Idaho semi-weekly world. (Idaho City, Boise County, Idaho Territory) 1867-1868, 1867-06-29

writer "f any be overtaken in fault restore him
the spirit of meekness considering myself lest thou
also be tempted" We told that refuse ladies ad
mission to our Lodges because we engage in perform
unfit for their refined presence, and the old story
Of climbing the creased pole and riding the goat
considered by only an exaggeation of the real
tics and ridiculous performances with which entertain
ourselves in assemblages If these things
it would rather be to credit that we have much
of propriey left that we save women from such
contamination and those who make the objection do us
an honor while they insult their own Intelligence.
But ladies, if you will indulge me moment will
give you the true and sufficient reason for your exou
sion. All Masons originally have observed al
ready active workmen-engaged In the actual manual
abors of the builder As long the society COM
posed of such women were Of course excluded for they
could not follow the calling. This, too at a time
when man was treated as the hsad of the family.
Boomer costume and its cognate theory of double ex
ecutive around the domestic hearthFtone had not yet
commenced its reform in the world and consequently
supposed that the elevation of the to the de-
gree of Master Mason secured the benefits of the Order
to all the dependent members of his family while upon
him alone rested the burthen of its obligations Wo-
men, especially in former days. much under the
control of their husbands by law that they were not re-
garded sufficiently free from ccompulsion to assume
the duties of the Order She not free agent she
was not capable Of committing crime, even,-except
treason murder-iR her husbands presence and her
offences were supposed to be far the result of his
fuence that she was discharged incapable Of crime
Even in later times know how much power the laws
give the husband the wife. He is the owner of her
property is responsible for her debts and liable for her
acts aud her separate existence has but limited and
grudging acknowledgment in the civil code of our own
enlightened land Could Masons be expected to entrus
their mysteries to tho who thus stripped of their
freedom of action; who are it were &C the mercy of
those who often abuse the privileges Of the hsband
With ever much inclination they thus suituated
could not keep the that bind Masons to anoth
Our rule is, therefore, kindness to them because
it gives the wives OF Masons the benefits of the Order
while they bear of its obligations How far the
progress of Che emancipation of women may hereafter
affect the institution of Masonry know not but it has
certainly yet arrived that point which necessary
in order to justify any innovation npon ancient and
Well-conSidered rules. Indeed, so far no-pro
gressve that we are rather welded to the ancient order
of things and still think that brother should be
the head Of his family, and if consent to give
them the benefits of misunderstanding only his allie
glance in returnthey ought to be the complain
and may add that think that those ladies who are
willing to be happy, though they may be condemned to
crnoline and ride sdesaddes do feel that
it is any mputation upon them that they not adj
mitted
Every Mason is enoined first of ALL to provide for his
own family As hat relieves his brethren from their
care may be considered that theinunction selfish
one nevertheless it is duty which all to their
families, and any motive to its fulflment is entitled to
respect, if it secures it's performance The family
relation too strictly guarded The domestic circle of
brother has sentinel in every Mason, armed for its
defense and its protection To preserve its honor and
shield it from harm is of the highest duties Of every
brother; and they who know little of Order, know
nothing of the powerful influence it exerts in holding
society firmly together and keeping the great fabric If
social order temple from which good influences flow
out upon mankind.
AS Masonry true to the social relation ia it to the
duties Of the citizen. As they originally migrate
ry wanderers from country to another they were
taught to submit to the government where they resided
and to clear of all political plots and complications
Their political creed comprised in the sentence
which is charge every initiate, mot to be concerned
plots and conspiracies against the government but
patiently to submit and wisely conform to the rules of
the civil authority" He is therefore law abiding citi
and yields the strictest obedience the law of the
country where he resides AS Masonry il pure in
ais efficient in charity and true the social relations
it is loyal in patriotism and true to humanity While
may differ in party politics. in religious opinions and
upon many of the most exciting questions, for
that is submission the laws of the And and the alb
from the Lodgeroom tasks man what is his creed
his politics. his brthpace station Merit alone the
rule whatever the practice in special instances may be-
that governs the admission of candidate our mystic
ries and though he may occupy an humble position in
life, he meets bis brethren in the Lodge of oftest pre-
tension ION the level" and parts with them upon the
square," 1t moulds and combines into harmonious
msn from every station and position in life
and seeks to elevate them to higher and uober stand
ard of humanity and if it has done all that can be
1one if it has failed to accomplish much who
it could DESIRE only say that what has been
lone is tring honor, and that if it only the
laurel gently now there will at the day of final account
Do no mean crown binding the brow and flashing its jew
slS above the modest form of Masonry Let
ny brethren who honor and cherish institution
conduct their walk to be each example of that
beautiful charge of striving for that noble emulation
# whS can best work and best agres" SO mote 1t be-