Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

190 FREE MASONRY PARALLEL WITH THE BIBLE.
4. " Inspiration urges the exercise of brotherly love, and
a due regard to the well being of our neighbour. Masonry
considers the whole human family as brethren, and imperiously
enjoins mutual and reciprocal acts of friendship and
affection."*
The parallel has but commenced, and it is hard to tell,
at this stage, which, in our author's hands, will come out
second best; the most ancient institution, or the bible. I
would observe in passing, that our author's last parallel is
hardly just to Free Masonry. It should read, as in the
sequel will appear, " Inspiration teaches: 4 love thy neighbour
as thyself!'" Meat. xix. 19. Masonry considers, that
true charity begin* at home" This reading has poitn, as
well as truth, for its support.
To return to the parallel.
5. " The holy bible, 1 ' says Mr. Town, " enforces a strict
adherence to the truth, as a divine attribute. This is a distinguishing
tenet in the masonic institution." Here the
Grand Chaplain is under a great mistake in respect to the
masonic institution.
6. " The word of God requires a conscientious observance
of justice in every relation. Masonry adopts this principle
as a criterion of moral rectitude.
7. " The sacred writings enforce a religious attention to
the sabbath as a day of holy rest. Masonry is equally emphatic
in all her commands and injunctions to keep that
day holy. {Town's Spec. Mas. p. 51.) [Observe; the Jews
may keep Saturday for sabbath; and the Brahmins and
Turks not being Christian Masons, are allowed their own
pleasure in this matter.]
8. " The word of God enjoins submission to the powers
that be, as ordained of God. Masonry lays similar commands
on all her members, and enforces them by constant
admonitions.
* Town's Spec. Free Masonry, p. 50.