Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

ILLUMlNISM. 371
No form of folly in Free Masonry remains to be introduced
into this country, except that of female lodges. We
may expect it; and it is good to see how it appears at
home, that we may know how to receive it coming abroad.
To this end I further present an account of ceremonies in
a lodge of French dames at the funeral of a sister; and it possesses
a double interest from the fact, that no public ceremony
is more frequently performed by Masonry in America, than
that which she performs at the graves of her sons. On no
occasion does she pour greater contempt upon the Christian
religion, and its glorified Author; on no occasion does
she more outrage decency with her uncouth trappings, and
' mummery, and ornaments, than in assuming, with pomp
and circumstance, to bury her dead; lifting up her eyes to
heaven, unmindful of our Advocate there; depositing the
marble dust in the tomb without praise, or hope, or the
slightest mention of Him who is the Resurrection and the
Life, " the Judge of quick and dead/ 1 —(Acts, x. 42.)
" Funeral ceremony which took place in S. Chap. M. of
the Ladies Ecossais of the Knoll of Mt Tabor, 5th Dec.
5811. In memory of Madam Sister Adelaide Girous,
daughter of Elmillac, Grand Almonress of this Chapter,
who died fifth morning of the tenth sign of 5811, E. D.
[The reader must expect a good deal of Free Masonry in
these rites; they are much above the master's degree.]
" DECORATION OP THE CHAPTER.
" The transparency of Asia, and of Tabor, covered with
lowing passages.— u It will be of great service, and procure us both much
information and money, and will suit charminglj the taste of many of our
truest members, who are lovers of the sex. It should consist of two classes,
the virtuous, and the freer hearted. They must not know of each other,
and must be under the direction of men, but without knowing it Proper
books must be put into their hands, and such (but secretly) as are flattering
to their passions."—Robiton, p. 110.