The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1870-07-02


stone which was intended by the Graat
Architect OF the Universe to be bull
up into a house not made with hands
eternal in the heavens: and how does
it need the application of the twenty.
four inch guage Of duty, sud the com.
mon gavel of temperance, and the
square of morality, and the plumb line
OF rectitude to fit it for that high desti-
n.y.!
The, second great lesson we are
taught in Masonry is that there IS but
one God -- omnipotent, omniscien:,
omnipresent--to %slom, as His rational
creatures, We owelSa ceaseless debt of
love and gratitude. Not a Masonic
lodge in the unayerse is ever properly
opened or closed without a positive re-
cognition of this great truth; and so
utterly opposed is every principle of
Masonry to the debasing doctrines of in
fidelity, that one of its most cardinal
teachings is couched in the maxim.
"No atheist can be made a Mason"
With sects and creeds, which prescribe
for men precise formulas of religious
belief, and which denounce as heresy
the slightest departure from their defn-
ed dogmas, Freemasonry has no sympa-
thy nor connection. Erected on the
broad basis of universal charity, the
great temple of Masonry is open to eve
~ worthy aud sincere seeker after light
Waving all inquiry into those manifold
religious tenets which in every country
have made mans bitterest enemies
those of his own household estranged
friends-crowded dupgeons-kindled the
flames of martyrdom, and swept the
earth with fire and sword-and requir-
ing only that simple belief in Deity
which all rational beings should ac-
knowledge-Masonry is silently paving
the way to that promised period when
the nations of the earth shall be one
their faith one, and their language one.
The third great lesson we ars taught
in Masonry is that We should regard
the whole human species as one family;
the high and low-the rich and poor;
who, as created by one Almighty par
ent, and as inhabitants of the same
planet, should aid, support and protect
each other. 1t is we'll said that on this
principle Masonry unites men of every
country, sect and opinion, and concili-
ates true friendship among those who
might otherwise have remained at a per-
petual distance. Two powerful causes
are continually arraying men against
each other, and are found lying at the
foundation of almost all human strife
and dissension. They are religious and
political prejudice. Masonry rigidly
from her assemblies the discus
sion of either of these topics. Her chill
aren, of whatever creed or cline, rejoice
in the possession of one safe, and always
accessible, refuge from the storms of
political strife, and the chickering's of
religious intolerance.
Enough gh has perhaps been said in
support of the assertion that Masonry
is system Of morality; but the morali-
y which Masonry teaches is not that
which was taught by the heather phi
osophers, and which has so many ad-
nirers in our own dav--namely morali-
ty in the abstract, and as disconnected
with revealed religion. On the contra
~, revealed religion is the soul of Ma
sonry; and while the most unintelligent
brother cannot fail to perceive their
necessary connection, the well-informed
Mason finds in their numerous and strik-
ng analogies an unfailing source of pro-
'ound and pleasing reflection. Guided
BY the Holy Bible, that first great light
If Masonry, he recognizes in the ar.
and details of the three
symbolic degrees a direct reference to
hose three great dispensations, under
md by which the Great Architect of
he Universe was pleased to manifest
His will to man and to provide for the sal
ration Of lost and sinful race. In the first
legree he enters upon the ground floor
If the Masonic Temple, and there learns
hat under the Patriarchal Dispensation
he worship of Deity consisted in "a few
imple rites of devotion, and required |
title more than the practice of morality,
,ased on love of God, and belief in
His justice and mercy. In the Second
legree he passes within the middle
.hamber Of the temple, and there dis
overs, dimly shadowed forth by the
Jewish Dispensation, church trium-
,hant in the future In the Third degree
le is admitted into the holy of holies,
nd is there raised, by scenic display
+ the resurrection of the dead, from the
evel region of types and shadows, into
higher and more comprehensive view
f divine wisdom and mercy, as matur--
d in the Christian Dispensation. /
egret that / cannot dwell at length m
be analogy between Masonry and re-
'ealed religion. The subject is replete
nth interest, and abounds with" the
nost beautiful illustrations; but, as al
eady promised. my discourse, if COM
ressed into reasonable limits, must be
in its character.
Immeasurably great, however, as are
be moral advantages of Masonry, it pos
esses others ofscarcely less value. Of
hese, I have but time to mention that
its uniyersality of extent and lam
uage. It is we'll known that Masonry
xists in all parts Of the earth, and en-
races in one brotherhood the represent
tiyes Of the whole human family. This,
oupled with the fact that its language
everywhere the same, constitutes one
the most valuable and distinguishing
.atures Of the Order. Not only can the
Jason Of one country instantly make
imself known as such to the Mason OF
ny other, but be is sure Of welcome