Elizabeth daily monitor. [volume] (Elizabeth, N.J.) 1868-1880, 1869-04-28

Mosr WoRsH1PFUL HENRY r.
CANNON, Grand Master of Masons in
the State of New Jersey, in his annual
address makes use of language which it
would be well for every officer in the
Lodges to consider and practice.
Having rehearsed the chief points of
my administration of the high Office to
which was called Il year ago, and the
duties OF which, undertaken with so
great diffidence, [ have endeavored to
perform with fidelity, and having made
such suggestions in reference to new
legislation as have occurred to my
mind, let me, for Il few moments, speak
in more general terms of those things
which concern the well being of our
Order in orr own immediate jurisdic-
tion.
Into the general principles of Mason
ry, and the history offthe institution, [
do not propose to enter at this time.
You all know that, though the pre-
else period in which Free Masonry had
its origin is not clearly determined, the
age of the society is now reckoned
by centuries that SO sure were its
foundations, that while hundreds of as
sociations have arisen, have flourished,
and have been forgotten, the institu-
ton of Free Masonry still challenges
the admiration, the affection, and the
attention of all nations that not only
have kings and princes, philosophers
and statesmen, warriors and heroes, of
all ages and climes, been numbered
among its children, but everywhere
and at all times, it is calling the great
and good to its allegiance.
You have seen, too, how the most
terrible prosecutions have failed to sub
due the ardor of those who have been
educated at its shrine. You have been
convinced that no human agency can,
and that the Great Architect never
would, check the flow of human sympa
thy towards human suffering, which,
after all is the true foundation which
Fraternity of Free Masonry is built,
and which, under God, will ever pre-
serve our noble institution from de
struction. From these thoughts, oul
minds turn inquiringly to our own in
dividual duties at this time.
We must, as the representatives Of
the brethren of this jurisdiction, en-
deavor to instil into the minds and
hearts OF those over whom we may be
placed, the great end and aim of true
Masonry. I am the more inclined to
urge this upon you, because have reas-
on to believe that the lectures of our II
tual, beautiful, earnest, instructive
though they are, too often listened to
as mere formality, to be gone
through with, and intended only fol
the instruction of the candidate. How
important, then, does it become fol
you, who have been called to superin-
tend the craft during the ensuing year,
to inculge, by every means in your
power, not only by greater impress
siveness in the delivery of these lee
lures, but by word and example, the
truths and duties of our noble institr-
tons.
Again, Masonry is NOT asociety foun
ded, as we fear too many suppose, for
the advancement of social pleasure, OF
entertainment of each week It has il
higher, nobler aim. It seeks the good
and well being of mankind everywhere
and under all circumstances. It seeks
to relieve the distressed, to cheer the
downcast, to elevate the race, and to
and to inculcate those sound moral prin
ciples upon which, in great degree, is
based all human happiness. To have
any lower aim than this, is to de
grade the noble institution which has
come down to us through the cen
turtles with all its hallowed associa-
tions, with all its wise teachings to
the level of social club. Let us, one
and all, use our utmost endeavors to in
culcate correct views among the breth-
rem, as to the grand end and aim of
Free Masonry, that its wisdom strength
and beauty may be more truly appreci-
ated.