Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1876-01-05
ADDRESS. delivered before Iowa
Chapter, No. 6, r. A. NJ, Monday
evening, Jan. Sd, by Or. Van Dusen !:

A'"' " ~ "A 4A', AuOuuuy
evening, Jan. Sd, by. Or. Van Dusen:
In what l. propose TO say on this
occasion it will be no part, Of my
intention to narrate in detail the
outward or, inwardimerits of Free
Masonry, for tho time will not per-
nit had | the disposition But in
asmuch as the charge occasionally
comes up that we eschew religion,
and hold morals in abayance, per-
haps it will not be Inappropriate
to discursively notice the ialsity Of
| these charges upon our order.
Were to state that Masonry was
purely q religious institution, or
that it had celestial birth, | should
state what has never been claimed
for it by its most devoted and earn
est admirers. Nevertheless, it is
quite true that we, as Masons, do
belispe that its principles, when
practically developed, lead its vo-
taries upward into q purer atmos-
phere, where moral and religious
precepts are blended into one COM
mon course of instruction. Indeed,
from personal knowledge of its
working for more than forty years,
as moral teacher and religious
educator, am prepared to fully in
dorse its humanizing influence, and
its tendency to direct the minds of
men to the contemplation OF Bible
truths and Bible injunctions.
Moreover, we believe that it is q
plane as boundless as the universe,
and as expansive as-life and light in
its tolerance Of ularprediiections-
and spiritual anteceients--a plane
on which all, who subscribe to its
rules and practice its requirements,
can "meet upon a level and part
upon the square Pope beautifully
describes the acknowledgment of q
Deity on every portion Of the globe,
and in every period of time, when
he said:
'fatherpt All, in sverVs
IN every CLINE adored
By'Saint, by Savage, and Sage
Jehovah, Joye, or Lore"
This sentiment of religious
belief and alteration alone binds
us together as Free and Ac-
cepted Masons in tie bonds of fra
ternal association and brotherly
love. 1t also obligates men to good
actions and charitable purposes, no
matter under what reflective sun
beam they may have received their
inspirations of a Creative power,
and the reverence. due from the
creature to the Creator These
good actions end charitable pur-
poses emenate from every well reg
ulatsd and well governed Lodge,
whether it be within or without the
pale of christendopi; whether it. be
situated on the highest mountain,
with naught but the canopy of
heaven for, its covering, or in the
deepest valley, with naught but the
all-seeing eye to witness its sacred
rites and coAsec.ated ceremonies.
AS has been truly said on form
er Masonic occasion by our most
excellent High Priest, charity is
not the entire object and aim of
Masonry; and yet, take this cardi-
nal virtue from our Masonic plat
form, and ! apprehend we should
find our good works and good in
tentions narrowed down TO a very
insignificant field Of operations. Ia
truth, it is the practical exhibition
of this God-like virtue that com
mends Masonry to sbe outside
world, as being worthy of is kind
regard, and its geaerous considera-
ton.
II is of this general exhibit of
character among the brotherhood,
this golden crown Of worldly right
eousness, if | may so express my
self, that | propose to consider III
what | have yet 70. say, although IT
has been sp' aking for itself in
language wen understood by Ma
sons, during period of ages, and
will continue to SO speak during all
future time.
1t will be impossible in the brief
space of time allowed me, to emu
merate more than some few Of its
outstanding, everyday characters
tics; hence, ] shall content myself
by stating shas the widowed and
orphaned poor, when needfutly
claiming orr synpathy and oiea are
never turned Over to the cold, IN
feeling and beggsrly doliugs OF the
world. BY the nromptings OF char