WHAT IS MASONRY?

Freethought Review, Volume I, Issue 9, 1 June 1884, Page 13

WHAT IS MASONRY?

An interesting controversy has taken place in Wanganui on the subject of Masonry. At the consecration of a new Masonic Hall, the Rev. W. B. Harvey, head master of the Church of England Trust School in that town, performed the duties of Presiding Officer, and took the opportunity in a portion of the ceremony when the general public were present, to enlighten " the world" as to what was Masonry. Reporters were present, and his speech appeared next day in the papers. A well-known Freethinker was present as a Mason, and one of the papers commented, from the theological side, on the anomaly of one Mason carrying a large Bible, and another marching in the procession who on Sunday evenings joined in " scoffing (the usual term of abuse for criticising) at the same book. In reply to the Rev. Mr. Harvey's attack appeared a letter in the ' Wanganui Herald ' which created a small sensation among the Craft, and, we believe, has been extensively circulated in other parts of the colony. As our friends are likely to find the subject interesting, we publish the attack and reply :

THE KEV. W. B. HARVEY ON MASONRY.

Worshipful Masters, Wardens, and Brethren, —In accordance with your prayer, and by virtue of the Dispensation granted to me by the District and Provincial Grand Lodges, I have solemnly dedicated this lodge to the purposes of Freemasonry in the name of the Most High God. Before resigning my seat to the W. M., by whom the lodge will be duly closed, I would in a few words invite you to reflect on the meaning of the ceremonial in which we have been engaged. You, brethren, will not need to be reminded that religion is the very foundation stone of our ancient institution. You have too often been called upon to avow your faith and your trust in the ever watchful providence of God, your reverence for his holy word, to be left in any doubt on the point. You know that as Masons you are required, first and above all things, to be religious, Godfearing men. True, we pay no heed, within these walls, to those distinctions by which unhappily, the believers' camp is rent asunder. Our rules will not suffer us here to speak of names that too often act not as bonds of union in a common cause, but as the battle cries of opposing factions. But we ignore them, not as excluding any, rather as including all: not as slighting and condemning any, but as holding all in brotherly esteem and love. We are ready to extend the right hand of fellowship to all good men and true, who bow with us before the throne of the Great Architect and Ruler of the Universe and recognise with us the Volume of the Sacred Law as the only sure basis of morality, the only sure teacher of our duty to God, to our neighbour, and to ourselves. But, as Masons, we can have no fellowship with men who are seeking to destroy the faith on which we have built all our present confidences, all our future hope. We do not judge them ; to God and not to us they are responsible ; to Him their account must be rendered. But our aims and theirs are as opposite as light and darkness. We have nothing in common with them ; we cannot wish them " God speed." The duty of Masons in this respect was clearly marked when the Grand Lodge of England refused any longer to recognise the Grand Orient Lodge of France, on the ground that they had removed the name of the Deity from their ritual. You, brethren, are far too well instructed and too loyal to our order to need thus to be reminded of the principles you have so often vowed to uphold. But I hail with satisfaction the opportunity given us to-day of proclaiming those principles to the world. At a time when faith in God and God's revealed will is openly scoffed at by so many, it is well that all should know that Masons are not among those who would remove the ancient landmarks ; that Masons steadfastly believe in one true God, who made heaven and earth ; that Masons hold in the utmost reverence the sacred Book in which He has revealed Himself to man; that Masons seek His aid in all their lawful undertakings, and confidently expect His succour in every time of danger and distress. The service in which we have been engaged bears emphatic witness to the first principle of Freemasonry. It remains for us, brethren, to bear still more emphatic witness to them in our lives. Let us make it then our earnest study not only to prove but to commend our faith by displaying in ourselves the virtues that should adorn every true Mason ; especially that most God-like of all virtues, Charity. May mutual love ever reign within these walls, and shine forth, as from a centre of light and warmth, on all the world around. May the name of Mason ever be associated in this town with the thought of a good and upright man—one whose word is never broken whose heart and hand are ever ready to succour the needy and distressed. Most heartily do we congratulate the Worthy Masters, Wardens, Officers, and Brethren of the two lodges that have united to build this house. We trust the zeal you have displayed in this good work will indeed meet with the approval and blessing of the Great Master Builder. May peace be within these Avails, and the voice of joy and praise resound therein continually. May all your undertakings here be prosperous as this has been, and may your earthly happiness be crowned with the Supreme bliss of heaven !