Ahiman Rezon
Raum Sariel
bothered with it until recently. Personally I do not hold it in any
special place other than a historical curiosity. However, it is still
very important especially how South Carolina GL (and I have heard
Pennsylvania but I am not certain) identify themselves as a Ahiman
Rezon Grand Lodge.
For those who don't know, the Ahimon Rezon is a book of constitutions
written by Bro. Laurence Dermott the Grand Secretary of the Antient GL
of England. It was written in 1756. Basically, it is the Antients
answer to the Moderns Anderson's
Constitutions.
The name Ahiman Rezon was supposed to mean "will of selected Brethren"
in Hebrew. It doesn't, in fact it doesn't mean anything in Hebrew it
seems that the words are made up.
Overall IMHO it is not that interesting. A lot in common with the
previous and better known work of Anderson. There is though one
specific difference. Where Anderson's is religious yet specifically
creed-less, it appears not to be the case with the Ahimon Rezon.
Ahimon Rezon: Concerning God and Religion
"A Mason is obliged by his Tenure to believe firmly in the true
Worship of the eternal God, as well as in all those sacred Records
which the Dignitaries and Fathers of the Church have compiled and
published for the Use of all good Men: So that no one who rightly
understands the Art, can possibly tread in the irreligious Paths of
the unhappy Libertine, or be induced to follow the arrogant Professors
of Atheism or Deism; neither is he to be stained with the gross Errors
of blind Superstition, but may have the Liberty of embracing what
Faith he shall think proper, provided at all Times he pays a due
Reverence to his Creator, and by the World deals with Honour and
Honesty ever making that golden Precept the Standard-Rule of his
Actions, which engages, To do unto all Man as he would they should do
unto him: For the Craft, instead of entering into idle and unnecessary
Disputes concerning the Different Opinions and Persuasions of Men,
admits into the Fraternity all that are good and true."
I find the specific exclusion of Deists quite shocking actually. This
would eliminate many famous Masons of the period. It also seem from my
interpretation to be strictly monotheistic. Not my cup of tea.
My question, does anyone know if the self identified Ahiman Rezon
follow the document letter for letter as it's established book of
Constitutions? Does that mean that only Monotheists are allowed entry
into South Carolina mainstream Masonic lodges?
I must admit that I am ignorant of the answers and i would love the
opportunity to learn.
Love and Light,
Raum