Presenting a Volume of Sacred Law, version 2 (original) (raw)

Presentation of a Volume of Sacred Law

There is a little harbor in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, where the large ocean-going vessels enter prior to going on a long journey. There, in those quiet waters far removed from the noise and bustle of a great seaport, expert craftsmen adjust the compass needle of the ship. When that is done the captain of the ship moves towards the open sea with confidence and assurance. He knows that with a compass that is true, and his eye upon the chart, he will eventually reach his desired haven. There is a similarity between the adjusting of the ship's compass and your reception into Freemasonry. At your initiation, as well as in that of being raised to the Master Mason degree you were in the hands of true and trusted craftsmen. In the quietness of the lodge room they helped you adjust the compass needle of your soul—they pointed you to God the Great Architect of the Universe, as that is the point from which a Master Mason cannot err. They urged you to follow his star in the East. Now that that has been accomplished, you, as master of the ship turn towards the open sea of life, I trust, with confidence and assurance. In addition to the Compass you will require a chart of the journey. On behlf of ___ Lodge I have the pleasure to present to you this chart (the VoSL) which can be as lamp to your feet and a guide unto your path. It will teach you your duty to God, to yourself, and to your fellow men. If you continue to put your trust in the the Great Architect of the Universe he will lead you inn safety towards those immortal mansions where the Great Architect of the Universe lives and rules forever. A brother freemason, and a poet, has expressed his confidence and assurance in these words:-I know not where his Islands lift their fronded palms in air I only know I cannot drift beyond his love and care.
— Harry Brownlee Wallace, Evergreen Lodge No. 148

From a typed copy in the Archive of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. End lines from "The Eternal Goodness" (1867) by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892), compiler of Masonic Voice Review.