Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-12-26

BELLOWS FALLS. DEC. 26, 1862.
M so G..


The following review of the year was
ead before Golden Rule Lodge of Free
IIasons, at their annual gathering at Put
ey, Dee Sd, 1862 =
Another year has fed. Its trials and It's
bys are among The past. and how stands
be case with us as Lodge. Are we wiser
Id better than at its commencement
lave we performed life's duties to ourselves
nd to the world better by being associated
bgeiher? If so, we can look forward with
ppe, and be strengthed to labor with en-
puragement in the future.
We are changed by each passing year.
ither the good or evil of our natures has
Rined the ascendancy. To subdue the evil.
ID promote the good, is the mission Of our
slitution. Its design and tendency are
lead to higher appreciation Of all
at IS noble in man. aud to fill the mind
III admiration and awe, by holding com
nioa with that Supreme intelligence
&hich persades all space. Ii teaches Us
& that the high, the low, the rich, the poor
can meet on one common level, and encour-
i age esch other to higher and better life,
II Ito rejoice in each Others welfare, and
she'd sympathizing tear in each Others
disappointments and suff,-rings. It breaks
down the walls of seciarianism, and in.
|{X x,;.as tLa GOOD &c oil sacts and par.;as ~
butte together to alleviate the distressed,
eoihe the stricken heart, and reclaim the
bring not by force, but by the still small
oice which whispers words Of comfort and
hope, whilst il stretches forth helping
land TO administer TO the wants of the unior-
nnate. When all men shall learn to live
or the promotion of each others welfare,-
hen Masonry will have accomplished its
york, and earth will become an eden of hap
piness and JOY. For this we labor, and for
4 bis we toll.
The year that has past has been one Of
darkness and gloom to Us as a nation. We
have been tossed upon the angry pillows o.
contendng passions; torn and bleeding al
Il every pore. Death and suffering have en-
i tered many Of our dwellings, and taken
n some loved one from our embrace. All has
II seemed 10 mock our hopes and fill US with
appreht nsion as to ihe future of our once
happy land. And who would dare to lif
the veil and penetrate the future Yet
let US not despair. for He who rides upor
the win lwind and governs the storm still
reigns. and governs the affairs of men. II
Hm let US look for protection and help
that He would subdue the mad passions o
men and bring order out of confusion, tha
once more the better feelings Of those VIII
IRE waging this cruel war shall prevail =
when love shall take the place of animosit.
md hate.
May God speed the day when peace shal
pnce more cheer our hearts, and through
out our bleeding, distracted country harmo
ny and brotherly love shall be restored.
To the ladies who have honored US b
heir presence, let me say We are happ
10 greet you here to-day. Many of yo
were present at our last annual gathering
and we take it for granted that you appre
ciaie our cause. And il encourages us
60 forward in hope. We are not insens
ble TO the fact that you query that if tn
institution is good one, why you should .
debarred from sharing all iisprivileges- A
though l may not be permitted TO state a
the why's and wherefores, yet let me assur
you that none have stronger interests in 4
advancement. 1t has shielded thousand
OF your sex from harm, and brought 10
and rejoicing where sorrow and want woul
otherwise have been their lot. And whe,
ever the cry Of the widow and orphan shs
cease to find a response in the mason
heart, you may conclude that Masonry h
lost its charm, and is no longer worthy
your esteem.
During the past year eleven have be,
added TO our little band. Brothers. !,
VAN no ordinary emotion that greet V,
for the first time at our annual gatherin
we welcome You to the joys. that are man
oil our ime-honored nstitu,ion.-expecti,
you to share its duties and responsibility
with US. which are neither few or easi
Performed 10 subdue the evil passions