Fellowcraft "G" Lecture

The Wages of a Fellowcraft Mason are Corn, Wine and Oil; the Corn of nourishment, the Wine of refreshment, and the Oil of Joy. The Jewels of a Fellowcraft Mason are the Attentive Ear, the Instructive Tongue and the Faithful Breast; for the Attentive Ear receives the sound from the Instructive Tongue and the Secrets of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of Faithful Breasts. My Brother, I will now direct your attention to the Letter G suspended in the East. The letter G is the initial of Geometry.

Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the basis upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected. By Geometry, we may curiously trace nature through her various windings to her most concealed recesses; by it, we discover the power, wisdom and goodness of the Great Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the magnificent proportions which compose this vast machine; by it, we trace the movements of the planets in their respective orbits and demonstrate their various revolutions; by it, we account for the change of the seasons, and the variety of scenes which each season displays to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds around us, all framed by the same Divine artist, roll through the vast expanse, and are controlled by the same unerring law of Nature.

A survey of Nature, and the observation of her beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the Divine plan and study symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies and birth to every useful art. The architect began to design; and the plans which he laid down, being improved by time and experience, produced worlds which have been the admiration of every age.

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance and the devastations of war have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius had been employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent, designed and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, still survives. For the Attentive Ear receives the sound from the Instructive Tongue, and the sacred mysteries are safely lodged in the repository of the Faithful Breast.

Tools and implements of architecture, and symbolic emblems most expressive, have been selected by the Fraternity to imprint on the mind serious and solemn truths; and thus, through the succession of ages, have been transmitted, unimpaired, the most excellent tenets of our institution.

My Brother, the letter G has a higher and holier significance. *** It alludes to the sacred name of Deity, before Whom, all, from the youngest Entered Apprentice Mason in the Northeast corner of the Lodge to the Worshipful Master in the East, should, with reverence, most humbly bow.