Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

CROSS'S MASONIC CHART. 63
Holies in the ancient dispensation of the Church, set forth
in dumb show among the common implements of a mechanic
art, as the emblems of a mystical science. Those
solemn remembrancers of God's visible presence, and of
the displays of his righteous judgments and pardoning mercies,
to the chosen but rebellious sons of Jacob, are gravely
trifled with, when made to serve in the workshop of a Free
Mason, use them as he may. I cannot endure it, that an institution,
which, as far as I have known it, is a perfect TE~
KEL, should endeavour to compensate for its emptiness, by
wresting the characters of the patriarchs to its support;
that an institution which, to the end of the degree it calls
sublime, is, in my sober judgment, very ridiculous, both in
its rights and ceremonies, should, for the greater sanctity,
draw into its use in the higher degrees, the most solemn
events and sacred furniture of the ancient church.
When Masonry answers it, it will be with her life.
The destruction of Jerusalem, the plan of Babylon, and
the maps of those ancient countries, are all free to the fraternity.
If it can draw wisdom from such emblems, it is
well: there is nothing in the sight of a burning city, and
captive train, &c. &c. that may not be turned to a good
account; so these the Royal Arch may have, together with
its claw hammer, key, and barn shovel. But that triangle
of Enoch's, so often presented to view, giving a splendid
light in the darkness of the deep arches the moment
is extensively circulated, and may be genuine Christianity to the exalted
Mason; but to the humble master, it is simple blasphemy. Describing his
ascent in the higher degrees, one says of the latter he had taken: u I became
a pilgrim, travelled to the awful dome of the K. T. and sued for
admittance. I gained it, trod the paths of my Redeemer, drank the bitter
cup, was crucified with him, and triumphed over death and hell." This is
admitted into the preface of the Free Mason's Library, p. 7, with marked
approbation.
See Webb's account of the Ineffable Degrees, for the Masonic form of
the Sacrament of the Supper. Presenting the bread and the wine to the
candidate, the Most Perfect says: u Eat of this bread with me, and drink
«C the same cup," &c.—Free Mason?* Monitor, New-York, 1802, p. 2QL
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