The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1875-07-15

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litical affairs are strictly forbidden,
and until the principles Of oui order
be subyerted and our ancient Sonsti-
tutions trampled under foot, NJ such
discussion can ever be entertaited.
We have been told that our sys-
TEN of charity is not sufficiently lib
eral, that it should beextendedalike
to him who is against as well rs to
him who is for US. A sufficient an
swer to this objection is found m the
old maxim, Charity begins at lome." :"
The Divine injunction was that the
preaching of the Gospel should be-
gin at Jerusalem. It was the apos-
ties prayer to God for Israel especial
ly that they might be saved. Then
may we not be justified in believing
it right to "do good unto all men es-
pecially unto those Who are ef the
household Of the faithful?" This we
believe, teach and endcayor to prac-
;ice.
Our society is intended to BE- in a
degree, q select one. It cannot en-
brace the whole human family, for
against the stupid, the froward and
the depraved our doors must be for
ever closed. Such would only bring
US to shame; they would neither obey
our precepts nor vcnerate our prin-
ciples.
We are reproached with the igno:-
ance and vices ofour brethren. That
we have unworthy ones We are well
aware. Some without appreciating
the genius of our institution, or i'm
bibing its spirit have crept in
amongst us, prompted, perhaps by
curiosity to possess our secrets, or by
some less excusable ,motive. Some
who once possessed the, spotlessehar-
acter, whose maine was beautyaad
whose actions were praisen have fall
en- from their frsti estate: sthe, fine
gold pas become Qirns and the most.
pure sofd cilangstt
stitution therefor to Bedenouneedg
What society is without unworthy
members? Let him who.is yith.
out sin first cast stone at US"
Where is there an institution that
has not been abused?
Where IS the favored spot, where
the holy place into which havarice and
gnile and ambition have never enter
ed? How often is the arrant dema-
gouge found lurking under the garb
Of a good patriot and the man of the
people; corruption like "the pesti-
Ience that wasteth at noon day" per-
yades the most hallowed places
With all its faults our institution
has done much for the dissemination
of Knowledge amongst men; it has Of
ten revived the dropping spirit, and
administered comfort to him that
was ready to perish. With all our
unworthy members there has ever
been found a goody number of such
as are Israelites indeed. Our society
claims that "the greatest and best
men mall ages have been encouragers
and promoters of the art; and have
never dcemedit Gerogatory to their
dignity 10 level themselves with the
fraternity, extend their privileges,
and patronize their assemblies"
Is it suspected that such illustrious
men as Washington, Franklin, the
Clintons and Marshalls and a host Of
others, not unknown to fame, Of the
past and present age, and of our own
country, have lent their hands to q
work of deceit; that they have been
guilty Of sustaining an institution,
wearing the guisc of benevolence and
brotherly love, but essentially pcrni-
cious to the world.
Our society is the oldest in exis-
tence. Every institution that wit
messed its origin has long since pass
ed away. To borrow the language Of
an eloquent writer, 'sfrom the bosom
of the lodge we have beheld the 9th
er societies Of this world alternately
mounted up and cast down; rising
and blazing awhile on high, the me
teors of an age, and sinking again
forever, while the sublime fabric of
our constitution has remained un-
shaken through ages, The current
of public opinion has rolled along
its basis and beat against its walls;
the heavy rains Of calumny have de-
scended on its snacious roof and the