Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1875-01-01
ST. JOHN THE EvANeELIsT;s DAY.
Special Services at Trinity Church, at the
Request Of Toledo Commandery X. t.
Sermon by Rev. leighton Coleman.
cas- ye would that men should do 10 you, d
~ Il. a.. il..... Iikn...ian D I.aLn II Al


BY universal consent, this is named "The
Golden Rule" In its Substance, il is older
than the time in which Christ gave il utter
ance for lie Himself declares that ait is
the Law and the Prophets; that is, the
teaching of Moses and the Prophets may be
reduced to this. Nay, il is, and must be-
eternal significance, for it is in exact accord
ance with His character, the law of Whose
mouth is acknowledged by the Psalmist to
be better than thousands of gold and sill
ver."
It's equity is so self-evident, that but lit
tie exposition is requisite. 1t has stood the
test of too many centuries Of selfishness and
malice to be called seriously into question
in an age which boasts of its liberalty and
enjoyment. And this very appreciation
with which it iseverywhere received, is one
of the greatest perils which beset its fulfill
ment. We so commonly assent to its right
eousness that we come at last to imagine
that because we believe il, we are therefore
living by it. But the abhorrent records of
dark crimes which stain the history of ev-
cry community contradict any such charit-
able presumption as this. is it doing to
others US we would that they should do to
us, when we lie to them, causing them to
put their confidence in what is mere sham
or deceit; when we overreach them in trade
or politics, taking advantage OF their alb
scence or ignorance to advance our own in
terests, when we all ought to stand on an
equality? Are we carrying out the Golden
Rule when we indulge in scandalous talk or
gossip concerning our neighbors and their
affairs, publishing what was meant for our
ears only, giving currency to what has not
vet been proved, and condemning them
Il 4 L.
garding this maxim when we enter their
households and families and seek to wean
away their affections from them, and plant
ourselves in their stead; or when to our own
evil associations we cndeavor to gain over
those who have been wholly free from them?
II it in keeping with such spirit to refuse
giving unto our fellows the honor and cred
it due unto them because of their words and
deeds, while we attempt to appropriate them
unto ourselves, thus eventually leading us
to. envy, covetousness and passions Of ba-
ser kind? And what shall be said of the
widespread habit of misrepresenting each
Others real sentiments and actions, declining
to allow them any meaning but that which
we ourselves choose to put upon them, while
We claim to be judged only by our own in
tentions and purposes? How inconsistent,
too, to he boarding our time, and talents, and
money, while we are urging others to spend
and to be spent Of theirs freely And who
can excuse THAT Incidence and hypocrisy
which will impose responsibilities upon and
require great deeds from, our brethren, and
yet will refuse to cooperate with them in
discharging and performing them ? Sure-
Is this is transgression of that Golden
Rule contained in our text. Until we are all
free from such and such like offenses, it is
but insinccrc in us to say that we give it to
our credence and approval. To believe in
it is not to obey it, although it may be the
first step towards its fulfillments. While,
therefor, its Interpretation may need but lit
tie TO be said about it, we do require that
its enforcement should he constantly i'm
pressed upon us.
| have thought that the duties it impo-
ses upon us might form a fitting theme for
our present occasion. | have not been
MANY wears 4 member of that ancient and
honorable order which has favored me with
an invitation to daliver this discourse to
them, and therefore have right to feel some
what diHident in addressing myself TO a dis
cussion of its principles have, however,
during my connection with it, been All
attentive observer of what ! have seen and
| heard, and unless have made only su-
perfcial examination of its symbols and
| doctrines, there is hardly anything more
prominently taught and enjoincd upon It's
/ disciples than this very Golden Rule.
1 In acting upon the application of one
| seeking admission into the order, his merits
are to he canvassed as were ours; nc
| judgement is to be formed upon his fitness
which was not passed upon ourselves. lie
! is to be balIoted for on the principles OF
| equity and charity.
In entering him into the lodge, and
teaching him the first step in Freemasonry
he experiences no inspection, nor obstruc,
tion, nor ceremony which We did not our
selves undergo, and which We wonld nol
impose upon every candidate. And so il
every successive step which he may take
in obtaining further privileges and mys
teries, there il no opportunity Of showing
distinction or Partially to anyone, but al
are made to realize by the fraternal anc
common treatment they receive, that ~
they would that men should do to them
they also are to do to them likewise.
Ii we were at liberty here to repent thu
oaths and obligations assumed i'll the diff
ferent degrees, this same consistency woulC
be still more evident; for there is nothing
therein we require of a novice which w
are not ourselves as often reminded to do
We can not and do not ask him to behay'
towards us and our neighbors except rs W,
agree to behave towards him and his neigh
bors. III he is taught one of the thrc
equal parts into which We divide the da,
is to be devoted to the services OF Goa an,
a distressed brother, we bind ourselves III
less to relieve him in his need than h
does to extend his help to us.
Ii we teach him that the gavel symbolic
the duty of divesting his heart and con
science Of all vices and supertlui,ies of lifC
he has a right to expect that VIC, too, will b
good and true in our conduct, regulating
all our actions agreeably to the instruction
Of our great Master in heaven, Ii we admon
i.h him that in Speculative Masonry he is t
use the plumb in walking uprightly in hi
several stations before God and man, tn
s1uare to square his doings by the squar
of virtue, and the level to remind him tina
IA, is travelingupon the level Of time to tha
undiscovered country from whose bourn
/ no traveller returns; he is Justified in l5oR
ing for us to sublue our passions, to act ;
/ all times upon the square, to kcepa tongu
OF good report, maintain our purity, an
t have quick remembrance OF the hni
b. judgement.
: And when he is reminded by the compaI
SEES to circunscribe his desires, restrainin
: them within due bounds, and to enclo'
Z within their extreme points those precior
7 Jewels OF Friendship, Morality and Brothe
ly Love, AMI when, further, by the trow'
!, he is instructed to spread the cement offri
I tarnal affection, uniting all his brethren IL
| to one sacred band of friends, among whol
no contention shall exist but that mob
contention, or rather emulation of who be
can walk and best agree; certainly we cal
$ not ask this'of them without ourselves b
: ing ready to bring our own appotites to
e reasonable exercise, and to maintain frien'
ly relations with all our acquaintances, eve
/ to blessing them whichpersecute US, retur
; ing good for evil, and getting the master
- over everything revt tngeful or malicious.
s think, then, brethren, that we can ea'
: " see that the Golden Rule is intimate
8 blended with all our work ; how that ii '
: would have the newly-made member co
y form to the requirements OF our Order,
o must also do the same; that we cannot G
h ,,aoI hi m IN deal trulv and well with ia II