Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1875-01-01


again and again in varied round Of ap-
plication. We live in such busy and ag-
gressive age, that the temptation to over
reach one another, without reference to
each others interests or claims, will, un-
less we narrowly watch ourselves, gain
the mastery over us, and drive us to the
doing Of things of which, in our
sober moments, in times of self-exam-
ination, we shall be heartily ashamed;
1t is with difficulty that we content our
selves in the lowest seats in the temple or at
the table. How manyof us live ain honor pre-
ferring one another?" Do we always remem-
berthe injunction, "Recompense TO no man
evil for evil? How often we fail TO rec
ognize brother in the hungry, and thirsty,
and disconsolate We that are strong, do
we of our own accord bear the infrmities
Of the weak? Are we like-minded one
towards another? Is there not cherished
by us any evil habit or propensity whereby
our brothers are scandalized, and the cause
of real morality is offended Are we, In
word, rs careful and consistent in our speech
and action az we would have them to be?
Brethren, / am talking seriously, be-
cause it is serious thing about which /
am discoursing. 1t is no slight responsible
ity which we assume when we are admit
ted into our noble craft. The heart and
conscience are appealed to for their most
perfect work, and we know it will be scru-
tinized with unerring wisdom by our Most
Worshipful Master. We do not, at least
ouqh not, to be merely formal members of
a fraternity which is so eminently typical
of hard and intricate labor. To connect
ourselves with it, implies diligence an per-
severance in conforming to the principles
and precepts of our Order; a regard for
its dignity and good name, and mindful
ness of our brethren's claims upon us; as
well as a desire that our own consciences
should be free from blame, will certainly
all have their influence in determining us
to pursue a course of true virtue and holi-
ness consistent compliance with those
Divine iniunctions which we are so repeat
edly taught to reverence. Therefore | feel
confident that no exhortation from your un-
worthy fellow-member in this sacred house,
and on this holy day, to a renewal of your
solemn obligations will be adiudged i'll
placed or ill-timed.
The Order of Knights Tcmplar (origin-
ally called Poor Fellow-sodiers of Christi
was formed to guard and protect the Chris
tian pilgrims who visited the Holy Sepul-
chre. Their journey to, and watch about
Jerusalem, were attended with tolls and per-
ills OF many kinds, but they felt themselves
amply rewarded by the sense of reverence
thus shown the earthly scenes of their Di-
vine Masters life and ministry.
In our way to the heavenly Jerusalem,
we encounter many hardships and dangers.
Our spiritual foes are numerous and impla-
cable How gladly should we endure
whatever may be required of us SO the
honor of our glorious King may be vindi-
Gated, and our own portion secured of those
inestimable blessings which He has in
store for such as are faithful in their alle-
glance to Him. The service is all-honora-
bic, and the recompense Of infinite value.
Let us all, then, each one as far as in him
lies, endeavor that the great truths which
are symbolized in our Order be manifested
really in our daily lives; that we not only
practice those graces of humanity, and gem
erosity and love which are concentrated i'll
the fulillment of the maxim Of our text,
but seek to excel in every other good and
profitable work, maintaining truth, and or
der, and equity, and giving their due
prominence to mercy, forbearance and
peace.
Such has been the life of very many of
our fellow-members in all preceding gen.
tTdtlOllS1 alS hOt
only precious heritage for u.s. but so
many powerful incentives to go and do like
wise so that we, in our turn, may be ena-
bled to leave behind US such fair records as
will help those who come after us to guide
themselves the better in the devious ways
of the naughty world.
The mathematicians say that of figures a
circle is the most absolute, because the
beginning and end concur in one. Such is
our holy conversation, which comes from
God by grace, and ends in God by the works
of grace and the fruition of glory. All our
actions are from Him, as are the beams
from the sun, as the smell from the flower,
| the fire from the sparks. So Gods true
children are manifested by works that
proceed out of love and good will; whereby
! lie Himself is admired and glorifed and
the interests of His kingdom subscrved.
| May his blessings rest upon us ALL dt-
recting us in all our doings, and further
! ing us in all our undertakings; for His wis
dom is infinite, and His strength omnipo-
tent, and His beauty shines forth thro ugh
| all His creation in symmetry and order.