Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1868-07-19

purchased by his blood. May it not be
a duty for Christian Masons to pray fol-
the unity of the universal Masonic
church? That unity can be preserved
and perpetuated alone by the religious
observance not only of this, but another
landmark inseparably connected with it,
which sternly prohibits interference in
any brothers peculiar religious or po-
litical tenets, creed or faith, but leaves
all that, Just where the Constitution OF
our country leaves it, exclusively to his
God and his own conscience.
Doubtless you are familiar with the
axiom, but let me repeat it, "Two per
fectly parallel lines, however far ex-
tended can never meet, in other words,
come in contact or jostle each other.
How striking the analogy. How
beautiful the Masonic application. The
Masonic on the one, the Christian-or
any other lawfully organized institu-
tion-on the other line thus harmoni-
ously move onward through time and
space, mutually aiding, sustaining and
cheering each other in their humane,
benevolent and heavenly mission
Such, in the face of high heaven and
the world, l declare to be the true char
acter and mission of the institution in
its purity; and from which holy pur-
pose it never has been, nor can it ever
be, perverted, except by the falsity Of
its own professed disciples-the selfish
designs and tricks of demagogues, both
in Church and State.
Finally, let me draw your attention to
the most important of all landmarks,
Swallowed forth by signs, symbols, en-
blems and hieroglyphics. The three
first degrees have usually been desig-
mated symbolic, or Symbolic Lodge, and,
/ think, a very appropriate designation.
In a word, to the silent teachings of her
voiceless signs, symbols and emblems
we are indebted for the most sublime
truths and vital principles of the order.
Turn we now to contemplate the &C.
lestial, SO intimately and inseparably
connected with our terrestrial landmarks,
a field in which every Mason must de-
light to linger. The immutability of
yonder glorious sun, moon and stars
needs no demonstrative proof; doubtless
the same now as when their first beams
dawned upon the primitive earthly par
adise. Yes and speak the same Ian
guage, proclaim the same momentous
truths, indicate the same sacred duties
and obligations at this hour as they have
ever taught since mans fatal fall.
Shall | be here charged with allowing
too much scope to Imagination If so
l am truly proud of my company q
mean companions in sentiment). One
Of the most eminent and pious of mod
ern divines has not only uttered but
sung the following sublime words, which
are now sung or chaunted in every
Christian land and temple, as an act of
divine worship:
The unwearied sun from Gay TO day
Doth his Crestor's power display,
Ard publishes to every land
The works OF an Almighty hand.
Soon as the evening shades pre- vail,
The moon takes up the wOodIouS tale,
Al nightly 20 the listening earth
Repeals the story OF her DiTtn,
While all tie stars that round her burn,
And all the p anets in thCir turn
Confirm the Iidings rs they roll,
And spread the truth from pole TO pole.
What truth is thus spread? Answer,
THERE Is A COP! My brother, shall
We exclaim Eureka? Yes, sir; we have
ound it! But let me add to the true
Mason, this landmark never was and
never can be lost. Yes, it is the first
landmark of our venerated order, and
he violation of or departure from
which has been the true cause of the
darkest calamities that have fallen upon
Is.
Pardon. therefore, the deep solicitude
cit, before a final close Of this note, to
make it clear as a meridian sunbeam at |
Ugh twelve. 1t consists of two parts |
It solemn pledges mutually given and |
eceived: First, by the candidate (this is
laid down in the Oldest print
d constitutions, an unequivocal belief |
n the existence Of God and aecounta-
.ility to Him for all our actions" Sec
nd, by the official representative of
he order, that the obligations thus vol
ntarily taken Gin no manner conflict
18th his religious or political tenets,
reed or faith, his duty to God, his
ountry or his fellow-man.
repeat, this is the first landmark,
nd upon which our great moral and
piritual superstructure ever has reposed
nd ever must repOse, until times last
9esin shall usher in eternity.