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Article " OUR NEXT CHAIRMAN." ← Page 2 of 2 Article MASONIC TRIPLES. Page 1 of 3 Article MASONIC TRIPLES. Page 1 of 3 →
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" Our Next Chairman."
No . 1591 — after him ; but this does not represent even a part of the respect and esteem with which he is regarded by those under his rule . In July 1884 he had the honour of holding a special meeting of his Provincial
Grand Lodge at Redhill , for the purpose of receiving the Most Worshipful the Grand Master H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales , on the occasion of their laying the foundation stone of the new Schools of the
Royal Asylum of St . Ann ' s Society . In April of the preceding year a somewhat similar pleasure devolved on " Our next Chairman , " the visitor on that occasion being
H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , who journeyed to Bagshot for the purpose of laying the foundation stone of the new church of St . Anne ' s in that town . On each of these
occasions the rulei * , the officers and the brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey were most active in assisting in the work , but , perhaps , none more so than the
brother of whom we are now writing , who , likewise , in many other ways has taken an active part in the affairs of the County with which he is so intimately associated .
The subject of our sketch has not been unmindful of the claims of the Masonic Charitable Institutions , to each of which he has given his support in years gone by ; while
tho title by which we have designated him at the head of these remarks , proves that he has neither lost his love for our noble Institutions or his desire to do his utmost on their behalf . He will act as Chairman at the Festival
of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , which will take place on Wednesday , the 19 th of May next , and which , we trust , will be a great success . He is not new to the work which will then devolve upon him , for he undertook a similar duty on behalf of the Royal Masonic Benevolent
Institution in 1883 . On that occasion he proved himself a most capable President , and the efforts he then made , supported as they were by the brethren of his Province , proved most beneficial to the Benevolent Institution . That
similar exertions will be made on behalf of the Girls School , by " Our next Chairman " and by the brethren of his Province , there is no doubt , and that an equally satisfactory result may follow we have little fear .
All the means of action , The shapeless masses—the materials—Lie everywhere abont ns j and if it is in the power of one individual to exercise any
influence on those materials , " Our next Chairman " is the man to accomplish it , and as so much depends on the result of his labours , and on the labours of those who will assist him , we hope that the day of the Festival will prove that the celestial fire of genius has been strong enough in him to
once more Change the flint Into transparent crystal , bright and clear .
Masonic Triples.
MASONIC TRIPLES .
PART III . —THE ORNAMENTATION .
IV / rASSIVE proportions , extending in detail to | the JJJL . stones of the edifice ( Josephus mentions a length of forty cubits ) , called for and received an artistic ornamentation for the temple equally as grand . We may be
sure , were history entirely silent , that Tyrian art was capable , as was Egyptian architecture , also , to rise to the majesty of tbe occasion . The massive stones composing Solomon ' s houso were worthy of chronicle , much more
those of the house of the Lord . The temple was wainscoted with cedar-wood , which was covered with gold . The boards within the temple were ornamented with beautiful ( threefold ) carvings representing cherubim
palms and flowers . The ceiling was supported by beams , also of cedar , and the wall which separated the holy from the Most Holy Place is described in the language of Scripture : " So Solomon overlaid the bouse within with
pure gold ; and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle , and he overlaid it with pure gold . " Solomon also " overlaid the upper chambers with pure gold . " Within the Holy of Holies stood only the Ark of
the Covenant ; but within the Holy Place were ten golden candlesticks and the altar of incense . The altar in the temple had steps before it upon which an ascent was made ,
but neither the tabernacle nor the second temple ' s altar had these steps . The promise made to Solomon was threefold , as follows : " Concerning this house which thou
Masonic Triples.
art building , if thou wilt walk in my statvtes [ italics ours ] , and exemde my judgments , and keep all my commandments , to walk in them ; then will I perform my word u : \ to thee , which I spake unto David thy father . " Masonically , tl e ornamentation of the temple may be used to set forth the
moral and spiritual edifice referred to in the nine classes of Masonic emblems ; eight of which refer to the public and private duties of the craftsman , and the ninth teaching the doctrine of the resurrection of the body in a manner which may not be communicated to the outside world .
What then is the conclusion of this whole matter ? And what is Masonry viewed from the Speculative standpoint as revealed by the mystic number three ?
The colour of Ancient Craft Masonry is blue . It typifies truth , friendship and fidelity . Tho first of this triple is the foundation , the other two are attributes or consequents . This points us back to the monitorial
explanation of Masonry : "Truth is its centre . From this point radiates the whole duty of man , introducing tho symbol of the Saints John , to whom all Lodges in Christian lands are dedicated . This emblem is a " certain
point within a circle , erabordered by two perpendicular parallel lines , representing these two saints ; upon the vortex of the circle rests the Holy Scriptures . The point within the circle represents an individual brother ; the
circle the boundary line , beyond which he is never to allow his passions to betray him . In going around tho circle ho must necessarily touch upon these two line * , as well as the Holy Bible , which teaches that while a Mason keeps
himself thus circumscribed within its precepts , it is impossible he should materially err . " All the graces which adorn the true Masonic character must , therefore , be a
true exponent of truth . Truth is a triple : ( a ) Truth of the thing , ( b ) Truth of knowledge , ( c ) Truth of the sign . If tho foundation be sure , then the superstructure is a living reality . To illustrate our thought :
1 . The truth of the thing . Apply the number three and we find that all the ancient religions were based upon a central , threefold object . The myths of heathendom and representations of the one body and three faces , the
constantly recurring number three in the heathen mythology holds the truth in a shadow . Our position taken in part I . is that the revelation of that truth beloDgs to
Christianity . * That the solution of the case rests upon the fact disclosed by the three great lights of Masonry ; there are things which were hid from other eyes and ages of the world but which are revealed in the person of Jesus
Christ . The doctrine of the Trinity is one of these . The Name of the Father , Son and Holy Ghost is a revelation .
In Christian lands , therefore , the doctrine of the Trinity , the truth of Being , cannot be antagonistic to Masonry because the search is for more light , and no brother should rest satisfied with half a light or a whole light
partially revealed . Both points of tbe compasses are above the square in the Master ' s Lodge . We here see how it is possible for Masonry to be universal . The Institution is logical , and does not require an impossibility .
The brother ' s conception of the Eternal God in other than Christian lands may indeed be held in shadow to-day ; the same may be true of the Jewish craftsman , but that does not debar him from full Masonic fellowship , nor does it follow that the Institution is antagonistic , in consequence ,
to the Church of the Living God . As proof that this statement has the endorsement of eminent Doctors of Divinity we refer to almost any list of such ministers in any of the branches of Historic Christianity . Suppose we do find this truth foreshadowed in heathen rites , this
much can be said : There is a universality in all which seems to point to one common origin . These traditions have come down , distorted oftentimes , but they have the same underlining which crops out here and there , and
these and all show that similar principles are at work everywhere The various religions of the earth have a common basis of truth , and all the lines converge in the
religion of Christianity . This aptly describes the Masonic Institution and gives the best reason why tbe Worshipfnl Master truly says to the candidate : " Masonry is a progressive Institution . "
2 . Truth of knowledge . The emblem referred to is a most interesting study in this connection . It rationally shows why the Masonic Fraternity may plant itself firmly upon the truth , teaching the religion of humanity ; and at
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
" Our Next Chairman."
No . 1591 — after him ; but this does not represent even a part of the respect and esteem with which he is regarded by those under his rule . In July 1884 he had the honour of holding a special meeting of his Provincial
Grand Lodge at Redhill , for the purpose of receiving the Most Worshipful the Grand Master H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales , on the occasion of their laying the foundation stone of the new Schools of the
Royal Asylum of St . Ann ' s Society . In April of the preceding year a somewhat similar pleasure devolved on " Our next Chairman , " the visitor on that occasion being
H . R . H . the Duke of Connaught , who journeyed to Bagshot for the purpose of laying the foundation stone of the new church of St . Anne ' s in that town . On each of these
occasions the rulei * , the officers and the brethren of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Surrey were most active in assisting in the work , but , perhaps , none more so than the
brother of whom we are now writing , who , likewise , in many other ways has taken an active part in the affairs of the County with which he is so intimately associated .
The subject of our sketch has not been unmindful of the claims of the Masonic Charitable Institutions , to each of which he has given his support in years gone by ; while
tho title by which we have designated him at the head of these remarks , proves that he has neither lost his love for our noble Institutions or his desire to do his utmost on their behalf . He will act as Chairman at the Festival
of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , which will take place on Wednesday , the 19 th of May next , and which , we trust , will be a great success . He is not new to the work which will then devolve upon him , for he undertook a similar duty on behalf of the Royal Masonic Benevolent
Institution in 1883 . On that occasion he proved himself a most capable President , and the efforts he then made , supported as they were by the brethren of his Province , proved most beneficial to the Benevolent Institution . That
similar exertions will be made on behalf of the Girls School , by " Our next Chairman " and by the brethren of his Province , there is no doubt , and that an equally satisfactory result may follow we have little fear .
All the means of action , The shapeless masses—the materials—Lie everywhere abont ns j and if it is in the power of one individual to exercise any
influence on those materials , " Our next Chairman " is the man to accomplish it , and as so much depends on the result of his labours , and on the labours of those who will assist him , we hope that the day of the Festival will prove that the celestial fire of genius has been strong enough in him to
once more Change the flint Into transparent crystal , bright and clear .
Masonic Triples.
MASONIC TRIPLES .
PART III . —THE ORNAMENTATION .
IV / rASSIVE proportions , extending in detail to | the JJJL . stones of the edifice ( Josephus mentions a length of forty cubits ) , called for and received an artistic ornamentation for the temple equally as grand . We may be
sure , were history entirely silent , that Tyrian art was capable , as was Egyptian architecture , also , to rise to the majesty of tbe occasion . The massive stones composing Solomon ' s houso were worthy of chronicle , much more
those of the house of the Lord . The temple was wainscoted with cedar-wood , which was covered with gold . The boards within the temple were ornamented with beautiful ( threefold ) carvings representing cherubim
palms and flowers . The ceiling was supported by beams , also of cedar , and the wall which separated the holy from the Most Holy Place is described in the language of Scripture : " So Solomon overlaid the bouse within with
pure gold ; and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle , and he overlaid it with pure gold . " Solomon also " overlaid the upper chambers with pure gold . " Within the Holy of Holies stood only the Ark of
the Covenant ; but within the Holy Place were ten golden candlesticks and the altar of incense . The altar in the temple had steps before it upon which an ascent was made ,
but neither the tabernacle nor the second temple ' s altar had these steps . The promise made to Solomon was threefold , as follows : " Concerning this house which thou
Masonic Triples.
art building , if thou wilt walk in my statvtes [ italics ours ] , and exemde my judgments , and keep all my commandments , to walk in them ; then will I perform my word u : \ to thee , which I spake unto David thy father . " Masonically , tl e ornamentation of the temple may be used to set forth the
moral and spiritual edifice referred to in the nine classes of Masonic emblems ; eight of which refer to the public and private duties of the craftsman , and the ninth teaching the doctrine of the resurrection of the body in a manner which may not be communicated to the outside world .
What then is the conclusion of this whole matter ? And what is Masonry viewed from the Speculative standpoint as revealed by the mystic number three ?
The colour of Ancient Craft Masonry is blue . It typifies truth , friendship and fidelity . Tho first of this triple is the foundation , the other two are attributes or consequents . This points us back to the monitorial
explanation of Masonry : "Truth is its centre . From this point radiates the whole duty of man , introducing tho symbol of the Saints John , to whom all Lodges in Christian lands are dedicated . This emblem is a " certain
point within a circle , erabordered by two perpendicular parallel lines , representing these two saints ; upon the vortex of the circle rests the Holy Scriptures . The point within the circle represents an individual brother ; the
circle the boundary line , beyond which he is never to allow his passions to betray him . In going around tho circle ho must necessarily touch upon these two line * , as well as the Holy Bible , which teaches that while a Mason keeps
himself thus circumscribed within its precepts , it is impossible he should materially err . " All the graces which adorn the true Masonic character must , therefore , be a
true exponent of truth . Truth is a triple : ( a ) Truth of the thing , ( b ) Truth of knowledge , ( c ) Truth of the sign . If tho foundation be sure , then the superstructure is a living reality . To illustrate our thought :
1 . The truth of the thing . Apply the number three and we find that all the ancient religions were based upon a central , threefold object . The myths of heathendom and representations of the one body and three faces , the
constantly recurring number three in the heathen mythology holds the truth in a shadow . Our position taken in part I . is that the revelation of that truth beloDgs to
Christianity . * That the solution of the case rests upon the fact disclosed by the three great lights of Masonry ; there are things which were hid from other eyes and ages of the world but which are revealed in the person of Jesus
Christ . The doctrine of the Trinity is one of these . The Name of the Father , Son and Holy Ghost is a revelation .
In Christian lands , therefore , the doctrine of the Trinity , the truth of Being , cannot be antagonistic to Masonry because the search is for more light , and no brother should rest satisfied with half a light or a whole light
partially revealed . Both points of tbe compasses are above the square in the Master ' s Lodge . We here see how it is possible for Masonry to be universal . The Institution is logical , and does not require an impossibility .
The brother ' s conception of the Eternal God in other than Christian lands may indeed be held in shadow to-day ; the same may be true of the Jewish craftsman , but that does not debar him from full Masonic fellowship , nor does it follow that the Institution is antagonistic , in consequence ,
to the Church of the Living God . As proof that this statement has the endorsement of eminent Doctors of Divinity we refer to almost any list of such ministers in any of the branches of Historic Christianity . Suppose we do find this truth foreshadowed in heathen rites , this
much can be said : There is a universality in all which seems to point to one common origin . These traditions have come down , distorted oftentimes , but they have the same underlining which crops out here and there , and
these and all show that similar principles are at work everywhere The various religions of the earth have a common basis of truth , and all the lines converge in the
religion of Christianity . This aptly describes the Masonic Institution and gives the best reason why tbe Worshipfnl Master truly says to the candidate : " Masonry is a progressive Institution . "
2 . Truth of knowledge . The emblem referred to is a most interesting study in this connection . It rationally shows why the Masonic Fraternity may plant itself firmly upon the truth , teaching the religion of humanity ; and at