CHAPTER XC.

MASONIC SYMBOLS.-THE BOOK OF BYE-LAWS.

A FREEMASON Sustains important relations, not only to the whole Fraternity, but specially to the Grand Lodge within whose jurisdiction he is, and to the Lodge of which he is a member. He is bound therefore to the observance not only of the ancient Land-marks and Constitutions of the Order, which are the same all over the world, and of equal obligation upon Freemasons in all countries; but also of the laws or bye-laws of the Lodge to which he belongs and of the Grand Lodge from whom they hold Charter. For the good government of the masonic body, for the maintenance of harmony in the Lodge, and for the proper conduct of its affairs, it is necessary that special rules should be laid down on many points not included in the Land-marks and Constitutions, and that the Brethren should cheerfully comply with these rules. As the things to which they relate are not of prime and universal importance, but rather, such, that different rules may, with perfect propriety, be adopted concerning them by different Lodges, or by the same Lodge at different times, according to difference of circumstances, or even in consequence of mere variety of opinion, so every member of the Lodge may, if he thinks fit, propose a change of any of its bye-laws. But he must proceed in an orderly manner, and whilst a bye-law subsists, it is his duty to submit to it and to regulate his conduct by it, and it is the duty of the Worshipful Master strictly to enforce every bye-law. Daughter Lodges are represented in the Grand Lodge by their office-bearers, and every brother within the most extensive jurisdiction has, therefore, a course open to him by which he may proceed,

if he chooses, to seek the repeal or modification of any law or regulation of the Grand Lodge. Meanwhile, however, its laws or regulations must be accepted and obeyed by all the Lodges holding of it.

To preserve some measure of uniformity in the practice. of all the Lodges within the jurisdiction, and to guard against the possibility of any infraction by any Lodge of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, or the adoption of any rule, the operation of which would be oppressive to any of the brethren, or which would be inconsistent with the prosperity of the Lodge, it is provided by a law of almost every Grand Lodge, that the bye-laws of every Lodge within its jurisdiction, must be submitted to it and approved before they can have any force. In like manner, every change of the bye-laws of a Lodge must be approved. by the Grand Lodge.

A book bearing on its cover the title BYE-LAWS, is a masonic symbol, intended to teach the duty of carefully observing all the bye-laws of the Lodge. Like that other symbol, the Book of Constitutions, it conveys to the mind of every Freemason an important lesson of masonic duty: and both symbols remind him of the great principle of submission to every constituted authority, which is one of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry. The lessons taught by these symbols, therefore, reach far beyond the mere duty of continual respect for the Constitutions in the one case, and of the bye-laws in the other. They extend to the great principle of loyalty and obedience, on which depends the welfare not only of the Masonic Brotherhood, but of society at large. Obedience to the divine law; obedience to every human law enacted by proper authority -the law of the land-the municipal regulations of the place where we dwell,-the rules of any association of which we happen to be members:-such is the rule which Freemasons are called by these symbols to act upon in their whole conduct.

CHAPTER XCI

MASONIC SYMBOLS.-TWO KEYS CROSSED.

Two Keys Crossed are the Jewel of the office of the Treasurer.

But this symbol is not merely significant of the duties of that office. Its meaning extends to many duties which belong not only to masonic office-bearers, but are in some measure common to all Brethren. And the lessons which it teaches ought therefore to be studied and learned by all.

The crossed keys in this symbol are represented as suspended by a string which fastens them together at the middle. It is thus signified that the keys are not in use; we are not to regard them as at every moment in use. There are some duties which arise out of particular circumstances; some powers that are to be exercised only when special occasions call for their exercise. The powers of the judge are to be exerted only when a case comes before him for judgment; the right of a father to chastise only when something in the conduct of his son makes chastisement necessary; but these powers are nevertheless always inherent in the judge and in the parent: it is very important also that their nature and limits should be carefully considered ere occasion arises for their exertion. The remark that has just been made concerning the symbolic meaning of the suspending string in this symbol, applies equally to other symbols in which also it appears: implements symbolic of official or other powers and duties being thus represented as suspended or not at the moment in use.

A key is a very natural symbol of power. It aptly represents power over wealth, to dispose of it at pleasure;

to lock it up for security, to open the lock-fast place, and bring its contents forth for use. In like manner it readily suggests the thought of power over liberty, to confine in prison, or to open the prison doors and set the captive free. And thus it comes to represent power in general; and is suggestive of thoughts concerning the duties and responsibilities which attend the possession of it, whether it be the power which wealth gives, or that which is derived from office, as the power of the civil ruler and the judge. The two crossed keys may therefore well give rise to many serious thoughts in the minds of the possessors of any kind of power,-thoughts with which it is very desirable that they should be exercised; whilst at the same time it may be not a little also for the general benefit that the whole subject of their duties and responsibilities should be considered by others also, so that the faithful discharge of duty may be acknowledged with due tribute of gratitude and honour, and that in the difficulties of a responsible position all suitable support and sympathy may be experienced. It is to be borne in mind, also, that in a system, framed, like that of Freemasonry, on the principles of freedom and equality, power does not belong only to a few. It is shared by the whole Brotherhood, and is only delegated or entrusted for a time and with important limitations to the office-bearers. The members of a lodge are often called to the discharge of duties which imply the possession of a large amount of undelegated power, equally shared by them all. It is therefore necessary that they should be called, as this symbol calls them, to the consideration of the responsibility attaching to the possession of that power, that they may learn how to exercise it wisely and beneficially. If we only think of the power possessed by every member of a Lodge, of rejecting by his single vote a candidate for initiation, we shall at once perceive that he has power, the abuse of which would be attended with many painful consequences; the feelings of a worthy candidate and his friends being wounded by his rejection, whilst he himself is prevented from the enjoyment of the valuable privileges of

the Order, of the teaching which would impart knowledge that he desires, and of the pleasant social intercourse which he has anticipated with delight; the Lodge and the whole Brotherhood also suffering by the rejection of one who, if admitted, would be useful and an honour to all, as on the other hand, the rash admission of one undeserving of it is injurious to the interests and reputation of the Order. Here, evidently, no little responsibility is implied. And so it is in many other matters which come under the consideration of a Lodge, and are decided by the votes of the members; for example, in judicial questions, in which censure or punishment is involved. The symbol now before us is certainly one on which every Freemason has reason to meditate seriously and often, even with respect to his masonic relations and the duties and responsibilities connected with them. It is almost unnecessary to add that from such meditations he may also derive much benefit in reference to the other relations of life. It is a very wide field which a due consideration of this symbol requires a man to survey; and one, many particular parts of which may of themselves give much occupation to his thoughts. Our sense of responsibility is sure always to deepen the more, the more that we think of all the various relations we sustain and of the duties belonging to them; and a good man will always find more and more need of seeking divine guidance and aid, by the study of the Word of God, by conference with the wise, and by prayer.

A key is a Scripture emblem of power. The Lord, denouncing His wrath by Isaiah the prophet, against Shebna, "the treasurer," declaring that Shebna is to be driven from his station and pulled down from his state, adds :-" And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; and I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit the government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so shall he open, and none shall shut; and he