St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1862-06-26
Presentation Ceremonies
OF A
Copy Of the Holy Scriptures
TO
NORTH STAR LODGE NO ~ e.. AkA.. m. ..
ST. CLOUD, JUNE OATH, 1862.
Presentations, by Miss Mary c. Mitchell.

Presentation, by Miss Mary c. Mitchell.
Worshpfus Master, Wardens and Brethren of
North Star Lodge No. %, F..f.:A.'.M
l have been requested by your Wives,
Sisters and Daus hters to present to you
one Of the most precious jewels (masoni-
cally speaking) in the power Of man to
give or receive. The gift is indeed a
most fitting one since, in the Holy Scrip
lures are contained those lessons of Broth.
erly Love, Charity. and Universal Friend.
ship upon which the foundations of your
noble Order are laid. glove thy neigh
Dor as thyself is the great cornerstone,
wherein has been reared the magnificent
structure Of Masonry; and pray that ye
who recognise in the Bible Gods will to
man, and who profess to be governed by
its teachings may never lose sight of this
great, first principle. AS the women of
the Bible are constantly referred to, by
the adhercnts to Masonry, as bright and
shining examples Of Piety Fortitude and
Virtue; taking the lead in many acts of
Benevolence-demonstrating their ri ht to
share equally with men in the enjoyment
of religious privileges, even dancing and
singing before the robed Priests of Israel,
and in the presence Of the famed Ark it.
self, so, with equal propriety may the
women Of the present day lend an infu-
cnce in the cause Of Truth and Right
Wooing by kindly smiles and deeds the
erring; restraining with words Of wo-
manly eloquence those around whom the
Tempter is striving to weave his subtle
spell; mingling their tears with those
who weep-and
"When pain and anguish wiring the brow"
theirs it is to soothe with words of holy
cheer. Or, when mirth and music rule
the hour, to mingle in the festive throng,
with gladstone hearts and happy faces
And, on this occasion deeming your works
those Of Benevolence and Charity, two
themes on which my sex delight to dwell,
we claim the privilege of extending help
ing hand in the distribution of Knowl-
edge andt the dispeusation of Truth. Claim
ing it not only as privilege, but as an
inestimable right, to share equally with
you in uniting in one Great Brotherhood,
all the nations Of the earth in accordance
with the plans laid down by our Common
Father in this His most precious Gift to
man. And now, let me again entreat you
to keep in constant remembrance the pre-
cepts Of this Holy Book and the many du-
ties you owe to the world and to each
other. Let this ever be the guide of your
conduct through life. GAS ye would that
others should do unto you, do We even SO
unto them" And finally, Worshipful
Master, permit me, in the name of the
Wives, Sisters, Daughters and Grand
daughters Of the Masons composing North
Star Lodge No. %, to present to you this
Book of Books, this great Light to darken-
ed winds, as token of their appreciation
Of your good works. Hoping you may
continue to dispense your charities in your
own mysterious manner, letting not your
left hand know what your right hand do
eth, and when your Craft shall have been
called to give an account of their steward
ship, may there be none with their works
incomplete, but all assembled without one
exception, pure and perfect in that Grand
Lodge above, where the Great Architect
OF the Universe presides as King of Kings
and Lord of All.