Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-09-23

uHu W pay tHc Worship WHlcH lS uue 10
him as the great architect and governor
of the Universe. A mason is also oblig-
ed to observe the moral law, and if he an
derstands properly his duties and obliga-
tions, he cannot tread in the paths of the
irreligious libertine,or stupid Atheist; nor
in any act against the great inward light
OF his own conscience" And il has been
truly said, ",he first step taken by can
didate on entering Lodge of Free Ma
sons, teaches him the pernicious tenden-
cy of inidelity, and shows him that the
foundation on which Masonry rests, is
the belief in and ackno wledgement Of a
supreme being; and that in him alone
sure confidence can be safely placed, to
protect his steps in all the dangers and
difficulties, he may be called to encoun-
ter in his progress through life." Here
to receive the assurance, that if his faith
be well founded in that being, he may
pursue his course fearless of danger.-
He also learns, that as Mason he is to
take the Holy Bible, as the rule to guide
his faith and practice; that he is required
to subdue his passions, and square his
actions by the square of virtue. The
emblems too impress important moral
lessons; the initiated is reminded of the
duties he owes to himself, his God his
country and his brother; and also that he
must dives, himself of all the vices Of
life, before he is fitted as living stone
for that spiritual building in the Heav-
ems; as well as reminded of that purity
of life and conduct, indispensibly neces-
sary to his gaining admission to the ce-
.estial Lodge above. The same lesson
is forclbly impressed, by the example of
our two ancient worthy patrons, st.
John the Baptist and st. John the Di.
vine in a manner known and understood
by Masons. Here he is also instructed
in the tenets of Masons profession, the
exhalted virtues, of brotherly love, relief
and truth. The four Cardinal virtues,
to wit: temperance, fortitude, prudence
and Justice are also explained, and their
claims upon every Mason enforced
Nor is The moral Education of the Mason
neglected, in passing from the first to the
second degree: here he is taught to abase
pride, from the consideration: that in sew
eral respects all men are equal; that the
quality of their actions, is determined by
the same plumb; and thei- course on
earth, though various may be the paths
travelled, terminates alike in the narrow
house appointed for all the living. With
many OTHER sublime and deeply instruc-
tive lessons, one of which is that at the
mention of the name. OF the arbi,or or the
destiny of man, all intelligent beings
should reverence aud adore. But have
not time to specify farther. The third
degree is the cement and crowning glory
of the progressive science of Free Ma
sonry. tpresents to the Mason, brilli-
ant illustrations of many passages of
scripture; continually referring him to
the fundamental truths, of our holy Re-
ligion; and defines the boundary line Of
his conduct, within the prescribed limits
of the duties he owes to God and Man.
The silent, yet impressive language of
the implements and symbols found in
Masonic Lodges point out the course Of
conduct and manner OF life, tha. will en-
able him to enjoy the peace OF mind, con-
sequent upon well spent life. and die
in hope of glorious immortality. But
| need not dwell farther, and cannot be
more particular, these things are known
and understood by Masons; and our hon.
est hearted friends without. could not
understand them, by any explanation
that | could give; the eyes can only be
opened to behold The beauties of Mason
ry, in the way in which worthy Broth
ers and fellows, have gone before in all
ages; and'about the opinions of dishonest,
(actious objeciors we care but little
The restrained influence, the institutions
has exerted upon individuals and in COM
munities, has forever been apparent to
the judicious and observing; and its BEN
e6cial effects has been felt and realized
by thousands who appreciate it as it
should be; and by thousands more, who
(more stupid than .sthe OK that knoweih
his masters crib:'') either through igno-
rance o. blind prejudice, refuse it the
credit which is due.
Masonry is benevolent assoc iation,
its streams though silent and unobtrusive
are deep, and the fountain where they
spring has never yet beer exhausted, and
although their course is generally unseen
by the world Of men, yet they are now
as they always have been numerous; and
in their course have cheered the lonely
heart of the disconsolate widow, dried
the orphans tears. spread comfort as far
as mortal hand could do in the sick room,
and wiped the tear of sorrow, from the
glazed eye, aud paid cheek at the bed Of
death. They have often supplied the
weary traveller, the means to pursue his
journey; embarrassed traeesman and
mechanic the means TO restore their bro
ken fortunes; and rescue whole families,
from degredation and ruin. They have
reached the prison, the dungeon, the bat
tie field, and every department of the bu-
sy earth; and wherever those streams
have come, they have produced JOY and
gladness of heart.
Numerous and unfading are the laurels
Of Free Masonry, reaped in the field Of
benevolence, and though not trumpet
ton0ued as laurels gatherod IN fields of