The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-14
A SERMON ON MASONRY.
THE REV. DR.. BURFoRD SPEAKS OF
ITS SUBLIME PRINCIPLES.
1t Originated in the Necessity OF Our
Race for Associatlon-It IL Not OPP
posed to Christianity-An Honorable
and Chivelric Order.

Last night the Rev. +. S. Buriord, rec
tor of Calvary Episcopal Church, deliv-
cred discourse on Masonry, and before a
large congregation, many non-members Of
the Episcopal Church being present.
After the usual services, Dr. Burford took
possession Of the pulpit and announced
his text as from the Book OF Moses, Gene
sis; ''God Said, Let There BE Light and
There Was Light" also from Job, xxxii.,
10. lie said he desired to speak on the
subject Of Masonry, its duties and its re-
sponsbilities, its sublime principles; and
he desired TO speak not only TO Masons,a f-
filiated and non-aililiated but also to those
outside of the order, those in the dark
who know nothing Of the order. Ma
sonry has always existed, in principle at
least, in all the days OF the past. As fra
ternity IL has existed and does exist through
out the habitable globe, in both civilized
and semi-civilized lands. 1t has found
Judgement in every quarter of the habit
able globe, and why? 1t originated in the
very conditions and necessities OF our
race-man desired association with 9TH
ers to aid and assist him in the times OF
trial and Embellishments TO lean upon in
days Of peace and strife, something which
would bring about mutual dependence and
benefit. II follows civilization in its upward
course. Man feels that he needs compan-
ionship outside Of the family circle and
relationship. Masonry dates farther back
than any other secret order. 1t has been
| asserted that il Is opposed TO the Christian
Church, is opposed to Christianity. This
is n slanderous and false imputation; ii is
not political IL is not opposed 10 religion.
Ii is not intended TO be a religion or to
take the place Of any system Of religion for
mankind. 1t is an honorable, chivalric
order and has been so in all ages. Man
cannot make religion, that is
the work OF God and Masonry
does not assume to take the
place. To become Mason man must
be worthy and well qualified, be OF full
years, must not be in his dotage. A
woman or child cannot secure admission
TO the honorable body, they cannot be-
come Master Masons. This ancient fra
ternity was established on principles, the
purest and best. II Is secret but not a
dangerous organization. To assert that be-
cause secret 1t is necessarily dangerous or
|
Masonry lives because ii deserves 10 live,
because OF its inherent power, and like
truth, IL will live forever. IL needs no de-
tense, no more than the Christian religion
needs any defense. It is objected 10 be-
cause ii is a secret organization. Why the
4 world Is full OF secret organizations.
Look at political caucus, its pro-
ccedings are secret The President
and his Cabinet hold secret meetings
and nothing concerning them Ia divulged
-by those In attendance. The Senate OF the
United States aud the Lower House OF
Congress hold secret sessions, and you
hear the Speakers order the Scrgeant-at-
Arms TO "Clear the galleries. Is this any
objection TO those honorable bodies Of Leg
islators2 In the sacred circle OF home life,
secret sessions are held between the father
and the mother, the husband and the wife,
discussing domestic and family affairs, and
all unknown 10 their children. Have they
no right 10 do all this7 How futile are
such objections to one Of the grandest and
oldest OF organizations. The greatest men
Of history, the grandest men throughout
the world, have been masters aud grand
masters Of this fraternity. George WASH
ingion, and many other great Americans
wore the embloms Of this brotherhood. The
Bishops and clergy Of the church. 10 which
he (,he speaker belonged, also wore the
emblems Of Masonry. the jewels OF the
order. When tho notable men OF the
church and State belong to IL, can Il be
dangerous or Objectionable 10 religion or
society? "Lct there be light. and there
was light" What arc the secrets Of
Masonry Go 20 any bookstore, and
Tor 81. 80 you can buy book containing
| -. Il. n "A
emblcms OF Masonry. IL has no secrets
except those with reference 10 the rccog-
milton Of its members by one another, and
other secrets which belong 10 the society
sui Il as certain grips, signs and pass.
words. Men naturally baud together 10
help each other ia the hour Of trial and
peril. II is the duty Of Mason 10 live,
obey and pray to God--it is his
duty 30 be n good man. a good father
aud good citizen, 20 live an upright
and honorable life. Another objection Is
| oncrcd-why are there ~ many Mnsons
| who do not live up 10 their obligations?
DO those who arc members OF churches all
live up 10 their obligations ~ Christians
Your obligations make YOU n Christian,
yet YOU break them. Il this any good
argument against OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES IL
IL polluted by bad men. is Christianity
bad or dangerous Men often take adyan-
tagc Of organization 20 seek some personal
end. There are preachers aud ministers
unworthy Of the name. but this u no OBJ
lection 10 the church 10 which they be.
long. Such objections are foolish IN the
cxircme. Men aud women arc often In
yitcd 10 the lodge rooms; what do they see
thcrc7 The iirst thing they see Is thc Ma
sonic altar and upon Il the Holy Bible Of
God-ihe same bible that u used IN the
| Episcopal and other Christian churches.
We also see the square aud compass and
the letter so" IN the east. All these are
sacred 60 God, aud then the lodge Is
always opened aud closed with prayer.
Can oil this b. hostile TO religion or good
government Wherever you dnd Masonry.
the blue Lodge, the Chapter. Council or
Commandory you need not fear iof ~
ligion or society. Masonry docs not claim
TO bc church, Il does not teach religion,
but brotherhood aud charity. You take
an obligation ai the altar Of your own
free will, not by cOmpulson, YOU do II
kneoliuc with hand on lrcast and on the
Holy Bible. this Is how the candidate
takes his obligation. Once a Mason, al
ways n Mason-br the man good or bad.
II a man isa Mason he should be a good
one. just as II man DO Christian, no
should bc good one. Master Mason,
must bc true 70 his country and his God,
| Dr. Burford mado strong aud clogucnt
/ appeal 20 live upto thoiroblgaiions In every
/ rcspcct--to take not a cent nom their
| bfgllpfu which did NOT lDinng tn