The Osceola times., 1875-05-22
Communicated

which lie asks the question, "will
some brother give us the reason iJr
all this, viz: Proiane swearing,
non attendance OF lodge meeti ngs
etc. Now, we do not set out as
one of those that are able TO selve
the problem. But thinking that IN
our own way, perhaps, we might
throw ll.tle light on the subject,
have concluded to give our views
on the matter. There are, in our
opinion, SO many reasons tor fail
ure to become earnest workers in
the glorious cause of Masonry, that
it would require more time and
space than we can spare at present,
to enter into fully, at this timo;
but will c0ntine ourselves at pres.
ent, to the one we coNsi dor the
most prominent; which n inju-
dicious choice of the material with
which We propose to erect the fu-
ture masonic sdlfice. We dispense
with that strict examination which Ia
absolutely necessary in the culling
of material. II we intended to erect
building that we wished 10 stand
for years to come, we would use
all care and diligence in selecting
material with which to build it.
we would test 1t by an uherring
rule as to its strength, its dnrabili-
ity, the amount Of finish it would
admit of, and lastly where 1T could
bo used to advantage; whether, as
a foundation or a cope stone, or.
any other position in the structure.
If after this trial, it was found to
be worthless, it would be cast aside
among the rubbish. Why this scru-
tiny ? Because, each and every
separate piece has an individual
position to occupy. For to say 4, |
az it does no good it can do no |
harm, is false assertion; if it does
no good it is not needed, it can at
least but add to the mass and make |
the structure more cumbersome
without contributing in any man
ner TO either its strength or beauty.
A skilltul architect will refuse all /.
Of such material. Then, should not
We, as members Of an institution,
whose aim is the elevation of man
kind in a moral and intellectual
point OF view, whose great and
good work is, or ought TO be, to
make the mind Of man a bright and
glorious intelligence that shall do
honor to the maker on earth and
perfect ashlar tor that building, not
made with hands, eternal and in
the Heavens TO teach him the full
meaning Of the letter OF the moral
law, the true meaning OF the word
Charity and the relation Of man
to man
These are a few Of the lessons that
Masonry processes to teacn those
who drink at its fountain of knowl-
edge. Such being the case, it be-
comes the duty Of those who claim
to support and promulgste its
teachings to guard with jealous
care, and see that none enters its
sacred portals but those who are
earnest in their desire after knowl.
edge; who will catch at every ray
OF light as il is unfolded 10 them as
If it were pearl Of great price
Teach them what il is to be masons
indeed ; tell them that the initiation
ceremony into the several degrees
is but the key by which its store Of
knowledge can be brought to light.
Tell them that you yourself are Il
student, and ever will be, Til you
are called to report TO the Grand
Master above. Show them that 10
fast as you acquire knowledge, you
are Ut eager to impart it to them.
Study during your leisure hours,
so that at the next meeting you
shall have ready rich repast for
some poor toier aitor truth, and
thus be at all times ready and pre-
pared to say and do something for
the good oil masonry. Do this, and
your lodges will not only be crowd
Ell on nights that there is work TO
do. but at all it's meetings. Non
afiiliates will then be unknown, and