A Song of Freemasonry
From ‘Songs of religion and life’, 1876
John Stuart Blackie (1809-1895)
GOD save me! at last the grim waste I have passed
Of a prickly scholastic theology,
And now in a region I float, where religion
To common sense owes no apology.
But pray don’t expect I shall found a new sect,
No pulpit on earth I’ve an eye to!
My new patent plan’s to be merely a man,
And as I was born live and die too!
Orthodox, heterodox,
Luther, and Laud, and Knox,
Squabbles of High Church and Low Church
“Tis my present plan
To be merely a MAN,
And laugh both at High Church and Low Church!
II
I looked and I wondered, I battled and blundered
With much metaphysical struggle,
With saintly desiring, and pious aspiring,
Till reason itself seemed a juggle.
And now the poor swimmer, with every vain glimmer
Of hope sank more deep than before, Sir!
Till I fell on this notion of healthy devotion,
That a man is a man, and no more, Sir!
Orthodox, heterodox,
Luther, and Laud, and Knox,
Squabbles of High Church and Low Church!
If no wisdom you see
In my masonry free,
Then go to the High or the Low Church!
III
‘Tis new, and ’tis old, to no Churchman ’tis sold,
This gospel all true hearts believe it,
And blessed are they, ‘mid the sons of the clay,
Who with hearty good welcome receive it.
O ! seek not a spell from the dark depths of hell,
Nor let not the bright starry host win you!
The gospel of God is at no bishop’s nod,
‘THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is WITHIN YOU’!
Orthodox, heterodox,
Luther, and Laud, and Knox,
Vain wisdom of High and of Low Church;
Though the cock on the steeple
Is gilt for the people,
And bells ring for High and for Low Church!
IV
A poor Arab maid may with faith undismayed,
Her heart in the desert sustain, Sir!
And a Christian may tread on a poor brother’s head,
And all for most heathenish gain, Sir!
In Christian and Turk the deep Devil may lurk,
In Kaiser and Tartary Khan, Sir!
But I know a spell that will blast him to hell,
Tis to swear by the GOD that’s in MAN, Sir!
Orthodox, heterodox,
Luther, and Laud, and Knox,
Harsh dogmas of High Church and Low Church.
For what’s in a name
Tis smoke round the flame
To bemuddle both High Church and Low Church.
V
Of eternal decrees and election I can
Know as much and as little as you, Sir!
But that I ‘m a man who can purpose and plan,
Tis true, by the Powers, ’tis true, Sir!
And ’tis my intention, I modestly mention,
To cleave to my kin and my clan, Sir!
And do some small good to the brave brotherhood
That graces the title of man, Sir!
Orthodox, heterodox,
Luther, and Laud, and Knox,
Mere quibbles of High Church and Low Church!
Your wits run aground,
Or in misty profound,
You are swamped by the High and the Low Church!
VI
My fancy bright weaves it, my firm faith believes it,
The time is not far, but is near, now!
When strong hearts with glee shall shake their wings free
From crotchets and whims that are dear now!
When every true man shall bless brother man
By Bible-law and by Koran, Sir!
And each true heart brim with free worship to Him
Whose image shines brightest in MAN, Sir!
Orthodox, heterodox,
Luther, and Laud, and Knox,
Vain squabbles of High Church and Low Church!
In God and in Man
I believe; but I can
Subscribe to sheer nonsense in no Church!
About the Author
Photo Credit: Elliott & Fry, Albumen Cabinet Card, 1870s.
John Stuart Blackie FRSE (28 July 1809 – 2 March 1895) was a Scottish scholar and man of letters. He was the brother of George Stodart Blackie.
George Blackie – The History of the Knights Templar P.1
First part in the serialisation of George Blackie’s History of the Knights Templar and the Sublime Teachings of the Order – by Kenneth Jack
more….
Recent Articles: of current interest
Keeping Passions and Prejudices within Due Bounds Master your emotions and find balance in a chaotic world with Darren Allatt's "Keeping Passions and Prejudices within Due Bounds." Discover practical strategies for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and building meaningful relationships. Transform your life with calmness, clarity, and purpose. Start your journey towards emotional mastery today. |
Masonry in the Age of Leisure - P2 Explore the optimistic future of Masonry in "Masonry in the Age of Leisure" by VVenBro Scott Wisdahl. Delve into the possibilities of a leisure-driven society where technology enhances social bonds, decentralizes the Craft, and reshapes Masonic traditions. Discover how Masonry can thrive in an interconnected, tech-savvy world. |
Masonry in the Age of Leisure - P1 Embrace the future of Masonry in the Age of Leisure! Imagine an era where technology empowers deeper connections, offering a tapestry of diverse groups united by Freemasonry’s timeless values. Envision hybrid meetings transcending borders, fostering brotherhood across continents. This optimistic future cultivates intellectual growth and social interaction, heralding a Masonic renaissance for all. |
“Not Just A Man. A Mason”: What Does It Mean? Embrace the profound essence of Freemasonry, not merely a group but a journey of integrity, shaping men of dignity. By adopting virtues such as honesty, justice, and brotherly love, Freemasonry transcends time, urging us towards a dignified life. It’s more than being a man; it’s about living with unyielding dignity. |
Multiculturism and the Culture of Freemasonry Freemasonry, with its deep roots in universal principles such as individual freedoms, education, and the pursuit of science, stands as a beacon of unity in a world divided by conflicting ideologies. By embracing the tenets of Freemasonry, including respect, peace, and mutual understanding, we can navigate societal challenges and foster a more harmonious world. |
Embrace the new paradigm of eco-conscious living in the 21st century. Freemasonry, a cornerstone of society, must evolve, placing Nature at its heart. Reject anthropocentrism, embrace deep ecology, and champion sustainable living and global cooperation. Let Freemasonry lead by example, advocating for a world where humans and nature coexist harmoniously. |
How Freemasonry Has Woven Itself into the Fabric of Society Like the weathered stones of an ancient temple, Freemasonry's origins are shrouded in mystery. This fraternal order has woven invisible threads throughout society's fabric since emerging in the 1600s. Despite declining membership, Freemasonry's influential legacy endures, seen in philanthropy, architecture, and the ideals of legendary members. Though facing challenges, revival remains possible if it adapts traditions to the modern era. |
AI help in matching mentors with new Freemasons Harnessing AI for Freemasonry Mentorship: A Comparative Analysis. Freemasonry, an age-old fraternity, seeks to enhance its mentorship program by leveraging AI. While the Grand Master suggests detailed member profiles for matching, a Professional Coach emphasizes personality compatibility. Meanwhile, an AI Bot proposes machine learning for pattern recognition. Dive in to explore the potential and pitfalls of each approach. |
Masonic Charities P.2 – The Shriners Discover the Shriners' legacy within Freemasonry; delve into their profound commitment to philanthropy and see how Masonic Charities demonstrate brotherly love, relief, and truth. Become inspired by the bonds that unite Shriners around the globe and their impactful work in local communities. |
Freemasonry's commitment to charity has always been a priority and remains a core principle, reflecting its mission to promote brotherly love, relief, and truth in the world. Part 1 of the series gives an introduction to the establishment of the main Masonic Charitable endeavours in the 18th and 19th centuries and several key influencers. |
Solomon Learning and Development Platform The Intersection of Freemasonry and Technology: Embracing the Digital Age with the New |
Especial Meeting of United Grand Lodge of England The year 2023 marks the tercentenary of the publication in London of the Constitutions of the Freemasons, based on Enlightenment principles that provide the philosophical foundations of modern Freemasonry. Why are the 1723 Constitutions important? Many Masonic histories have been concerned with ‘when’ and ‘what’. We also explore ‘why?’ |
Like every other incident of initiation it is in the light of the larger meanings of Freemasonry that we must interpret the Rite of Destitution. But what does it mean? |
Society of Grand Lodges in Alliance (SOGLIA) is a confederation of Grand Freemason Obediences in which all members obey the principles of Regularity. Assembled annually, in different places of the world, in order to share fellowship and to promote Masonic tradition, SOGLIA members are respecting the autonomy of each Grand Lodge. |
Confederation of the Grand Lodges of Europe and the Mediterranean - Universal Freemasonry and its intellectual property are less and less taken into account in the current times of constant movement and unclear future prospects. |
The Book of Law in Brazilian Freemasonry We are informed that, Freemasonry it is not a religion, but the candidate has a belief in a creative principle, which later, we call the Great Architect of the Universe. - by Fernando Rodrigues de Souza |
Mike's Masonic Walks And Talks WBro. Mike Neville is a Masonic author and lecturer. He offers walks and talks primarily around London, based on his vast knowledge of the area and his specialist subjects, which cover all aspects of Masonic history. |
A Masonic lodge is not a service club An address delivered to the 10th Annual Conference of Western Canadian Grand Lodges (1950) in response to the question, "Should Our Western Grand Lodges Sponsor a Specific Program?" By |
The Order of Bees was established as a youth initiative for the boys and girls of Prince Hall Freemasons, and symbolises the relationship existing between the activities of the youth and the family of bees. |
The Confederación Masónica Interamericana (CMI) was founded in 1947, is a non-profit organization that groups together 92 Great Masonic Powers, admitted as members and distributed in 26 countries in South, Central, North, Caribbean and Europe. |
This smartphone app is designed to work with all Freemasons from both Regular and Independent Grand Lodges around the world. |
The American Federation of Feminine Freemasonry (FAMAF) is an organization that brings together Grand Lodges, Grand Orients and Confederations of Feminine Masonic Grand Lodges from the American continent. |
The third largest Masonic Alliance of independent grand lodges, which currently has over 500,000 members in the world and an incredible resource of "good people with a good reputation" from around the world. |
A Guiding Paw - my faithful 'brethren' A heart-warming story of one Mason's best friends – and how Gary's faithful guide dogs have helped fulfil both his Masonic life but also his valuable work in public service. |
A visit to the Mother Lodge of Scotland Let me take you to the heart of Scotland to meet our Brethren of the Mother Lodge of Scotland, a journey into one of Freemasonry's deepest roots. Our guide Carlos Oliveira Santos who is from |
An introduction to VEREINIGTE GROSSLOGEN von Deutschland / UNITED GRAND LODGES of Germany |
International Masonic Union CATENA An international association of Grand Lodges and independent Lodges, with all true Masonic traditions, which adhere to the basic principles of the equal standing of men and women in Freemasonry |
Social Impact of Prince Hall Freemasonry in D.C., 1825-1900. Alonza Tehuti Evans discusses Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded by African Americans. |
Who are the Widows Sons, and what do they do, and how can you join ? |
For the first time in its 300 year history UGLE has published an Annual Review |
Founded in 1919 and named after the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, this International Order has helped young boys become great men. |
9th International Conference of Freemasonry Hidden Meanings: Esotericism and Masonic Connections |
An introduction to CLIPSAS and we look at who are they and what do they do |
The title of this article will seem somewhat of an oxymoron, because at this precise moment you, most likely a Freemason, is reading this |
Music can make you either remember everything or forget everything! They even call it the 'rhythm' of life because life does have a beat, a rhythm, a song! Music is equally important for Freemasons. |
Young Masons' Inter-Club Virtual Social An initiative was created to initially keep Brethren engaged in their Masonry whilst the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic are in place. |
I've heard people say that we don't have heroes |
What can we learn from Steve Jobs' address given at Stanford in 2005 |
Open Lectures on Freemasonry as a series of monthly online lectures that aims to increase the visibility and accessibility of research into Freemasonry. The lectures are open to anyone who is interested. |
What Kind of Library Do You Have? Many Brothers have no clue as to what kind of "Craft" library they actually have in their home or office. Most of these Brothers don’t care that they don't know – so, what kind of library do you have? |
Russian Freemasonry a combination of a short sketch of its history and a review of the present-day Masonic landscape in this country |
A brief outline showing the differences and similarities within Freemasonry |
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device