The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1878-11-23
"The Masonic Church" /"
ROBERT RAMSAY, oRILLIA, ONTARIO.

"7Ne Masonic Church" Few express
ions, in our estimation. have done mora
harm in a certain way to the cause OF
Freemasonry than one, which so many
young Masons are apt thong ghtlessly to
use. Young brethren are inclined to i'm
agine that it looks as if they thoroughly
appreciated the Institution, If, on being
asked what church they attend, they re-
ply, with knowing look and ''cute" ex-
preston, "Oh belong to the Masonic
Church." These gentlemen, by using
such an expression, cause sober minded,
gray headed, GoD fearing members Of diff
fr,ent religious denominations, who know
uaught Of our society. TO suppose, natural.
IL too, tha, the Masonic Fraternity is an
Order. erected on sort Of deistical basis,
teaching species Of Unitarian Creed in
opposition to The different dogmas and
various doctrines as laid down and ex-
pounded by the various churches aod reli-
gious denominations Of the day.
II belong to the Masonic Church. ~
Now, what an ignorance Of the true prin-
ciples Of our glorious Institution such a
statement exhibits! The brother who
makes it, although be may be thorough
.itualist ane we'll versed in the ceremonial,
is as much in the darkness As he was when
be first kne|t before the altar Of Freema
soury. He has not caught the grand all
absorbing idea in connection with the In
slitu,ion: ho has completely failed to
grasp the great principles upon whichlwe
are erecting our temple, and is cropping
in mist that completely obscures the
brilliant truths Of Fraternity.
Fteemasonry was never intended to be
a rival Of the Church; on the other hand
she is truly her sister and handmade.
Many Of the most eminent d'vlnes, men
prominent in connection with their re.
spective churches, for their learning, zeal
and piety; men whose souls are absorbed
in the one grand idea Of saving the fallen
and leading the nnregeneFate to that
which they respectively consider the truc
faith-bishops, clergy, tninisters aud mis-
sionaries, have not been ashamed TO wear
the lambskin and assist 10 erecting our
spiritual temple, but should they imagine
that a certain party in our midst were
striving to change our Institutions from
great moral association intoxicating COP.
given principles into what is commonly
ienomina,ed n church, they would fee
from US with holy horror and be amongst
the first to protest against the arrogance
and presumption that dared 10 change i
human institution into one that should be
divine in its origin.
Again, the use Of the above Phrase.
stbe Masonic Church." implies such q
,houghtless regard Of the principles Of all
l,ne religion, that, to the honest and sin
:err Mason, it has ring abou: It Of
reckless disregard Of the very Lessons we,
the Sons Of Light, have, from time 'mme-
moria', st,iven to uphold an1 lncu'cate.
In the words Of The learned III. Bro. A bert
G Mack.y. SO deg. "F'eenasonty or
Speculative Masonry" (as defined IN last
number Of the Voice 81 Masonry us =
system Of philosophy which is occupied
in the search after Divine Truth. and
which all. and illustrates that se.rch by
the use efsymbo's." |. is not therefore
n religious organization or Church IN
which certain principles are taught r"r.
porting 10 save the soul from perdit'on
aud bring i, I" everlasting j'y and e:e'"-
Ill happiness. Il admits vii cfeeds be!'ev-
ing III GREAT Con. and endeavors I"
lead it's members step by st'p to proper
arp,eci.tion Of ,l,. Divine Essences Of the
COP HEAD, as the Father Of mankind, aud
in searching after that Truth, it naturally
leads man to appreciate the necessity and
alvisahiitv of reverence and loving that
GKeAr AN. and thus discovering the di-
vine ,.utl, nt tIl- FAthe,hoo II tiop and
Broth rl.n,al Of man. Thus far, and no
farther. dna~ Masonry yn or 'lar. 60. and
hv teaching h., a,llirr.nls tb;. grand and
GO, ions lesson she proves herself not tbs
Masonic CT nreh, i,nt The sister au1 Hand
maid Of tn. Church. Ftrrn as"nry repre-
.rn,ine th. twin sisters. >"br,-ty aud NOR
.!i,y; III. Chn,cl,, R.'igion, clothed in
all h-r h,aptrou< robes of Love, Simple
i'y and Iu,i,y. LIT Us then !,.ar no more
Of tI,i. nh nninabl. phrs@., ''th- Masonic
Church, i only displays ignorance, sui
what is rf sill more Importance, All utter
and ,l.o,ouyh disregard Of aii ihr trne
principles Of religion. Foice Of Masonry.
S',. was Boston girl. She was visiting
her Whitehall county cousins. Wh'.e
waking on., several butterflies passed her.
.Oh, dear me. what charming little birds.
They are perfectly exquisite They arc
MT birds. my dear" replied b-r country
cousin. they are lu,te,tltes." "Oh. you
don't =ay So Then these ars the dear little