November, 2009

Page 10

Freemasonry 101.1

This is an article in the August, 2009 issue of The Northern Light. It was written on July20, 1867 by S.H. Tying, Jr. in The Keystone. Still holds true true today !

WHY MASONRY HAS LIVED SO LONG

We are not bonded together simply for the purpose of social recognition and mutual support. We have not inherited merely unmeaning forms of ritualistic display which have nothing but their mysterious secrecy to commend them. Do you think there is enthusiasm enough in humanity to continue for so many centuries, amidst all sorts of perils and persecutions, such an organization as this, designed only or even chiefly, for selfish ends? You make Masonry a far greater mystery than we claim by so supposing. Nay, it is the love of the truth, the adherence to the truth, which has constituted Masonry the miracle it is. Here it stands, just as complete, just as glorious as when in the first temple's time. But what is the meaning of all symbolism? These tools of our craft and jewels of our order have very solemn meaning. The officers of the Lodge, from Tiler at the door to the Worshipful Master in the East, are engaged in every earnest work. These are all efforts to preach the truth. Each is a crystal face of this purest gem. And all are occupied in the manifestation of that of which each symbol tells a part.

How comes it, I ask again, that, after such long journeyings, and amidst so many adverse influences, this traditional ritual remains so pure, so unaltered? Other schemes of man's device have had their day and have fallen to rise no more.

What is the talisman which explains their destruction and the preservation of this ancient system? Everything in the lodge answers, truth --- “a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue.” For, “to be good and true, to buy the truth and sell it not,” is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry.

We probably wouldn't worry about what people think of us if we could know how seldom they do. - Olin Mill