WHY WOMEN CANNOT BE MASONS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 269, 19 September 1879, Page 2

WHY WOMEN CANNOT BE MASONS.

In Austin, Nev,, at a Masonic celebration, the following interesting reasons were assigned in regard to the above query : Woman sometimes complains that she is not permitted to enter our Lodges and work with the craft in their labors, and learn all they have to learn in the institution. We learn that before the G.A.O. T.U. had finished His work, He was in some doubt about creating Eve. The creation of every living and creeping thing had been accomplished, and the G.A.O.T.U. had made Adam (who was the first Mason) and erected for him the finest Lodge in the world, and called it Paradise No. 1. He then called all the beasts of the field, and all the fowls of the air to pass before Adam for him to name them, which was a piece of work he had to do alone, so that no confusion might arise from Eve, who he knew would make trouble if she were allowed to participate, and if He created her beforehand. Adam being very much fatigued with the labors of his task, fell asleep, and when he awoke, found Eve in the Lodge with him. Adam being Senior Warden, placed Eve as the pillar of beauty in the south,and they received their instructions from the Grand Master in the East, which, when finished, she immediately called the Craft, from labor to refreshment. Instead of attending to the duties of her office as she ought, she left her station, violating her obligations, and let in an expelled Mason, who had no business there, and went round with him, leaving Adam to look after the jewels. The fellow had been expelled from the Grand Lodge, with several others, some time ago; but hearing the footsteps of the Grand Master J he suddenly took his leave, telling Eve to make aprons, as she and Adam Were not in proper regalia. She went and told Adam, and when the Grand Master returned to .the Lodge, he found that his gavel had been stolen,

He called for tho Senior and Junior Wardens, who had neglected to guard tho door, and found them absent. After searching for some time, he came to where they had hid, and demanding of Adam what he was doing there, instead of occupying his official position. Adajr, replied that he was waiting for EwrajM the Graft from refreshment to lifßrap, anc 1, that the Craft were not! properly clothed, which they were making provision for, Turning to Eve, heaskidwhat she had to offer in excuse for their unofficial and unmasonic conduct. She replied that a fellow passing himself off as a Grand Lecturer, had been giving her instructions and she thought it would be no harm to learn them. The Grand Master then asked what had become of his gavel. She said she didn't know, unless the fellow had taken it away. Finding that Eve was no longer trustworthy, and that she had caused Adam to neglect his duty, and let in one whom he had expelled, the Grand Master closed the Lodge, and turning them out, Bet a faithful Tyler to guard the door with a flaming sword. Adam repenting his folly went to work like a man, and a Mason, in order to get reinstated again. Not so with Eve; she got angry about it, and commenced raising Cain. Adam, on account of his reformation, was permitted to

establish Lodges, and work in lower degrees, and Evo was permitted to join him in the work of charity outside, sho was never again to be admitted to assist in tho regular work ot the Craft. Hence the leason why a woman cannot become a Mason.