Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-07-19


work fostered by providential care,
which the destructive hand OF time only
serves to insigorate and add new lus-
ter to lis beauties. Notwithstanding
the vicissitudes to which all things i,
this world are liable. We behold an
institutionsdesigned for the benefit and
happiness of men, and venerable for its
antiquity, although the ignorance ofsome
periods have assailed it. The rise and
fall of empires and the mighty changes
and desoaling revolutions through which
it has passed, the Vaccinations of its
enemies, with prosecutions, bigotry, and
prejudices of men, it has nevertheless,
been preserved and handed down to US
in its primitive purity.
The benefits of the institution of ma
sorry are not confined TO the circle of
neighborhood, state, or kingdom; nor to
party policy or prejudices; but are like
he christian religion, liberal and ex-
banded, extending from the east to the
west, and between the north and the
south, covered by the stupenduous arch
of heaven, and enciro ling in its charity,
the globe which we inhabi,.
A, various periods it has served TO
preserve many of the arts and sciences
from decay, and perhaps from total OBJ
liyion, and has been in the rear Of no in
stitu,ion in the cultivation of benevolent
feelings, which assimulate the character
of man 10 God.
Wherever christianity has been &C
cepted and believed, there has masonry
also been found, not as its enemy, but as It's
riend-ylelding it support in imitation
OF our two great patrons, b. Jhn the
Baptist and. St, JJhn the Evangelist.
But 1t is said by some there can tie no
good in the institution because they have
unworthy members. This is fact too
stubborn to deny, and too frequently is
it disgraced, we with pain admit. But
this is no evidence of a bad institution.
| would then inquire where is the socie-
~ without infractions on lis fundamental
principles, be the same ever SO good.
Even the christian church, in which we
believe, there was a Judas. But as we
are taught and believe in Deity we have
faith in God, hope in Immortality, and
charity to all mank ind. We are not
atheists; nor do we intend TO receive as
a brother the irreligious libertine, the
mad-man or the fool. Moral deport-
menl is duty charged upon us, viola
ion of which is a crime, not only against
the fraternity, bot against the precepts
inculca,ed in the holy bible, which we
| revere as the inestimable gift from God
to man to rule and guide him through
his rugged path fine.
| In our work ,meri, claims the reward and
all other titles are done away. The pow
erful sway OF truth tlisarms the sceptered
monarch, and he is proud to NEE. the
humble cottal e-subiect on level, and
deck himself with the badge Of mason
and emblem of innocence, which has
been worn by kings. princes, and polen-
tates Of the earth, who have never been
ashamed to wear it, and they have held
liz more honorable than the diadsm
Of kings, or pearl of princes, when
worlhily worn. More ancient than the
golden fleece or Roman Eagle; yea,
more honorable than the star or garter.
This emblem serves constantly to re-
mind them Of the purity of life and con-
duct SO essential TO their gaining admis-
sion into that celestial lodge above where
the supreme architect OF the Universe
presides.
Masonry presents to our view the sub
lime and beautiful picture of a temple
founded on the laws of truth and justice;
supported by the pillars of wisdom,
strength, and beauty and consecrated
to virtue, benevolence and charity.
Within its walls no discord prevails, but
ali is harmony. Then is every worthy
brother ready to exclaim, behold how
good and how pleasant it is for brethren
to dwell together in unity. 1t is here
that the worthy brother protesting his
trust in that God who alpne can uner-
ringly guide his footsteps, receives the
gift of God to man, wherein is revealed
his holy will, containing rule of faith
and practice; while by the square he is
taught to regulate his conduct by the
principles OF morality and virtue, and
by the compass to limit his desires, and
keep his passions and prejudices within
due bounds towards all mankind.
1t is also he~ that he contemplates
the Mosaic pavement of human life
chequcred over with good and evil, as
he contemplates the indented tessei Of
innumerable blessings which flow from
the bountiful providence of God, he is
reminded by the blazing star, Of tina, star
which appeared to guide the wise men
ofthe east to Bethlehem to proclaim the