The Waynesburg Republican. [volume] (Waynesburg, Pa.) 1867-18??, 1868-07-15


leave them to the consequences of their
own doings, knowing that in due time
they shall be fully rewarded for their
wicked work. f.y u- ..-t
But there are some who are honestly,
though mistakenly, opposed to Freema-,
sonry. They oppose 1t, not because they
have any sympathy with the organized
antimasOnic movement; but because
they suppose it to be liable to insupera-
BILE objections. And as these objections
may exist in the minds of good and hon
est men, they deserve candid investi-
CATION. Our time, however, will not al
low us to do more, than to consider a
few of the strongest. 4.
/. The first objection which we will
notice is, that "freemdson,y is mnneces-
sd,y." This objection is urged. i
/. From a consideration of the present
improved state of our social relations
We rejoice to know, when we compare
the past with the present, that our social
condition is greatly imprOved; and that
our civil, political, and religious rights
are now more clearly understood, and
more generally acknowledged than
formerly. But still, how narrow is the
compass of this social improvement,
compared with the entire family of man!
In many parts of the earth social inn
prOvement has made, for centuries, but
little progress. Hence, if Freemaeonry
were entirely uncalled for I'm the most
rQined portions of civilization, it, or
something like il; might nevertheless
be necessary in less favored parts, to ac-
complish the benevolent objects which
it proposes to reach. .#.
We cannot admit, however, that social
refinement renders Freeinasonry unnec-
essary. Facts declare, that in reach OF
the highest circles of social life there is
often unrelieved want, calling for help,
but calling in vain, unless its voice can
reach the Masonic ear. But pecnidry
assistance is not all that Freemasonry
confers. Among Its most valuable ben
etits are good will, social intercourse,
and friendly advice. These are always
necessary, even in the most refined state
of society; and though they may some
times be realized in the usual walks of
life, it is only to the craft that they are
absolutely secured.
2. The objection is further urged, from
the consideration, that Ell men are bound
to do good to the needy, independent OF
the requirements Of any voluntary asso-
citation. To refute this argument it is
only necessary to observe, that ii lies rs
directly against every other benevolent
institution, as it does against Freema.
sonary. If the common obligation rest
ing upon all men to minister to human
necessity is sufficient, there can be nc
more call for almshouses and public hos.
pitals, than for Masonic associations
The argument proves too much, and
therefore it proves nothing at all.
That it is the duty Of all men to dc
good to suffering humanity, no one will
deny; but is this the uniform rule of hui
man action?-nay verify. Is it not rath
er strictly true, that
"Man's inhumanty to man
Makes countless thousands mourn"
There is therefore not only ample
room, but an urgent necessity, for ILL,
benevolent Offices of Frccmasonry.
2. 1t is pleaded, moreover, that oul
order is unnecessary, becasue the reall,
destitute are sufficiently provided for bS
legislative epactments. To this we re-
ply, that we can heartily rejoice in nj
that is done for tho relief Of the desti
tute, by legislative cnactmcnts; especial
~ when we know that the principles o
| F'reemasonry lie at the foundation of nj
such benevolent movements. But W.
must not overlook the fact, that these
legislative provisions, however good il
their design and tendency, are made
quatc to accomplish all the benevolen
purposes of our order. They, at best
are limited in their existence and opera
ton. Freemasonry is universal insti
tuition. They are mainly designed to re
live the wants. of the body. Frecma
sonry pours its blessings upon the Who'll,
man. They are cold and heartless il
the bestowment Of their favors. Free
masonry extends its benevolent hand
with the sympathies of Il brother.
Moreover, we knoW that all publi
charities carry with them species O
disgrace, incompatible with the prope
pride of man; and hence many woult
rather submit to extreme suffering, thai
to apply to any of them for aid. Blu
the benevolence of Freemasonry. a
well as its wisdom, is seen in this, tha
in the bestowment Of its charities it doe
not infringe in the least degree. tn,
conscious dignity.of those who recciv
them.
4. Again We are told, that Frcema
sonry Is unnecessary, because all its he
nevolent purposes may be accomplished
by Christianity. This argument, in tn
estimation of some. has great force: bu
q few remarks will show that is easil,
disposed of.
Wedo not claim that Freemasonry
equal to the Christian religion, or that
is intended to occupy its place. Christi
anity is a perfect system of Divin
truth, for which we entertain the high
est possible veneration; and to whicl
we look as the only infallible director,
in our pathway to eternat life. Freema
sonry, on the other hand, is of human
origin; but it acknowledges the existenc
OF God, receives the revelation which h
has given to the world, and bows befor
him in acts of solemn devotion. "A.
If all men were Christians in the ful
sense of this term, there would be som
force in the argument which we ar
considering; but every one knows tina
this is not the fact. There are thousand
; OF our race, even in Christian lands, oEe
whom the Christian religion has little O
no control; and there are thousands VIII
profess to be Christians, but are desti
tute of true Christian charity. Th
: consequence is, that cases of destitu
ton and suffering, unreleved by tn
hand of fbenevolence, may often be foun
even in sight of Christian temples; NO
indeed because christianity is defecti i
in its adoption to human condition, bu
: because men will not submit themselve
to its saving control. ..I0,
Now, If fFreemasonry exerts its boney
olent influence where Christianity ha
no control; or if, in q Christian CON
munity, it sometimes confers needle
benefit which would not be otherwis
realized,-both of which could easily b
shown, who will dare to say that II
unnecessary? AS well might we pred
, cate this Ofevery benevolent institutio
in the world.
2. The second objection which we wi
notice is, that .'Freemasonry, being
+ secret society, is dangerous to our polit