The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1864-02-03
For the NoRrH Iowa TIMES
Fret Book or Chronicles.
CHAPTER "

, Chronicles Of the times and seasons for L
set forth before the multitude the myste
ries Of the ancient and honorable brother
hood, known throughout the land as FREE
Masons.
2. Audit came to pass, that in tn,
city of McGregor they assembled them
selves in secret chamber called Lodge
8. And the name thereof is Bczer, which
being interpreted, signifeth imprcgnable
or that cannot be moved,
4. And the way into Bezer is difficult
for it lieth through hidden passages and
through thick darkness, insomuch that feal
taketh hold on one passing thereto.
5. And as the key turneth in its place
and the door openeth into the sacred apart.
ment, great trembling seizeth the bones as
though one had seen Spirit.
6. And this secret chamber hath hang
ings Of blue at the windows thereof, and it
containeth divers mysterious symbols, and
these are few of them:
z. The two pillars on the southern side
do denote wisdom and strength, and the
globes thereupon set forth in a wonderful
manner the figure of the Earth.
6. Likewise also the lights in the firma-
ment of Heaven are thereon described to
guide the seeker after knowledge as he GO
eth into the Lodge.
9. And over these hangeth the golden
letter q, full of hidden meaning and mys
terry.
10. And, behold, Bezer hath but three
degrees aud whatsoever takcth one of these
must put upon himself an apron made
Of the skin of a lamb.
IL. So, also. must all acknowledge the
Holy Scriptures, the Square and the Com.
pass.
-. For the first of these leadeth to
happiness and the second and third are for
the regulation of the conduct.
IS. Now the last two are oft times
wrought in gold and worn by the Masons
in vain glorious manner as an ornament
upon their breasts.
Il. Likewise the ladder that Jacob saw
in vision is here represented and doth
shadow forth great truth. 80
10. The which is that Faith, Hope and
Charity are the stops from Earth to Heaven.
l6. And, it cometh 10 pass, that when
an Apprentice or one of the Fellow Craft
attaineth unto Master Mason, he becom.
eth great one, known in all the Lodges of
the land.
II. And he may hold the Trowel which
symho.izeth a love for the brethren.
IS. Also he may swing incense, draw
the sword and look steadfasty upon the
Sun, Moon and all the Stars Of the heav.
en- and call them by their names.
10. Now, this marvellous Bite hath in
all, three and thirty degrees, but the nam Is
thereof cannot be contained in mary Books
of Chronicles, howbet the burth com.
menceth the Ineffable Mysteries.
90. And the first of these did King Sol.
onion confer upon certain OF the people
after the building Of the Tempe.
81. And, behold, this House vas built
without the sound of the hammer or the
axe, wherefore all the Craft do say that it
belongeth unto them ard is the first Grais,
Temple of Masonry.
%. Also, because Hiram of Tyre was
cunning to work in works of brass, aad
did help the King in bull ling the House
they call him Grand Master.
%. Now, Solomon did choose seven Of
the chefest bethren and made them guard
of the S. S.. and the sacred furniture q
the Holy place.
"a. And these he named Secret Masters
because of their wisdom they brdled thei,
tongues and communicated not
t. 25. Now, Masonry is highly honor.
able, for not only did Abraham, Isaac ant
Jacob belong thereto, but, also George sur.
named Washington, and Frederick the
Great as also the kings and the priests 0
all ages.
90. And, behold, the four and twentieth
day of the sixth month is day Of days
among them for it belonge,h unto St. John
the Evangelist.
81. And the members Of its secret coun-
ellis are exhorted to wisdom, 10 sobriety
and to the defence Of the Brotherhood.
%. But, behold, all who pertain there
unto are not worthy the exalted name they
have, for some are as the refuse of the
earth.
20. Even, as few who belong unto the
churches are not true unto their holy call
ing, but do Cypress the poor and injure I
the innocent person and thus defile the sa-
cred temple by overmuch wickedness.
80. Moreover, this Rite is most ancient,
for its foundations were laid from the be-
ginning the of world. ~
81. And the Scribe, who kecpeth this
Chronicle hath found a record which bear
eth witness that Adam the first man, did
institute and ordain this most noble Order.
80. And, also that when he went forth
at even-tide to the Lodge Eve his wife did
upbraid and bewail him with strong cries
and tears.
33. But Adam being perverse went on
his way secretly rejoicing and had most
excellent time. 81
g. Now, it came to pass that on a Ger.
tain night at the full Of the moon Adam
did depart thither as was his wont.