Our ancient brethren dedicated their lodges to King Solomon because he was our first most excellent Grand Master, but Masons of the present day, professing Christianity, dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who were two eminent patrons of Masonry; and since their time there is represented in every regular and well govern lodge a certain point within a circle embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist; and upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. The point represents the individual brother; the circle, the boundary-line of his duty beyond which he is never to suffer his passions, interests or prejudices to betray him. In going around this circle we necessarily touch on the two parallel lines, as well as the Holy Scriptures, and while a Mason keeps himself circumscribed within these due bounds, it is impossible that he should materially err.
Tenets.
The three great tenets of a Mason's profession inculcate the practice of those commendable virtues, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love.—By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family—the high and low, the rich and poor—who, created by one Almighty Parent and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid and protect each other. On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.
Relief.—To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons who profess to be linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections.
Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct; hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us; sincerity and plain-dealing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare and rejoicing in each other's prosperity.
P. P. E.
Every Mason has four (p. p. e.) which are illustrated by the four cardinal virtues: Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice.
Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain or peril, when prudentially deemed expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice, and should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason. It is a safeguard or security against the success of any attempt, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which he has been solemnly intrusted, and which were emblematically impressed upon him on his first admission into the lodge, when he was received on * * * which refers to * * *
Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge and prudentially determine on all things relative to our present as well as to our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should be his constant care, when in any strange or mixed companies never to let fall the least sign, token or word whereby the secrets of Masonry might be unlawfully obtained; ever bearing in mind that important occasion when on his left * * * which alludes to * * *