisings
and the installation ceremony ; performing the work in such a manner as to impress all who heard him . He trusted ho might be endowed with health , strength and long life to enable him to wear the jewel which he had so well deserved , and which he had received that evening . The I . P . M ., in response , again thanked the brethren for their kindness dnring his year of office . He was glad to place the
Lodge in the hands of Bro . Runfcz in so satisfactory a condition and with so good a balance in hand . Tho W . M . then proposed tbe hta ' th of the P . M . 's , Dr . Jagielski , Dr . Jackson , Rath , Lancaster , Nowakowski , Paas and Smith ; and Officers . These were briefly respo ided to , when the Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a satisfactory conclusion .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Lecture On Freemasonry.
the celebrated archieologist , who ia a great authority in these matters connects that sect with some of the old temples abounding in these Darts and by reasons of those templea bearing Masonic symbols and devices sculptured on their walls , competent authorities connect this 8 eot with Masonry . Another curious circumstance might as well bo mentioned in this connection , and it ia thot , oven in the present day , Hindu artizans ,
such aa masons , carpenters , blacksmiths aud others , observe the last day of the month of Bhadra as sacred to Visvakarma , and cannot be persuaded to handle a single working instrument on that day . The European manufacturing jewellers and ironmongers of Calcutta will bear testimony to this fact , as they are obliged to grant leave to all their workmen on that day .
The materials , however , are too scanty to lead us to any definite conclusion , either as to the . age or history of Masonry in India , bnt the straggling signs and landmarks brought into light by the diligent industry of antiquarians , scholars and masons , strongly point , as I have attempted to shew , to somo connection between the ancient institutions of tbe Brahmins and the Mystic Brotherhood of the
Freemasons ; and they indicate to ua a field of research which cannot fail to be fruitful of the most interesting results , as they would most probably show that there exists an intimate relation between Hinduism and Masonry at a time when the Hindu faith was pure and free from thoso superstitious practices which have crept into it in comparatively modern times .
The double triangle inscribed in a circle is a mystical symbol which Mnsonry possesses in common with many other ancient institutions which had , like ourselves , to do their work in seclusion and secrecy . With the Hebrew Kabalist it played an important part in their mystical ceremonies under tbe name of Solomon's Seal . Among the Brahmins it was known as the Srijantra , or the device of Sri , the
goddess of Fortune , and had a deeply significant meaning , which was communicated only to the initiated of the Brahminical mysteries . The double triangle , in a circle from one point of view , denoted tbe Grand Law of Evolution which , according to tbe sacred writings of the Hindus , works out its course in spirals . Beginning with the highest point of the circle , which is the apex of the triangle pointing
npwards . the human entity completes the round by mounting up to the point , which in a higher plane corresponds with the point from which the start is to be made . The six points in whioh the triangles touch tbe circle , together with the one just mentioned , form the seven grand states of existence through whioh the human entity must paas to attain tbe universal salvation which awaits all afc the end of the
Kalpa . The double triangle symbolises another grand truth in Hindu philosophy . The triangle is the emblem of the trinity in nature , and this mystic symbol represents the grand trinities whioh lie at the two poles of all existence Matter and Spirit , or as they are more popularly called , lody and soul . The triangle pointing npwards stands for the spiritual , and the other for the material trinity . Man ,
as is well known , was looked upon by the ancient Hindus as the Microcosm in the Macrocosm , and what is stated of the little holds good , mutatis mutandis , for the great . The lower trinity is the Sthula ( gross ) , Sukshma ( subtile ) , and E & rana ( causal Deha ) or body . The St hula deha is the outer man or the gross physical body , the Sukshma deha is the astral or ethereal likeness of the body , the Karana deha
is the body as existing in its cause , just aa the tree exists in the seed ana consists of matter in a state of indifferentiation . The identity of cause and effect which German philosophers are just beginning to recognise , forms one of tho fundamental notions of the Sankhya and the Vedanta systems of the Hindus . The higher trinity consists of Prakriti . Purusha , and Sakti or Maya . These are the three aspects
of Parabrahmah or the Noumennn of this phenominal existence . In the first aspect Parabrahma , as Purusha , is cosmic matter in its potential state , it is the absolute existence , and as such the negation of every limited thing , that is , things which are capable of becoming the objects of our cognition under ordinary circumstances . Mayah or Sakti is the power or law which is inherent in Parabrahmah , and
nofc a separate entity from it just as thinking is nothing distinct from man , in virtue of which the potentiality of matter is propelled into actualit y . The circumscribing circle means that matter and spirit , far from being different substances , are eternally interlocked . Two eternal infinites being a palpable absurdity , the symbol also means that matter and spirit are but tbe two poles , as Prakriti and Purusha
of one grand existence tbe Parabrahmah . In the mystical work of Purna nunda Gosvami called the Shatchahraveda , some curious information is given with respect to the constitution of man ; the physical , mental and spiritual powers of man are there located in six different centres . The lines of force in these centres are , with one solitary exception , exhibited as double triangles inscribed in circles .
An explanation in plain language of the mystic lore , contained in this little work , cannot be attempted within the space at my disposal . Suffice it to say , that it is no refutation of the mystic to say that these centres of force are not liable to detection by tho surgeon ' s knife , or the anatomist ' s microscope , any more than imperceptibility of sound by the eye is a proof of its non-oxisteuco .
As for the use of the symbols in the rituals of high magic I would refer all curious inquirers to the celebrated treatise of tho Abbe Louis Oonstans on the " Dogme et Putuel de la Haute Magic in which some interesting information is also to be gleaned . Such , brethren , are some of the philosophic or Tan trie significations ot
the double triangle in a circle . It is not as yon see a mere geometrical figure to solve the propositions of Euclid , but it has a higher and a more sublime meaning attached to it . I have onl y lightly touched upon the subject in this brief sketch , but will again refer po it in a subsequent lecture , dealing also with other Masonic themes interesting to us all .
Th . 9 Revised Book of Constitutions ; Critically Considered a-ud Compared with the Old Edition . London : Simpkin , ¦ Marshall & Co ., 4 Stationers' Hall Court , E . C . Sent on receipt of stamps , One Shilling , by W . W . Morgan , Freemason ' s ^ tobnicle Office , Belvidere "Works , Hermes Hill . Pentonville ,
Installation Meetings, &C.
INSTALLATION MEETINGS , & c .
POLISH NATIONAL LODGE , No . 534 . THE installation meeting of this old established and flourishing Lodge was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Great Qneen-street , on Thursday , 10 th inst . Tho brethren assembled iu good time , under the presidency of Bro . E . T . Smith W . M ., who was supported by the following Officers : —J . J . Ritntz S . W . and W . M . elect , Bieling J . W ., Bryant S . D ., Tongue J . D ., Gordon I . G ., Apsey D . C , and Banks Tyler . After the minutes of the last meeting had been read and
confirmed , Lodge was advanced to tho third degree , and Bros . Tolly and Ronner were raised in the nsual perfect and impressive manner which has characterised the working of the ceremonies by the retiring W . M . during hia year of office . The report of the Audit Committee was read ; it showed the funds of the Lodge to be in a highly satisfactory condition . Bro . Lancaster P . M . then presented the
W . M . elect to receive the benefit of installation . All the M . M . s having retired , the ceremony was performed in a manner whioh gave great satisfaction to the Board of Installed Masters , which we may hero state numbered twenty-one . On the re-admission of the brethren the W . M . waa saluted in a most hearty manner . The following Officers wero appointed for the coining session : —Bros . Bieling
S . W ., Bryant J . W ., Tongue S . D ., Gordon J . D ., Apsey I . G . and Turner D . C . Bro . Nowakowski P . M . was ngiin re-invested Treasurer , and Bro . Lancaster Secretary , in the place of Bro . Paas , who resigned his office after serving the Lodge faithfully for nearly thirty years . It was proposed by Bro . Nowakowski , seconded by Bro . Rath P . M ., and unanimously carried , that a Committee of P . M . ' s should
be formed to consider a plan for raising a testimonial recognising the long services of Bro . Paas . The sum of two guineas was voted for the widow of a deceased Brother . The name of Mr . W . Vaughan , of The Nook , Gipsy Hill , was handed in as a candidate for initiation at the next meeting . Bro . E . T . Smith was presented with a P . M . ' s jewel for the manner in which he had performed his duties .
He also bad the honour of having presented to him the Commander s White Eagle , which is only given to those who have especially distinguished themselves in this Lodge ; several other minor matters having received consideration , Lodge was closed in the usual manner , and the brethren retired to tbe banquet room . Dinner being finished , the W . M ., in proposing the Queen and Craft , made feeling
allusion to the cloud of grief which had fallen upon Her Majesty ; also allusion was made to the many and well-known virtues of the deceased Prince , and a request was made that the toast should be drank in silence . The next toast was that of H . R . H . the Grand Master , and tbe rest of the Grand Officers , coupling the name of Bro . Philbrick , Q . C ., P . G . D ., who responded . He was most happy
at the request of the W . M . to return thanks for the Grand Officers . It was the first time he had had the pleasure of being present at this old-established Lodge , as a Grand Officer ; he had been much impressed , not only by the manner in which the degrees had been worked , but especially by tbe able and intellectual rendering of the ceremony of installation by the retiring W . M . The present W . M . had likewise
performed the few duties that had fallen to his share most creditably , and from this we have an earnest of what he intends to do . ^ Thanks were also due to the P . M . ' s , who had taken so much interest in assisting at the working of the Lodge . On entering the Lodgo that evening , almost as a stranger , the first kindly face he met was ono he had always been taught to honour during his Masonic career ; a
brother well known to him . Need he say it was their most excellent Bro . Paas , who , he was sorry to hear , felt it incumbent on him to retire from his office after nearly thirty years of faithful service . It was gratifying , however , to know the brethren intended to recognise his services in a suitable manner . The Polish Nitional Lodge has a distinctive name ; but in Masonry we know of no distinctim , either
in race or religion . It makes us feel we all meet on equahr . y ; superior to mere party politics , or even the accident of birth ; and so long as we adhere to those principles of Masonry , which no tyranny can put down , and which recognises the broadest principles of human nature , so long will Freemasonry and the Polish National Lodge prosper . The I . P . M . then proposed the health of the new W . M ., who wai
well known and highly respected by the brethren . This was followed by Bro . Sidney Tower singing with great fervour , " Only once more . " The Worshipful Muster , in response , thanked the brethren for tbe great kindness he had received from them during the seven years which had elapsed since he had been initiated by Bro . Rath . He trusted that during his year of office the Lodge would not suffer
through hia Stewardship . The next toaat waa that of the Visitors , viz .: —Bros . F . A . Philbrick P . G . D ., Geo . Corbie 453 P . P . GJ . W . Essex , Glass P . M . 453 P . P . S . G . W . Essex , F . Adlard P . M . 7 , Norris W . M . 181 , Perry Corinthian , Simons Mozart , Monk P . M . 169 , Saegert P . M . 518 , Angier Golden Rule , Fry 167 , Alford P . M . 228 , Atkins P . M . 857 , Tower 1491 , Rcnardson 1491 , John Webber P . M ., Matthews
70 , Bedell 319 , Browne P . M . 780 , Smart P . M . William Preston , Carter 615 , Meen Eleanor , Eastgate 1563 , Inglis 946 , Gordon 907 . This was briefly responded to by Bros . Philbrick and Adlard . Here followed a very fine glee , " The mighty Conqueror . " The Worshipful Master then proposed tho health of the I . P . M ., who had so ably performed the long and arduous duties of the evening , viz ., two raisings
and the installation ceremony ; performing the work in such a manner as to impress all who heard him . He trusted ho might be endowed with health , strength and long life to enable him to wear the jewel which he had so well deserved , and which he had received that evening . The I . P . M ., in response , again thanked the brethren for their kindness dnring his year of office . He was glad to place the
Lodge in the hands of Bro . Runfcz in so satisfactory a condition and with so good a balance in hand . Tho W . M . then proposed tbe hta ' th of the P . M . 's , Dr . Jagielski , Dr . Jackson , Rath , Lancaster , Nowakowski , Paas and Smith ; and Officers . These were briefly respo ided to , when the Tyler ' s toast brought a very pleasant evening to a satisfactory conclusion .