Vicksburg weekly herald. (Vicksburg, Miss.) 1868-1883, 1870-05-14

uMA NAE WlNE VI NAAhANAAH NA1a
cv and affection. In natures cal
eudar there are vernal and solsti-
cial seasons. and we ourselves
partake Of the earth's movement
and changes, while the stars OF
the armament sink to rise again
with renewed splendor. So Ma
sonry had its solsticial periods
the heroes Of ancient Masonry,
smitten with prosecutions, rise
again to run in the appointed race
to greater and more lasting glory
and honor. We join in these
ceremonial honOrs for our
brothers who have passed
away, wisdom directing the pro-
ceeding, strength affOrding its
protection and beauty lending its
charms and graces. No political
asperities enter in this circle,
where unkindly things are not
kept out by the Tyler's sword, but
where the motto shines prominent
-"NasOnrie oJlige." Masonry
teaches peace, federation, broth.
crly affection. The All-Seeing
Eye in the centre ofthc circle, to
which all things tend, and which
upholds all. as in the physical
world the sun, cmblrmatic of the
Great Architect in veneration Of
whom Solomon is said to have
erected that magnificent temple
upon which no sound Of tool was
heard.
We live in an age Of fancy and
Imagination, as well rs of practi-
cal fife; we hear ii said that money
buys evcrything-talcnt, place,
success, power, fame and honor;
but there is still something greater
for every one seeks sighingly for
what seems still denied him, pin
ing for the wings of the morning
to fly away and be at rest. The
poet who made Erin's harp so
melOdious represented hat "A
Peri at the gate Of Eden stood
disconsolate," who had vainly
sought for the talisman for en-
trance, who had tried the depths
of human JOY and woe, patriotism,
martyrdom and love, but found it
at last in the sublimity of repen-
lance.
The insignia Of mourning about
US is not Of the dead; it is to adj.
monish the living; to incite us to
take home with us the recollec-
tons Of the good deeds of our
departed friends, taking them as
examples for our guidance. They
we're rich in honor; they illustra.
ted and adorned society and prac.
tical life, the bench, the bar and
the councils Of the nation. For
them Masonry brings a great re.
greet and sorrow. They had not
to chide themselves for time mis-.
spent; they had labored as Ma.
sons, and loved their brethren
they made few harsh judgments,
and threw the mantle Of charity
over the failings of their fellows.
Masonry has no heed to be asham.
ed, but much to be proud of in
the lesson Of their lives. Who
does not recall the illustrious rep.
resentativc of the mother Of states.
men? who can forget the noble
two from Georgia, one struggling
with the storms of States, and
falling with his falling State:
They have passed away their rap.
ture and glory now the angels on
~ know.
Most puissant Commander my
task is nearly finished. With
particular forms of church or reli-
gion Masonry has nothing to do.
Its mission is to dispell ignorance
and conquer fanaticism. All mon
of every creed may enter and
worship In the temple which II has
built. Masonry Is still stronger
than the philosophy which the East
has taught; 1t teaches truths gath
cred from the past, which have
been made glorious by succeeding
ages. 1t inculcaies upon all the
observance In the earthly career Of
the duties which she has made
typical In her cermonies, whether
derived from the architects of
Greece, or from the more ancient
mysteries, no matter whence II
may have sprung, II is proper to
say that Scottish Free masonry
means work. Its symbols are but
drapery the mason must search
their hiden meaning in such a way
that when he looks back upon the
ending of the Masonic year, he may
exclaim, In the words Of Richelicu ;
"France, | love thee all earth
shall never tear thee from ms heart ;
who shall proclaim divorce betwixt
me and thee?"
Mr.. Hitler was followed By
William l.. Mitchell Supreme
Council, who gave a rapid sketch
of the lives OF Cobb and Rockwell,
two of the deceased dignitaries OF
the Council.