Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-11-25
oTTUNIWA, IOWA, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER %, 1852.

truth and justice. To enlarge the sphe
re OF social happiness, is worthy the be
nevnlent design of the Masonic Institu.
tlon; aud il is most ferven,ly TO be wish
ed, thai the conduct Of every memSer
OF the t.atrBity. as well as those publica-
tons that discover the principles which
actuae them, may tend 10 convince man.
kind. That the grand object of Masonry
IS To promote The happiness of the hn-
man race. These quotations are Sc.
lected from voiuminous correspondent.
ce, extending through period Of many
wears. every sentence of which breathes
the same spirit, as to the principles and
utillty of our Institution. In addition to
This written evidence of.his strong attach
ment In our ancient order. he cordially
united upon all suitable occasions with
the Craft. in professions and other ma.
sonic ceremonies. When the Capitol Of
the Nation was commenred.s he was
present in the capacity of NJ. NJ and
participated in the ceremony of laying
the corner stone. The aporn and
sash which he then wore. are still preser-
we'd. as precious relics. bv The lodge to
which he belonged at Nj Vernon; and
they are rendered doublv dear as me-
menioes, from the fact that thev were
prepared by The fair hands of Madam
DE La Fayette. and presented by the
Marquis Ia Gen. Washington. Thus
are we able 10 show. bv the clearest tes-
tlmonv, that Masonry never had more
Jealous advncate-a truer friend. than
George Washington. He was a mason
in practice as well as theory. Thro.
ugIIout his long life. he was guided by
the great lights of Masonry. He squar-
ell his actions br the square of virtue.
His mission upon Earth was to do good
to mankind, and 10 have accomplished
il more successfully, he must have been
more than mortal. While life lasted. he
gave TO our order the weight of his great
influence; and when our Great Master
summoned him 10 cease upon Earth
and enter the Celestial Lodge above; bv
his diving request, the last sad tribute of
respect was paid TO his remains. by the
Solemn and impressive burial services
of the brotherhood If Masonry has
been thus sustained and charished by
him whom we all esteem so highly.
may we not say that it comments itself
to your careful consideration? Nav we
not ask your candid attention to brief
elucidation OF what il is, what are lis de.
signs. and what its claims to your ap,
probation!
Speculative Masonry is emphaticallv
an lnstitation designed for the promo
tion of morality, Justice, fraternal feel
ing. and good will among all mankind.
The peculiarly Gifts teachings is that il
inculcates aud exemplllies importau,
truths, naxims and principles III nature,
bv symbols, emh!ems and fgnres. l.
claims To reduce a system of morals 10
tie strctest methodcal rules; ~ erect
temple as magnificent in morals as was
that of Solomon IN architecture; a tenn
pie composed Of various materials, each
complete in itself. and so accurately ar
ranged tor its proper place in tie grand
building. as that when properly adjusted
the whole is to resemble more the han
DIV work Of the Grand Architect of the
Universe, than the production of human
hands. One of the strongest arguments,
perhaps. in favor of Masohry.is is its anti.
qniiy and universali,y. Masonic hisio-
rians are not united in regard 10 the ORR
gin of the Institution. Some assign II,
IN the period of,he erection of Sulnmons
Temple; while Others adlnce weighty
reasons for tracing il to a period very
tar remote. Among the ancient nations
Of the earth, the Egy ptians, The Petsians.
the Hindoos, the Chinese and the Abo-
i-iaees Of our own country, we find the
clearest evidence of The existence Of se-
cret associations, having a striking re.
semblance to each ether, as well as TO
Free Masonry. We find the same en-
blems. with very nearly the same expla-
nations; with general principles and ob.
jecls corresponding.
These truths would seem to Indicate.
that we must seek for the origin of Ma
sonry, at a period anterior to the time,
when God, in His wisdom, established
those barriers that precluded free in.
tercourse between the different branches
of the human family. Mus, il not pos
sess strongly attractive features 10 have
withstood the searching scrutiny of so
many centuries! Kingdoms sand EN-.
pires, vast IN extent and firm ia their or.
ganization, have been born; passed thro'
the different stages of their existence to
old age and deaih. The mighty cities
OF the old world, magnificent monuments
of .ancien, glory, have fallen prey 10
The ruthless hand Of time; the literature
and science of the world. has been tram
Piled To the earth by rude barbrous hortles;
anarchy and cofusion have prvailed; man
has yielded himself in blind subjection
10 tho baser passions Of the human soul;
but all these elements OF Obstruction,
have not availed TO ,exlingulsh the light
OF Masonry. We need not refer 10 The
dark ages. or to grossly intoleran, times.
10 show that tins institution has not es-
capped calumny and persecution OF the
fiercest and most relentless character.
But armed with the shield Of truth and
Justice. like The Sun in the heavens, il
l.. 4 A