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preamble
THE SQUARE AND COMPASSES
W.
M. Don Falconer PM, PDGDC
Freemasonry has played a positive role in
the development of civilisation and the advancement of moral
attitudes and religious observances in all ages of recorded
history.
Ever since our primitive
ancestors first began to think about their origins and to
contemplate the existence of a divine creator, freemasonry has
played a vital role in the development of civilisation and the
parallel growth of religion. Few realise how important freemasonry
has been in establishing the welfare of human beings. In this
context, the origins of freemasonry have been examined and its
accomplishments as a civilising force have been traced through the
evolution of the human race. The precepts and teachings of
freemasonry, which reflect freemasonry’s humanitarian and religious
associations during the last ten millennia or longer, also are
considered in some detail.
This book differs from the
usual books on freemasonry, both in its subject matter and in its
approach to the various subjects covered. It gathers together a
series of discussion papers prepared by the author and presented to
various masonic bodies during the last forty years. It is intended
to provide a stimulus and hopefully an inspiration for anyone
wanting to know how freemasonry originated and what it is about. The
original papers were prepared as separate entities, each intended to
consider some specific aspect of freemasonry. References to subjects
beyond the scope of a paper, but about which it would be helpful for
the reader to have some knowledge, are as brief as possible
consistent with their bearing upon the discussion. Related aspects
of importance usually are covered in separate papers. Most of the
assembled papers have been revised and amplified more than once,
many several times, to reflect the latest archaeological discoveries
and related research, as well as the continuing developments in
science. In this respect the advances in knowledge that have been
achieved during the second half of the twentieth century have been
truly remarkable.
The original papers have been
incorporated into this book as chapters arranged in a logical
sequence. The author hopes that each chapter will provide a useful
basis for discussions by interested groups. The texts of the papers
have therefore been used without change, no attempt having been made
to consolidate the subject matter, nor to remove references to
related aspects. For this reason similar references may appear in
more than one chapter, for which the author offers no apology.
Although most chapters could be presented and discussed in a single
session, sometimes more than one session would be appropriate for
the scope and importance of the subject. Publications the author
thinks are of particular interest in relation to a subject are
referred to at the appropriate place in the text.
Contrary to a hypothesis
sometimes put forward, speculative freemasonry is not a recent
invention, but evolved in lodges of operative freemasons in
conjunction with the practice of the stonemason's craft. Humans
differ from other animals, because they have an insatiable curiosity
concerning their origins and the environment in which they live. As
a direct consequence of this, speculative freemasonry developed in
lodges of operative freemasons as a natural extension of the mental
and spiritual attempts of human beings to unravel their origins, to
comprehend the meaning of life and to perceive their ultimate
destiny. The environment in which operative freemasons worked and
the tools and methods they employed were unique sources of
inspiration, as well as providing an ideal basis for symbolic
representation that was always ready to hand. Although freemasonry
began in ancient times as an entirely practical enterprise, to
satisfy the needs of day-to-day life, the advancement of
civilisation soon involved the craft in the construction of
buildings for various religious purposes. This intimate and
continuing association with moral and spiritual influences naturally
encouraged the growth of the speculative aspects of freemasonry,
which evolved concurrently with the operative art.
The progress of freemasonry,
from the times of the nomadic hunter-gatherers until the
introduction of purely speculative freemasonry in the eighteenth
century, is a continuing theme in this book. Of paramount importance
was the positive role played by freemasonry in the development of
civilisation and the advancement of moral attitudes and religious
observances in all ages of recorded history. In the fulfilment of
its role, freemasonry has always provided its services without
regard to the race, religion or creed of the people, wherever the
freemasons may have been working. This approach has been perpetuated
in speculative freemasonry, in which members are required to be of
good character and to have a belief in God, irrespective of race or
religion. All of these aspects have been discussed in this book, in
which the author has attempted to show the relationship between
freemasonry and the people of the land in diverse countries and over
a long spectrum of time. The principles, tenets and symbolism of
freemasonry have also been compared with the religious beliefs of
the people in the various countries as and when they are relevant to
the discussion.
Although reference is made to
many of the long held beliefs concerning the origins and purpose of
freemasonry, it is not the author’s intention in this book to
perpetuate any that are not sustainable. On the contrary, it has
been the author's endeavour only to illustrate the way in which
freemasonry probably evolved and to show how it has been a positive
influence in the everyday life of humanity from time immemorial. It
must also be emphasised that any opinions expressed and views
incorporated in this book are those of the author. They may or may
not be accepted or supported by some or any of the Grand Lodges and
other controlling bodies to which the various masonic organizations
owe allegiance.
Finally, the author expresses
his sincere appreciation to all those who have shown an interest in
his papers and have participated in discussions with him these many
years past and still do. Without their support and encouragement the
original papers would not have been prepared, nor would the
publication of this book have come to fruition. Special thanks are
due to my wife Jean for her forbearance and for proofreading every
paper when it was written; also to my eldest son, Brother Graeme
Falconer, for his critical review of the final draft, especially in
respect to the historical, philosophical and scientific information
presented; and to Brother Lowell Tarling for his invaluable
assistance - he was the driving force behind the publication of my
papers in book form. The author will feel well rewarded if his book
proves to be of interest and benefit to freemasons and to any others
of an enquiring mind who may read it.
Donald H B Falconer
Sydney, N.S.W.
November 1999
PREFACE TO THE SECOND
EDITION
The author
wishes to express his appreciation to the many readers of the
original edition of this book, in Australia and from around the
world, who have been sufficiently interested to communicate their
comments and questions. This revised and enlarged edition includes
much additional information, some incorporated into the original
chapters and some as additional chapters, which the author hopes has
responded to most of the suggestions made and questions raised.
Donald H B Falconer
Sydney, N.S.W.
November 2002
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