Selected Extracts from the First Series…
Volumes One - Five


Short Talk No. 37 – Mystic Tie

“Finally, only a Freemason can understand the more solemn expression of Brotherhood which may come to him as he visits the bedside of a dying Brother, who in his feeble, speechless condition responds to sympathetic ministrations with a certain pressure of the hand, as if they were about to say to each other “It is about time to say farewell my Brother”.

That my dear and precious Brethren - is what The Mystic Tie is all about!”
 



Short Talk No. 7 – What I Have Learned From Freemasonry

“Over the years and through the many happy experiences that I have had in Freemasonry I find that a conviction has grown in my mind that the warm heart of Freemasonry, the source of its great power, is friendship and brotherly love. Here we have something that is unique, something that exists between men of goodwill. This is friendship without any mercenary motive - we use the strange phrase "disinterested friendship"- friendship that has no motive, other than friendship for its own sake.

The shared experiences that unite men from all walks of life and every age. These things do indeed form a silver cord running from heart to heart that unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers.

To fill every human relation with the spirit of friendship! Is there anything better that the wisest and best of men can do?”
 



Short Talk No. 24 - Globes

“The Celestial and Terrestrial Globes atop of the Pillars as depicted on the Second Degree Tracing Board, frequently arouse the curiosity of new Fellowcrafts

It is true that their existence is described in Tracing Board explanation. We are informed that the Pillars in the porch of King Solomon’s Temple are further adorned with two spherical balls on which were delineated maps of the celestial and terrestrial globes.

What is quite extraordinary is of course the fact that in the time of King Solomon when his Temple was completed in about 960 BC - there was no such thing as a terrestrial globe – all the experts on this subject considered the world to be flat!

Most Masonic researchers over the ages are now agreed that there were no such globes atop the Pillars in the Porchway or entrance of King Solomon’s Temple.

This naturally raises a few important questions !”
 



Short Talk No. 42 – Freemasons Candles

“In every Craft Lodge there are three Lesser Lights symbolized by three candles.

To many it seems regrettable that some Lodges are willing to use electric light bulbs as a substitute for the real thing - the old fashioned burning tapers.

True, the electric light is clean and convenient. It is very easy to turn on or off. But the electric light is but a symbol of a symbol. Sadly symbols grow thin when they in turn are symbolized.

Editors Note: Can you imagine the setting? - A “candlelight supper” at your favourite restaurant. To be escorted to the table to find that situated between the place settings is a table lamp without its shade! Upon being asked for an explanation the Head Waiter – sniffs and replies, “Well you see Sir – in this day and age it saves us the trouble of having to buy and then light a candle!”
 



Short Talk No. 50 – A Layman Looks at Freemasonry

“I have told you of but a few things we laymen think about you, there are probably many more points that could have been mentioned.

Time is fleeting however, so I will package some of them together, in six general observations:

  • Masons are respected honourable men.

  • Masonry stands for serious things pleasing to God.

  • I have never known a Mason knowingly reveal any part of the secret rites, or knowingly discuss them with non-Masons.

  • A Masonic Lodge is a good thing in a Community.

  • When a Mason gives his word you can depend on it.

  • The lessons of Masonry come from the Bible.

A popular Hymn exclaims :
'How Great Thou Art'' in reference to The Deity.

From one man to another, from me to you, who observe the principals and the ancient ideals I think Masons observe - I say:
"How Great Thou Art - my Brothers”
 


 
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