The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1867-07-19
TloINes FROM the CRAFT
Catholic Masonry.

views IN philosophy, men ol Wluely
varying types of religious faith,
men of Numerically opposite polit-
zeal sentiments, men of antipodal
habits of thought and action on all
matters that have divided public
interest and opinion, aye, even men
who have contended for the mastery
Of each other in the field of deadly
combat, have been brought into
harmonious and abiding social rela-
tions by simply discovering that
they were kinsmen according to our
mystic tie. We confess it to be iu-
ferior to Christianity in its suhjcc-
live work as we'll as in it's objective
I'm but we insist that it tends to
tie cultivation of dispositions and
habits which are in unison with the
aim and teachings of the Christian
system. 1t is promotive of good
will, philanthropy and brotherly
kindness. Its members arc united
to one another by particular obliga-
tions, and made acquainted with
each other by certain secret signs
and tokens. These signs and to-
kens may be understood at once by
those to whom each others native
tongue is altogether unintelligible,
and they will insure substantial
sympathy from those who are capa-
bic Of their Interpretation. If that
man who makes two blades of grass
to grow where but one grew before
may justly be considered a physic-
al benefactor to the race, then that
institution deserves to be esteemed
morally benfcent which is capa-
bic Of promoting the kirdest feel
iugs Of fraternity among men of diff
ferent nations and parties and sects:
and Masonry has this power. Its
mysteries have a surprising influence
upon the sympathetic qualities Of
every understanding heart. Its
lodge is place of social exchange,
where the most interesting truths
are mingled with the freest fellow
ship. "Its laws are reason and
equity it's principles are benevo-
lence and love =; its religion is puri-
ty and truth F.; its intention is peace
on earth, and its disposition is good
will toward men,"
Of all the institutions which ex-
list outside and independent of the
Church of Christ, l know of none
that Yields such mighty social and
moral influence as masonry. There
is no one which exerts such a wide
spread harmonizing power. There
are other institutions which merit
the countenance and support of all
such as delight in the increase
among men of benefcencc and fra >
ternity; but these institutions have
not behind them them the accumu-
lated force and weight of centuries.
Masonry wears upon its forehead
the gathered scars and wrinkles Of
= thousand years, and yet it is as
vigorous to-day, as resolute Of NOR
al purposes, as if it bore upon its
frontlet only the glittering dew of
youth. We offer hearty prayers for
the prosperity Of all institutions
which aim to unite men in bonds Of
amity and friendship the world is
wide enough, and the demand is
great enough to employ the energies
of all but it must be confessed
that Masonry heads the column Of
that grand army which follows the
Church of Christ, up and down and
to and fro in the earth, conquering
peace and fraternity among men.
Let US see to it that it never occu-
pies lower rank-that it never
yields its glory to another. x x
Masons are to have no regard to ma
tionality, condition or estate +;
they are to divest themselves of all
local, sectional, partisan, and per-
sonal prejudiccs. The necessity for
doing so is obvious. Masonry is
unit the world over. 1t is one and
the same, whether in Europe or |
Asia, or Africa or in our land. As
Masons, we may need at some time
the sympathy and assistance of our
brethren in India, or Russia, or |
Japan, or amid the sources of the
Nile, or on the banks of the Niger, !
Or in that land hallowed by the foot
prints and memories Of the Saviour
IF mankind and if, in the hour of
,ecd, we would secure for ourselves
such sympathy and assistance, our
practice as well as our theory of
orotherly love must be large and
rec. Almond-shaped eyes, foreign
accent, sunburned or frost-bleachcd
kin no such accidents Of birth
ire to prevent complete fulfill
nent of the catholic doctrine on
his point, which we, as fraterni-
y, profess and teach. AS Masons,
ve are to make no cognizance of
,arty ties, or sectional tenets, or
antecedent social status, CT previ.
JUS errors Of judgment or affection. |
Even if they who have stood against |
Us in line Of battle will but give the
sign Of brotherly love, the
'pirit of contention in our hearts is |
10 cease.