The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1871-06-15
What,Masonry TeachesMe.

WhatMasonry Teaches Me. ,-.
A Few days since gentleman outside the
Masonic fraternity asked US what Masonry
taught. We will answer what itteaehcs us,
andhc will tell us whether the lessons be
good ones or not. -. ~ s. = .
Masonry teaches us the existence Of God as
a being of Love, Light and Power. g.
1t teaches US. that alone, we are almost
powerless, and that as othersshelp us over
rough and dangerous places, 50 sheuld we do
unto others. .s-.r ~
1t teaches us to look up for that Light
which will be an unerring guide, and that
no matter how often we. forget, there is q
place where we can obtain information.
1t teaches us to be kind of heart, to cult
vate friendly feelings; to not tell all we
know;to, be circumspect, and TO realize that
others before us have walked the road we
are in, and that others will, after we are
gone, ,-
1t teaches us to help the needy and to de-
fend the deserving; to care for the children
of brothe rs, and to treat, their wives with
the same kind, gentlemanly respect we
would have others to show those we love
dearest Of all on earth. &c. ST, .ar....
1t teaches honesty, industry, frugality,
liability of thought. 'a'- s,s+15..''
1t teaches us to be as careful to preserve
the good reputation Of brother as we would
have him to be careful to preserve ours; to be
very careful not to say or hint, or insinuate,
anything against him and his honesty, and
the better man and trother he is the moro
careful should we be 70 help keep, him so.
And it also teaches us to be careful and not
report what he has told us at any time or
place where it could be construed to his
disadvantage or injury. - ~ -
1t teaches us to look upon every Mason as
a younger brother, to be watched over, help
cd, encouraged, protected, cared for in
sickness, and carefully laid away after life s
6tful trials. be ended, and he has been called
to the Land in the East, and the resting
place and rcfreshment. under the sun, in the
cooling breeze, whero murmuring fountains
play, and none are with us but those we love.
|. Is, teaches us to defend virtue to not
tell falsehood to build up, protect and
encourage the poor and laborous, no matter
whether of our fraternity or not, and always
to work for the best interest of ones country,
more than to opprcss the poor and all'crafts-
men who labor. ~ .5..v r
1t teaches us virtue, soberiety, discre.
ton, earnestncss, and charity to all, with a
beautiful faith in God and His goodness.
It teaches us to defend the honor of a
brother; to stand between him and danger
to be as careful Of the good name of a
brothers loved ones as ofour own honor
to look upon them ;,as sacred objects at all
times, for whom we are ready to spill our
blood; if need require this test ofknightlY
honor, and that weRshould study TO live
and act as to never make brother ashamed
Of US, to wound his feelings, or cause him
to other than love US for worth, honor, good.
ness virtue nobleness, aud thoughtful care
1t teaches us to be kind to all, to always
bcfriend the poor, no matter who or where
found; to forgive as we would be forgiven
and to speak not againsta brother, but
kindly to him, face to face whensshe has
erred, or is likely to-.
1t teaches us lessons in harmonious
brotherhood, and to control ourselves, oul
tongue, our passion, and our lives; and
that in the Lodge as in the Eternal, there
is one place where difference in politics, ir
religion, in possession, of riches or honors
is unknown, for before the Beautiful Light ii
the East are.ace all brothers,: