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1
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«
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d
THE SPIRIT OF
H/^SDKQ^^s
AN ADDRESS,
DELIVERED IN ST. GEORGE'S, KINGSTON,
ON THE
iTcBtbal of 0t. 3ol)n tl)c ©Dangellst,
December 27, 1847,
BY
THE REVD. W. M. HERCHMER, M. A.
\ \
QUEEN 8 COLLEGE, OXFORD,
Chaplain to St. John's Lodge.
.'N.' -^ -*. ■•-.'S.-N. -«. •V-V-'V-N.-S. -V, -S
KINGSTON,
I'HINTKn AT THE AROl'S OPFICK.
A'
«
1
To exhibit the connexion of Masonry with the
religion of Jesus Christ ; to remove the prejudices of
the uninitiated; to remind the Brethren of their duties,
and to promote universal Charity : these are the
objects sought after in the publication of this Address,
which, if it "^cannot claim originality, bears testimony
to the spirit which animates the Author.
John Creightoo, Printer.
HE, \^
John.
Ifv
of Sa]
which
him b
convei
In!
served
as cle£
lures
answe:
John £
theme
they s<
love, t
had nc
charac
claim,
and afl
feeling
bitter ^
Amo
why 01
John a
said, th
as Chai
ADDRESS.
^ith the
dices of
r duties,
are the
Address,
testimony
itoti, Printer.
" And this commandment have we fbom Him, That
HE, who loveth God, lote his brother also." (1st
John, iv. Cap., 21st Verse.)
If we would discover the principle, which ruled the heart
of Saint John the Evangelist, or ascertain the character
which distinguished him, it will not be necessary to call
him back to life, and witness with our own eyes his daily
conversation and practice.
In his writings, which a merciful Providence has pre-
served to our time, we can trace the lineaments of his soul
as clearly as in a living man we can distinguish the fea-
tures which mark his countenance. As in a glass face
answereth to face, so in the Gospel and Epistles of Saint
John are reflected the graces which adorned his life, and
the motives which animated his breast. So prominently do
they set forth his amiability, gentleness, benevolence and
love, that if they were to fall into the hands of one who
had not so much as heard of the Evangelist, or of the
character which he sustained, he could not but at once ex-
claim. Truly this must have been a man most engaging
and affectionate ; one who never harboured an injurious
feeling, nor indulged an unkind thought, nor uttered a
bitter word !
Among the many other reasons, that might be alleged,
why our ancient Order has selected the Evangelist Saint
John as one of her Patron Saints, it may with safety be
said, that Ms character was an important one ; inasmuch
as Charity is the chief moving power of Masons.
! 1 9072
There is a remarkable tradition concerning the Apostle,
which, as it refers to the subject of our address, cannot but
be interesting. It is said, that when unable any longer to
minister to his Congregation through the infirmities of age,
he still persisted in his attendance upon the meetings of his
Brethren, though obliged to be carried there ; and always
proposed the question, " Do you really love one another '? ''
for the purpose of ever reviving it in their memories, and
enforcing its practice ; and that being asked, why he so
constantly repeated the question, he replied : that " the
exercise of brotherly love was ihe only test of love to God."
And, methinks, if we had nothing else of his instruction
left, but the admonition of my text, the memory of that
disciple, whom Jesus loved, ought to be as dear to us as
that of a Brother ; because it is to our Order the corner
stone on which the whole superstructure rests. Hence,
my Brethren, I know of no salutation more proper, or more
dignified, with which honest and devoted Masons should
greet one another on this their universal Festal day, than,
Do you really love one another 1
Such is the subject of my address to you ; bear with me
then, while I seek to unfold its nature, and the duties which
it imposes on us, not only in regard to ourselves, but to
those also, who, though not initiated into the sacred mys-
teries of our Craft, are still our Brethren. And what more
fitting opportunity could I desire than the present] What
better or more profitable theme could I select than Broth-
erly Love ? It might by some be thought more conducive
to the spread of our Order, that I should unfold the history
of the Institution, and travel back through the long vista
of ages, which have passed away since Masonry existed,
and thus make it honourable by, and respected for, its an-
tiquity ; that I should rehearse the names and acts of the
great, the wealthy and the wise, who have adorned its
profession, and boldly resisted the attempts that have been
made to destroy the noble Temple in which we worship,
and t(
But w
adore
imitat
duty
As 1
sands
amid
which
beautii
one c(
scribec
i opinio]
I know
exercis
comm(
, princif
5 fection
The
teristic
ignorai
they ei
signify
the ten
are bel
als, as
lays u}
low-cre
teous,''
contrar
the goc
throw
abroad
the err<
wandci
Apostle,
mnot but
longer to
es of age,
ngs of his
id always
nother'?'*
iries, and
'hy he so
hat "the
! to God."
istruction
y of that
r to us as
le corner
Hence,
r, or more
IS should
lay, than,
r with me
Lies which
3S, but to
cred mys-
vhat more
A What
xn Broth-
conducive
be history
long vista
y existed,
"or, its an-
LCts of the
lorned its
have been
worsbip,
and to carry off the Ark of the Covenant that we revere.
But while I venerate their names, glory in their principles,
adore their constancy and hold up their virtues for our
imitation, still I conceive that I have a greater and nobler
duty to perform.
As the home of Masonry is every where : on the barren
sands of Arabia, under the burning sun of Africa, and
amid the frozen regions of Siberia ; as the Temple in
which she worships has not been raised, with its present
beautiful proportions, by the individual exertions of any
one country ; as its foundations are not laid in any pre-
scribed religious Creed, nor in any set form of political
opinions ; so are we instructed that our Charity should
know no bounds, save that of Prudence ; and in order to
exercise this virtue, both in the character of Masons and in
common life, with propriety, and in accordance with good
principles, we must forget every obligation but that of af-
fection ; otherwise it were to confound Charity with duty.
The nature of that Charity, which i? the chief charac-
teristic of Masonry, is misconceived by those, who, from
ignorance and prejudice, speak disparagingly of our Craft ;
they entertain the opinion, that we look upon Charity to
signify nothing more than giving of alms, and relieving
the temporal necessities of the distressed L'rcthren. Wo
are belied. Our Charity has a power to improve the mor-
als, as well as to support the animal nature. Our Ciiarity
lays upon us the obligation of doing all we can for our fel-
low-creatures, " to love as Brethren, to be pitiful and cour-
teous," not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but
contrariwise blessing. Our Charity teaches us to protect
the good name of our fellow, to bear with his failings, to
throw a cloak over his faults, rather than blazon them
abroad to a censorious world ; to persuade him to turn from
the error of his ways ; to rejoice at the repentance of the
wanderer, to kill tiic fatted calf, to bring forth the best robe,
6
to make merry and be glad. Our Charity proceeds from
love to the great Architect of the Universe, to the fountain
of all blessing, who maketh His " sun to rise upon the
evil and the good, and sendeth His rain upon the just and
the unjust." And wherein does this differ from pure chris-
tian Charity 1 We are enjoined to perform the important
duties we owe to God, our neighbor, and ourselves. " To
God, by never mentioning his name but with that awe and
reverence which are due from the Creature to the Creator ;
by imploring His aid on all lawful undertakings, and by
looking up to Him, for comfort and support, under all trials
and troubles. To our neighbour, by acting with him on
the square, by rendering him every kind office which jus-
tice or mercy may require, by relieving his distresses, sooth-
ing his afflictions, and by doing to him as we would be
done by ; and to ourselves, by such a prudent and well
regulated course of discipline, as may best conduce to the
preservation of our corporeal and mental qualities, in their
fullest energy ; thereby enabling us to exert the talents,
wherewith God has blessed us, as well to his glory, as to
the welfare of our fellows." Such are the injunctions laid
on all Masons. Happier far should we be, and more use-
ful in our generation, if we acted up to them.
I know of no portion of the Holy Scriptures which so
beautifully and pathetically expresses the principles by
which Masons should be guided, as the five first verses of
the 15th Psalm. " Lord, who shall dwell in thy Taber-
nacle, or wlio shall rest upon thy holy hill 1 Even he,
that leadeth an uncorrupt life, and doeth the thing which
is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart. He that
used no deceit in his tongue, nor done evil to his neighbour,
and hath not slandered his neighbour. He that setteth not
by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes ; and maketh
much of them that fear the Lord. He that svveareth unto
his neighbour and disappointcth liim not, though it were
to his own hindrance." With heartfelt regret we are con-
straine
ness in
more a
Beca
I virtue,
I the he£
pare us
feeble (
" doctrin
; to contj
J her em
cheerin
ent dea
ness a]
heaven
and suj
f of beinj
i to me i]
^ views si
of peac<
I comprel
ed of 01
; of our {
{ a pure 1
I conditio
1 wherev(
truths (
nificant
jthe wist
i^ nativity
lual pro
Itainty o
VUL.-^ '-
eeds from
2 fountain
upon the
e just and
3ure chris-
important
To
es.
<(
it awe and
e Creator ;
3, and by
3r all trials
th him on
ivhich jus-
ses, sooth-
would be
t and well
luce to the
es, in their
le talents,
lory, as to
ctions laid
more use-
which so
[iciples by
t verses of
liy Taber-
Even he,
ling which
He that
leighbour,
setteth not
id niaketh
iicth unto
gh it were
e are con-
I strained to acknowledge, that there is too much reckless-
ness in many of the Votaries of our Craft. But this is no
more a valid objection against Masonry, than the immor-
1 ality of Christians would be against Christianity.
I Masonry is defined to be "a beautiful system of morali-
ty, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols."
Because it is a system, which is the guardian of every
< virtue, and is calculated to enlarge the mind and improve
I the heart ; because its precepts, if rightly observed, pre-
pare us to live well, and teach us how to die ; I yield my
feeble efforts to extend its light : because all its leading
' doctrines are drawn from the Bible, which is acknowledged
; to contain all things necessary to salvation, because, by
her emblems. Masonry seeks to illustrate and enforce its
cheering truths ; tells man of his exalted origin, his pres-
ent degraded and helpless condition, his ignorance, blind-
ness and bondage ; because she bids him look up to
heaven, whence cometh aid, I give her my countenance
and support. How the charge, brought against our Order,
of being the encourager of Infidelity, can be sustained, is
,; to me inexplicable ; or how any of the initiated can hold
f views subversive of revelation, or practice vices destructive
of peace and happiness, both social and civil, is beyond my
; comprehension. For at every step we take we are remind-
ed of our duty to God, and of the efficacious intercession
of our adorable B^cdeemer ; we are taught the necessity of
\ a pure heart, as the work of the renewing spirit, and as the
condition upon which alone eternal life can be secured :
j wherever we turn our eyes we behold the fundamental
, truths of the Gospel strikingly represented by various sig-
jnificant emblems : we are directed to the Star which led
|the wise men to Bethlehem, proclaiming to mankind the
^nativity of the Son of God, and here conducting our spirit-
lual progress to the author of Redemption. The uncer-
Itainty of life, with its chequered scenes, is ever before us —
8
we are reminded that tliere is no escape from the piercing
arrows of death ; that to-day the sun of prosperity and joy
may shine upon our persons and families, health and
strength may invigorate our frame, and we only feel the
sorrow of another's woe ; but to-morow, nay, perhaps, be-
fore this day closes its light, some friendly heart may sigh
over our breathloss corpse, Alas ! my Brother. The coffin
lies before us, the skull and bones are presented to our view,
and though the solemn thought of death without revela-
tion, is dark and gloomy, yet the Christian is suddenly
revived by the evergreen and ever-living sprig of faith,
in the merits of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, which
strengthens him with confidence to look forward to a bles-
sed immortality. The precepts of industry and fidelity to
God and man, the virtues of Fortitude, Temperance, Jus-
tice and Prudence, are constantly inculcated. Now what
is there in all this, calculated in the remotest degree, to
encourage infidel opinions, or profligate immorality ; rath-
er is there not in it every thing to recommend it to a Chris-
tian's notice ? Masonry has been well described as the
Handmaid of the Gospel ; in espousing it there is of neces-
sity no compromise of principle, no temptation to neglect
Christian duty.
The ends designed by Human Society are the glory of
God, and the well-being of man ; as Unity is designed to
promote these objects it must be good ; and whatever tends
to bring about that blessing surely ought to be supported ,
not reprobated. Now Masonry, in order that her Sons may
be stimulated to a life of virtuous purity, teaches them to
love as brethren, to dwell together in Unity. This is an
Eternal rule of right, an express requirement of the Divine
Law ; it is an injunction founded on the fitness of things,
and is such as every one would desire others to observe in
relation to himself. It inculcates agreement, good order,
friendship and happiness. It forbids scandal, backbiting
and evil speaking ; all jealousies in families, division and
wratl
lot as
tribut
i
To
f many
this re
Lodge
influei
sions a
' dissenj
What I
ry, wh
5 Motto
i good w
Is it
Iswered
ithe viri
V poison,
the que
I What e
land ain
fedness ;
lope in
lave nc
)rder w
^hose, vi
)ased, n
pospel (
)asses ]
less, an
ivery co
J piercing
y and joy
jalth and
y feel the
rhaps, be- |
may sigh |
The coffin
I our view,
)Ut revcla-
suddenly |
g of faith,
[ah, which
I to a bles-
fidehty to
"ance, Jus-
Now what
degree, to
lity ; rath-
to a Chris -
bed as the
is of neces-
to neglect
le glory of
lesigned to
litever tends
supported ,
[r Sons may
les them to
I This is an
the Divine
of things,
observe in
rood order,
backbiting
Ivision and
wrath among men. It teaches man to be content with the
lot assigned him by Providence, to give every man his due,
tribute to whom tribute, custom to whom custom. The
poor, by the observance of this Law, envy not the rich ;
and the rich neither scorn nor oppress the poor. Oh ! how
many of the troubles and vexations of life would be un-
known, if this precept were only obeyed !
To bring about such an observance is one, among the
many important objects, which our Order has in view. In
this respect it is a handmaid to Christianity. Within the
Lodge is assembled a family animated by one desire, and
influenced by one motive, Brotherly Love : no angry pas-
sions are allowed to rise ; no violent discussions to provoke
dissension ; no political sentiments to disturb unaniinity.
What Christianity is designed to effect universally, Mason-
ry, which has caught its spirit, effects partially ; for her
Motto too is, " Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace,
good will towards men."
Is it asked, what good has Masonry done'? If we an-
swered that it has promoted pure friendship, encouraged
the virtues which adorn life, and disarmed prejudice of its
poison, this would be saying much ; but we shall answer
the question with greater satisfaction by asking another ;
j What evil can grow out of a Society, whose avowed object
land aim is the amelioration of human misery and wretch-
jedness ; whose distinguishing doctrines are Faith in God,
lope in immortality, and Charity to all mankind ? We
iiave no rght to expect, my Brethren, that our ancient
>rder will escape the reproaches and evil insinuations of
^hose, who understand neither the principle on which it is
)ased, nor the end it seeks to attain. Even the benign
pospel of Jesus Christ, which offers to man such peace as
i)asses his understanding, has been maligned with bitter-
|iess, and persecuted with rage. But notwithstanding
^very combination against it, it stands firm as a rock of
^0
adamant ; yes, the vengeance denounced against it, the
violence that has descended upon it, has left just as great
an impression as the sea on an iron-bound coast, lashed
into fury by the tempest, but retiring unrevenged. When
we shall have passed off this busy scene, it will be handed
down to the generations that succeed us, pure and un-
changed, amid the revolutions of time ; Empires have
been dissolved. Kingdoms have been annihilated, Mon-
archs dethroned, while Masonry stands erect and unin-
jured ; notwithstanding the desolations which have brought
sorrow and decay on the earth. Babylon, the mighty city,
has fallen. Imperial Rome has been shorn of her glory,
Carthage has sunk into oblivion ; while, go where you
please, visit every tribe, of every hue, of every tongue, you
will find the Brother, whose foot will be swift to your re-
lief, whose ear will be opened to your cry, whose hands
will be uplifted to protect you. And why is this 1 Be-
cause Masonry speaks the language of kindness to all the
initiated, regarding all as mutually engaged in promoting
each other's welfare ; yes, the secret of her permanency is
this : while other institutions have depended upon their
own supposed excellence, she has based her system on
God's unchanging Word. And considering the universa-
lity of her language, the ready access she has to every
ration on earth, the reception she meets with in the bosom
of all grades of Society, methinks our Order might be
made a most effective instrument in the hands of Christian
men for the evangelizing of the world. The Prince on
his throne, the peasant in his cottage, could be approached
with confidence ; and a listening ear to the invitations of
the Gospel, be gained by those who seek to spread the glad
tidings of Salvation. Thus Masonry is a passport to every
land, an introduction to every Society. The Traveller
finds a home in every clime. The Soldier goes forth to
battle, and whilst the sword is uplifted to strike the fatal
blow, a recognizance is made, and life is spared. The
Sailor cast upon the strand needs but make the sign, and
11
3t itj the
t as great
it, lashed
[. When
)e handed
and un-
ires have
ed, Mon-
ind unin-
7e brought
ighty city,
her glory,
/here you
)ngue, you
your re-
ose hands
this? Be-
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promoting
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to every
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ipproached
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ared. The
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\
comfort and safety are his ; and the Missionary laboring
in foreign lands, thwarted, opposed and rejected, may,
on joining our holy brotherhood, find a hearing.
But love as Brethren. Although the admonition of the
Evangelist embraces all mankind, being the children of
one Father, our Father in heaven j still it is my duty to
remind you that this chain ought to surround and unite,
more perfectly and indissolubly, the inner circle formed by
the Masonic Order. Permit me then to point out the way
by which the tie that binds us in friendship may become
more lasting, and by which the fruits of our love may be
more bountiful and blessed.
It is in vain for us to talk of Love to our Brethren, un-
less we can prove that we are at peace with God, through
our Lord Jesus Chr^^jt ; unless we love God, the author
and giver of all good things. We may give our goods to
feed the poor, we may even make great sacrifices to sup-
ply their need ; we may give our bodies to be burned ;
and yet after all lack Charity, the very bond of peace and
all virtues. Love to God is the test of love to man. Our
benevolence may command attention and call forth the
admiration of our fellows, but in the sight of God it will be
denounced as hypocritical and worthless, unless it proceed
from a principle of obedience to His commandments.
Christian Love, which is alone acceptable, is proved solely
by the fruits of righteousness. Let me beseech you then,
rest not satisfied with the ceremonies of your Order, nor
yet with the speculations of Philosophy ; but, with care
and diligence, cultivate those graces and virtues so beau-
tifully typified by our significant emblems. The Bible,
that never is closed in the Lodge, proclaims the glorious
truths that are worthy our belief and practice, points out
the way to eternal life, and fits us for the glorious inheri-
tance of the Saints in life. Let us search those Scriptures.
The Motto, that we should wear, not only on our fore-
heads, but on the side posts and lintels of our doors, should
ever be " Holiness to the Lord ;" then should our enemies
'=*• , '-•m- <w«i
n
be piit to silence, and the object of our Order be fully an-
swered. We should love God, and by consequence love
our Brethren.
What God joins together, man wishes to sever ; he is
ready to pour balm into the afflicted breast, to relieve the
destitute, to supply the cruse of oil, and the barrel with
meal ; and is apt to build upon these Charities as furnish-
ing a foundation strong enough to resist the rising billows.
But such a foundation is built on sand — it is delusive and
soul destroying — as frail a support as the staff of Egypt to
the Israelites ; if We, Brethren, are desirous of passing
through the valley of the shadow of death without fear,
our Corner Stone must rest on a firmer basis ; and other
foundation can no man lay than is laid, Christ Jesus : " in
Him as lively stones we are built up a spiritual house an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable
to God." • " ' >
True Love is inseparable from Godliness. If we then
would advance the interests of our Order, accomplish the
object it is designed to promote, we shall strive to adorn
the doctrine of God in all things ; and with hearts filled
with love to the supreme Architect of the Universe, our
stream of Charity to our fellow-creatures will flow with so
strong a current, that others seeing our consistency will be
led to enrol their names in the Masonic Registry.
Let us walk worthy of our high calling, be diligent in
our good cause, never relax our efforts until all within the
circle of our influence shall have felt the benefit of our
labour ; until the needy shall have been relieved, the un-
happy comforted, the vicious reclaimed, and the ignorant
informed.
And may the blessing of the God of Love rest on you
during your pilgrimage, and after your sojourn here is
ended, may you be admitted into that heavenly Temple
above, where Faith is swallowed up of sight, hope ends in
fruition, and Charity blossoms for evermore !