Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

MASONIC OATH. 137
that, though operative Masonry is as old as the first stone
wall, and as universal as the habitations of civilized man,
speculative Free Masonry is a modern invention, industriously
circulated by designing men.
CHAPTER XXIII.
" Bible, compass, and squire,
" As oar ensigns we wear,
" The bright symbols of wisdom profound;
" And while these are our guide,
u Every mystery beside,
"As a foil to our art will be found."
Vocal Cm. and Mm. Reg.
•' All shall yield to Masonry;
"Bend to thee, blest Masonry!
" Matchless was he who founded thee;
" Thou, like him, immortal shah be."
Ibid.
MASONEY professes to be a valuable mystery, to possess
an important secret, and claims consequence to herself, because
no member of the fraternity, however abandoned in
principle, or rudely punished by the lodges, has ever been
base enough to publish the enigma. Believe that Masonry
has such a secret, and the fact that it has never been exposed,
would argue something peculiar in the institution.
But why believe it? What proof have we? Her word
for it ? She is one not to be believed, when she speaks even
the truth; her reputation is established; veracity and Ma*
sonry are antipodes.
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