The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1875-07-15
Jackson c. H, WEsEsga;s
June 29tk 1879:
Dedr Sir and BroBc

I
and ceremonies Of this Ancient install,
lation has been brought to view, and
it is thought proper to go one step
further and expose some ofthe objects
and principles of the institution, and
perhaps notice some of the objections
that have been urged against the
same. Man is formed for social life.
In society his numerous wants are
best supplied; for it is in society,
chiefly, that his finer sympathies and
better affections are drawn forth; that
the faculties of his mind are develop
ed; and that he attains the full meas.
ure of his dignity in the scale Of
existence. But without g good de-
gree Of philanthropy. man isunft for
society. A community Of churls and
misanshropes, if indeed such IN one
were capable Of existing tall, would
be little better Than community Of
cannibals. Discrimination, however,
ishighly nccessaryin our intercourse
with men.
Every individual of the human
family cannot be alike the object Of
our regard, nor should he,-for un-
fortunately, a portion of our species
is sunk toclow in moral debascment,
to merit aught but our compassion.
The proper means betwixt churlish-
ness and thatexhuberant benevolence
which vainly attempts more than it
is able to accomplish, is that unto
which the philanthropist must de-
sire to attain. TO that happy mean,
Masonry seeks to direct her Totaries.
Nevertheless, we hear our society re-
fe:red to in terms Of sharp denuncia-
ton. And are we not denounced by
men who have taken it upon them
scffvse,s to dccfait tic Il before
they had heard it? Have rot men
sat in judgment upon US who were
ignorant Of our history, our discip-
line and our ancient constitutions.
Their ignorance is the less excusablc,
seeing that our principles andobjects
are not concealed from the world.
They are made known through the
medium of numerous books which
have been published under the au-
thority of our Grand Lodges. Our
institution was originally designed
to promote the diffusion Of light and
knowledgc,-to inculcate the practice
Of the moral virtues,-to unite the
great family Of man more closely by
the ties Of love and affection, and
to establish adiffusive system ofchar-
jty.
Asa means ofimproving in knowl-
edge it recommends the study Of the
liberal arts, attendance on Masonic
instruction, and the frequenting of
the society Of the intelligent and
wise.
It admonishes us to "be true to our
government, t,and just to ourcountry,"
and commands Us to hold fast to our
integrity in every yicissitude, and
never be guilty Of a dishonorable ac-
ton. It requires us to feed the hung
ry and clothe the naked, and to sue
cor chin that hath none 10 help"
We believe that no institution
was ever raised on 4 better principle
or more solid foundation; nor were
ever more excellent rules and useful
maxims laid down than are inculca-
ted in our several Masonic lectures"
Can there be danger that such
principles, an institution with such
a basis, will demoralize the world? Is
such a society to subvert the founda-
tionsoflaw and social order? Wcthink
the answer to these questions, byany
orc without prejudice, and possessed
of a small degree of intelligence, may
be readily anticipated.
But has Masonry totally failed in
the fulfllment of the great objects Of
its institution? Has Masonic charity
never administered reliefto the weary
sojourner, to the destitute widow and
weepingorphans?
Have the lessons Of peace and good
will which our institution inculcates,
been entirely lost upon its members?
Have they contributed nothing to-
wards allaying animosities amongst
men? Have they never restrained
the tongue Of SANDER, nor stopped
the rising storm of malice? Has the
mystic sign never appeased the hos.
tile breast, nor arrested the uplifted
arm of vengeance? And yet it is not
surprising that against Masonry,
bigotry, superstition and despotism
have always warred. 1t is not claim
ed that Masonry can work miracles;
she arrogates not to herself power tc
impart genius to stupidity, no1
knowledge to the needless, nor un,
erring rectitude to erring man. She
promises not to transform vice to
virtue, nor wisdom always to succeed
to folly, nor constancy to fckelness
But we do avouch that freemasonry
is a sublime and moral institution,
whose members are united together