The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1871-03-02
a WORD TO FREEMOSONS.

Fer the good of this Order, internally
and externally, we wish to say few
words 10 such members as come within
cur reach and will give Us their attention,
respecting, the temperance reform.
Though Freemasonry has no theologi
oai creed and sets up no claims as re-
iigleus organization in the common ac-
&c. -ation Of these terms, that it does as
sumo to be worthy" of confidence as a
moral In tiiution and as u; ac' ically exhbi
ting the cardinal virtues of pure and
upright FIFE, bat few posted in its prin.
c.ples and familiar with its inner work
angs, will think of Questioning FOR sin
gle moment. Nor will any contend that
practice, the immoral or ungentleman-
y character of which is nearly or fully
universally conceded, is any the less pro-
h4olted because not specially condemned
By the letter of the ritual Neither is
sly practice OF which little was said or
thought of in the misty da Of the ''be-
ginning when Freemasonry sprung into
being and which consequently had but
httie bearing then upon moral character,
allowable now, if condemned by the adj
vanced light and the increased strength
& moral sentiments What was recos
n led as immoral or inconsistent with
pure and noble life, Masonry conaem-
ned in the days of its youth that which
fs recognized as such now, it condemns in
the days of its manhood. Its principles
require always aud everywhere an VI
right life.
But Freemasonry makes positive re-
cognitlon OF temperance and places it
among Its cardinal virtues. 1t IS a virtue
which each and every member of the
whole fraternity is bound to cultivate and
propagate 10 the utmost of his ability.
And these Obligations recognize that vir
tue in lis present position as defined by
the light and sentiments of the present
day. True, it is to be applied TO no one
department of life alone but very appro-
pfiately extends to ''all things" In this
.. things must of coarse be included
the use of Intoxicating drinks the most
essential in the list and that to which the
word temperance has come to be most
generally applied. IF there is any one
evil practice, solemnly prohibited BY true
Masonic principles, the forms and cere
mories of the Order and the pnre lam
guage of the fraternity, intemperonce, in
he common accepta,ion of the word, is
thar marked sin.
What Mason would not be shocked to
witness the comforting of the degrees
upon an inebriate? What coald be more
shockingly absurd and out of place than
drunken man at the altar of Masonry?
The thick lips, husky voice. red eyes and
bloated cheeks of the saloon. in the lodge
roomi Who would not feel that the
lace, the ceremonies, the whole system,
1ers grossly outraged by such an exhibit
Loaf
WHIST would be so grossly inconsistent
and out Of place. in the lodge room and
niuSu ilg Win tue SSICllioIiSS, must MIS-
represent tie principles and bring re-
preach upon the order, If practiced by
members elsewhere. Each member is
found to exemplify the true principles
and spirit of the institution in practical
life.
That all members do so exempiify these
principles We cannot assert and that
many lodges permit their members to
practically disregard the solemn pledges
and the binding obligations of Masonry
and to east reproach upon the Order an /
create distrust in the minds of the can
did outside world respecting the WORTH
ness of the institution. by their drinking
Labits, We are compelled to admit. But