The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-09-15

ratiye usefulness of Masonry, on which
the twilight of uncertainty does not cast
its shadows, is to be found as we have al
ready said in the erection of the Temple
at Jerusalem. An Edefice was to be rals-
ed in honor ofthe Most High, and its toun-
datiDn was to be laid upon the spot once
consecrated by the presence OF God
ga house was to be built in the name OF
the Lord, to be dedicated to him to be
halIowed by the presence OF. Jehovah and
filled with his glory. Who was able to
build him an house, seeing that the Hea-
uen and Heaven of Heavens cannot con-
tain? What finite mind could plan, or
what human hand complete a Temple
meet for The High and Lofty one that in
habiteth Eternity, whose name is holy,
who stretcheth out the Heavens as cur
tain, and spreadeth them as tent to dwell
in!"
The task was to be performed by one
of the House of David, who had received
from the God of hisfather, riches and hon.
or, power knowledge and wisdom, such as
none of the Kings before him had nor
were to have after him. He sent unto
Hiram King ofT'yre, for man, cunning
to work in Gold and in Silver and In Brass
and in Iron-in purple in crimson and in
blue that had skill to grave, with cum
ming men that were in Judea and Jerusa-
lem. He collected together the craft and
formed them into different lodges accord
ing to their several degrees OF knowledge.
He sent forth workmen, who from the &C.
dar trees, fir trees and algum trees of
Lebanon and from the quarries of Zera-
dathe collected materials for the building.
All moved on in Harmony, and each
Lodge performed its appropriate labor,
well knowing that its work was scanned
by the eall-seeng eye. The hewers brought
together the ccdars and other trees of the
forest. The Smith fashioned the metal
with his hammer and wrought it with the
strength of his arms. The Carpenter
stretched out his rule, marked his work
with a line, fitted it with planes, marked it
with the compass, levelled it with the
plumb, and conformed it to the square.
The materials were ready gathered to-
gether upon mount Moriah; and 50 per-
feet was the work. that no sound Of any
metallic instrument was heard at the rear
ing of the Temple, TO dis!ab toe har-
mony of the scene. Aud the Temple thus
reared was filed with the glory of God.
Itwas begun and finished solely by Ma
sonic hands, and was the proudest trophy
of her architectural skill, of her liarmoni-
Gus spirit and the power of her knowl-
edge which Masonry has ever permitted
the world to witness. What but Mason
ry could have preserved such union, such
perfect concert of ion, among so vast
multitude as were engaged about the bull
ding of the temple. collected together from
ait countries, speaking different languages
governed by different customs and per-
haps national prejudices. Yet this was
effected by Mas 1nry where lessons are
drawn from that sacred volume which
teaches us to love our neighbors as our
selves and to do unto othersas we would
that others should do unto us.
After the completion of the Temple;
he Craftsman were dispersed; and where
ever they went established lodges for the
preservation and dissemination of the
knowledge which they had acquired, and
the mysteries into which they had been
initiated at Jerusalem. Commencing its
career in Palestine, Masonry went forth
conquering and to conquer, and rested
not until she had planted her banner upon
every shore. Truth was ITS beginning, its
end and aim. 1t triumphcd every where
prevailed in every country, until now to
study its history, is to study the history of
the world. The arts were her handmaids
the science her companions, and where
ever mechanical genius has left its impress
there was once the abode of Masonry.
Wherever taste has erected Palace,
religion Temple, learning an Academy,
power a Fertilization, there do we find
the landmarks known to our order.
Wherever Geometry, Architecture or As
tronony have been studied, we discover
traces of Masonry. When the Pyramids
of Egypt, which for centuries have mock
ed the sands Of the whirlwinds of the des-
crt were reared. If was there and Dresi-