The Ahiman Rezon,

THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTION is usually denominated AHIMAN REZON. The literal translation of Ahiman is," A prepared brother," from manah, to prepare; and Rezon, "Secret;" so that Ahiman Rezon literally means, the secrets of a prepared brother. It is likewise supposed to be a corruption of Achi Man Ratzon, the thoughts, or opinions, of a true and faithful brother.

This book contains the fundamental principles, and regulations of Free-Masonry, and the ceremonies and usages peculiar to the state of Pennsylvania. It is published under the authority of the Grand Lodge, and the observance of its regulations is obligatory upon the craft. It is carried on a velvet cushion in all processions of the Grand Lodge, by the Master of the oldest Lodge, in allusion to the Constitution of the Order being originally vested in that officer, on whom, the business of the Grand Lodge may devolve.

The term LODGE, is generally given to a congregation of FreeMasons, as well as to the Hall in which they meet, as the term Church is applied to the worshippers as well as to the temple. But, technically speaking, the LODGE is an imitationof the Ark of the Covenant, constructed by Bazaleel, accordingto the form prescribed by God himself. (Ex. xxv. 10-23.) Asthat contained the tables of the Laws, the LODGE, the Ark of the Masonic Covenant, contains the Book of Constitutions, and the Warrant of Constitution, granted by the Grand Lodge.

The TRESTLE-BOARD, is a necessary appendage to every Lodge, as it aids the illustration of our work. It is a painted

oil-cloth in a frame, with a tesselated border, on which are described the various implements, and apparatus, of the three Orders of Free-Masonry. Where a cloth of this kind is not provided, it has been usual to make the drawings upon the floor with chalk and charcoal, that they may be obliterated when the work is finished.

The appellation FREE-MASON, by which the members of our Order are designated, is of uncertain origin. If Free-Masons were originally an associated body of architects, possessing secrets in the mechanical arts, unknown to the rest of the world, then the term, probably, alludes to the congregated body, corporation, fraternity, or association of those architects. Being called Free, may mean no more than being a member of that body, and participating in all their rights and privileges; as in the present day, men are made free of various guilds in England; either in consequence of their having served a regular apprenticeship to some trade, worked as craftsmen, and become masters; or as an honorary mark of distinction, to some highly respectable personage, whom they wish to honor. And so, in like manner, the freedom of corporate cities, is given to distinguished persons, who have done honor to their country, either as statesmen or commanders. From a variety of circumstances it is supposed that the appellation Free-Mason, was expressive of the nature of the society as founded for religious purposes. It is, probably, derived from, or corrupted of, Musgov, res arcana, mysteries; from μvo, I shut; soμa, a mouth; and Mvgns, sacris initiatus mystis, those initiated to sacred mysteries. In the Latin Lodges, a FreeMason is called, Lapicida, one who works in a quarry, a stonecutter, or worker in stone; thereby implying, that the society originated with artists.

BROTHER, among Free-Masons, has reference to their possessing in common the same faith,* rather than the same nature, which is not more peculiar to Masons than to others. Persons of the same trade, or profession, use this term in common parlance, as a brother carpenter, &c. and so a brother Free-Mason

* 1 St. John, passim.

is used in the same sense. When a vicious man is shown to us, and it is tauntingly said, 'there goes a Free-Mason,' we must console ourselves with the reflection, that although he be a brother of the same vocation, it cannot be said par nobile fratrum.

LANDMARKS. The Landmarks of Free-Masonry, are unquestionably, those marks of distinction, which peculiarly designate our institution, and by which we discover, "examine and try,” a brother's right to the privileges of the Order. These are of the utmost importance, and must be carefully guarded against every thing like innovation or change. But our rites and ceremonies, our laws and regulations, are not Landmarks, but depend, in a great measure, on local circumstances. There are, however, certain rules and forms, which, although not Landmarks, are venerable for their antiquity, and ueful in their operation, and ought to be guarded with the same care.

In the early ages of the world, it was the custom to mark the boundaries of landed property, by stones or posts, instead of fences. The removal of these produced confusion, disputes and injury, and was criminal in the sight of God. "Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance." Deut. xix. 14. Hence our peculiar marks of distinction, are called Landmarks, as they designate our inheritance among the craft, and prove our right to participate in the privileges they enjoy. The criminality of removing the landmarks of old, is further seen, by the penalty annexed to the act: "Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen." Deut. xxvii. 17. The consequences resulting from a similar crime in Masonry, need not be repeated to the brotherhood. Having hitherto been preserved in safety, they will, there is no reason to doubt, remain secure to the end of time.

The foregoing definitions have been taken from Dalcho's Ahiman Rezon, and are inserted here, because it is believed they may be useful; but they have not received the sanction of the Grand Lodge.

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The Ahiman Rezon,: Containing a View of the History and Polity of Free ...