This section illustrates certain hieroglyphical emblems, and inculcates
many useful and impressive moral lessons. It also details many
particulars relative to the building of the Temple at Jerusalem.
King Solomon's Temple.
This magnificent structure was founded in the fourth year of the reign
of Solomon, on the second day of the month Zif, being the second month
of the sacred year. It was located on Mt. Moriah, near the place where
Abraham was about to offer up his son Isaac, and where David met and
appeased the destroying angel. Josephus informs us that, though more
than seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole
term it did not rain in the day time, that the workmen might not be
obstructed in their labor. From sacred history we also learn that there
was not the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron heard in the house
while it was building. It is said to have been supported by 1,453
columns and 2,906 pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. It
was symbolically supported, also, by three pillars.
[Illustration]
The three pillars here represented were explained in a preceding degree,
and there represented Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Here they represent
our three ancient Grand Masters: S. K. of I., H. K. of T., and H. A.;
the pillar Wisdom, S. K. of I., by whose wisdom the Temple was erected,
that superb model of excellence which has so honored and exalted his
name; the pillar Strength, H. K. of T., who strengthened K. S. in his
great and important undertaking; and the pillar Beauty, H. A., the W. S.
of the tribe of Naphtali, by whose cunning workmanship the Temple was so
beautified and adorned.
There were employed in its building 3 Grand Masters, 3,300 Masters or
overseers of the work, 80,000 Fellow Crafts, and 70,000 Entered
Apprentices or bearers of burdens. All these were classed and arranged
in such manner, by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord nor
confusion was suffered to interrupt or disturb the peace and good
fellowship which prevailed among the workmen, except in one notable
instance.
* * *
In front of the magnificent porch were placed the two celebrated
pillars--one on the left hand, and one on the right hand. They are
supposed to have been placed there as a memorial to the children of
Israel of the happy deliverance of their forefathers from Egyptian
bondage, and in commemoration of those two miraculous pillars of fire
and of cloud. The pillar of fire gave light to the children of Israel
and facilitated their march. The cloud proved darkness to Pharaoh and
his host and retarded their pursuit. King Solomon, therefore, ordered
these pillars placed at the entrance of the Temple, as the most
conspicuous place, that the children of Israel might have that happy
event continually before their eyes in going to and returning from
divine worship.
The Three Steps.
The Three Steps usually delineated upon the Master's Carpet are
emblematical of the three principal stages of human life: Youth, Manhood
and Age. In Youth, as Entered Apprentices, we ought industriously to
occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge; in Manhood, as
Fellow Crafts, we should apply our knowledge to the discharge of our
respective duties to God, our neighbor and ourselves, so that in Age, as
Master Masons, we may enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a
well-spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality.
The Pot of Incense.
The Pot of Incense is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an
acceptable sacrifice to Deity; and as this glows with fervent heat, so
should our hearts continually glow with gratitude to the great and
beneficent Author of our existence for the manifold blessings and
comforts we enjoy.
The Beehive.
The Beehive is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of
that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to
the lowest reptile of the dust. It teaches us that as we came into the
world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious
ones; never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us
are in want, especially when it is in our power to relieve them without
inconvenience to ourselves.
When we take a survey of Nature, we view man in his infancy, more
helpless and indigent than the brute creation; he lies languishing for
days, months and years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for
himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild beasts of the field,
or sheltering himself from the inclemencies of the weather. It might
have pleased the great Creator of heaven and earth to have made man
independent of all created beings; but as dependence is one of the
strongest bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on each other
for protection and security, thereby enjoying better opportunities of
fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man
formed for social and active life, the noblest part of the work of God;
and he who will so demean himself as not to endeavor to add to the
common stock of knowledge may be deemed a drone in the hive of nature, a
useless member of society, and unworthy of our protection as Masons.
The Book of Constitutions.
The Book of Constitutions guarded by the Tiler's Sword reminds us that
we should be ever watchful and guarded in our thoughts, words and
actions, particularly when before the enemies of Masonry, ever bearing
in remembrance those truly Masonic virtues, silence and circumspection.
The Sword.
The Sword pointing to a Naked Heart demonstrates that justice will
sooner or later overtake us; and although our thoughts, words and
actions may be hidden from the eyes of men, yet that--
[Illustration]
All Seeing Eye whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under whose
watchful care even Comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades
the inmost recesses of the human Heart, and will reward us according to
our merits.
The Anchor and the Ark.
The Anchor and the Ark are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a
well-spent life. They are emblematical of that Divine Ark which safely
wafts us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that Anchor which
shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from
troubling and the weary are at rest.
Forty-seventh Problem of Euclid.
This was an invention of our ancient friend and brother Pythagoras, who,
in his travels through Asia, Africa and Europe, was initiated into
several orders of priesthood, and raised to the sublime degree of Master
Mason. This wise philosopher enriched his mind abundantly in a general
knowledge of things and more especially in Geometry, or Masonry. On this
subject he drew out many problems and theorems; and among the most
distinguished he erected this, which, in the joy of his heart, he called
Eureka, in the Grecian language signifying "I have found it;" and upon
the erection of which he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It
teaches Masons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences.
[Illustration]
The Hour-Glass.
The Hour-glass is an emblem of human life. Behold how swiftly the sands
run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close! We cannot without
astonishment behold the little particles which are contained in this
machine--how they pass away almost imperceptibly; and yet, to our
surprise, in the short space of an hour they are all exhausted. Thus
wastes man! To-day he puts forth the tender leaves of hope; to-morrow
blossoms, and bears his blushing honors thick upon him; the next day
comes a frost which nips the shoot; and when he thinks his greatness is
still aspiring, he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother
earth.
The Scythe.
The Scythe is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life
and launches us into eternity. Behold what havoc the Scythe of Time
makes among the human race! If by chance we should escape the numerous
ills incident to childhood and youth, and with health and vigor arrive
at the years of manhood, yet withal we must soon be cut down by the
all-devouring Scythe of Time, and be gathered into the land where our
fathers have gone before us.
[Illustration]
Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of
death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are
suddenly revived by the ever-green and ever-living Sprig of Faith which
strengthens us, with confidence and composure, to look forward to a
blessed immortality; and we doubt not that, on the glorious morn of the
Resurrection, our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our
souls.
Then let us imitate the good man in his virtuous and amiable conduct, in
his unfeigned piety to God, in his inflexible fidelity to his trust,
that we may welcome the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind
messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this
imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and celestial lodge above, where
the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.
* * *
Lecture.
* * *
Charge.
My Brother--Your zeal for the institution of Masonry, the progress you
have made in the mysteries, and your conformity to our regulations, have
pointed you out as a proper object of our favor and esteem. You are now
bound, by duty, honor and gratitude to be faithful to your trust; to
support the dignity of your character on every occasion; and to enforce,
by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the Order.
In the character of a Master Mason you are authorized to correct the
errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them
against a breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the
fraternity unsullied must be your constant care; and for this purpose it
is your province to recommend to your inferiors obedience and
submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors,
kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are always to
inculcate, and by the regularity of your own behavior afford the best
example for the conduct of others less informed. The ancient landmarks
of the Order, intrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve, and
never suffer them to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the
established usages and customs of the fraternity.
Your virtue, honor and reputation are concerned in supporting with
dignity the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you
swerve from your duty, violate your vows or betray your trust; but be
true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist
whom you have this evening represented. Thus you will render yourself
deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and merit the confidence
that we have reposed in you.