The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-02-11
she 7rdternities.
Masonic Lodges and How to Sustain
Them.

''In all our Lodges, there are affairs,
upon which constantly rests the Holy
Bible, which we recognize as the moral
and spiritual trestle-b board of our faith !;
and thereon the Great Architect has
drawn the designs which every faithful
craftsman is expected dill gently to copy
Hence, it is Enthusiastically recognized as
one OF our landmarks: A Mason is
bound by his tenure to obey the moral
law, and, if he rightly understands the
art, he will never be stupid atheist, or
an irreligious libertine.' Masonry erects
it sustains to the Church militant the
same relations which the asymptote bears
to the hyperbolic curve, ever approach
ing, never touching it; and it contem-
plates the promotion of mans truest
happiness, by the inculcation of genuine
morality and the practice OF the triune
virtues, Brotherty Lore, Relief aud Truth.
Nv hile it Is not sought to enforce
impossible conditions, every Mason, by
his tenure, is obligated to live soberly,
act discreetly, and uniformly obey the
moral law; he Is rlgldly enJoIned never
To mention the name OF the DIety but
with that reverentlaI awe which Is due
from the creature to the Creator While
paying all lawful respect to those III
authority, 1T never mlngies iii the polItl-
cal controversies Of State or seeks To in
fuence i'll matters of religion.
Even amid the angry dash of arms
and the fierce conflicts OF civil war, It's
holy mission was to relieve suffering and
misery, to pour oil into gaping wounds,
and to provide tor the dead suitable
burial. Hence, il has witnessed the rise
and fall of dyLasties, and has survived
to command the confidence and respect
of all, and to receive within its fold the
good aud great of e cry nation.
Wherever you find bright and
fearless Master, assisted by prompt
Secretary, you will see hourishihg and
well regulated Lodge; but whenever you
discover these officers ignorant or indif-
ferent. you will find the Lodge III arrears.
and, in all probability, be importuned
with petitions for the remission OF dues,
which self respect requires should be
promptly met, and dImits and decay
mark its downward course"
This is doubtless the principal cause
of the apathy which is so wide spread
and which is depicting our numbers,
year alter year, and tiling the lands
with non-affilates and suspended Masons
who are, at best, but a reproach To the
fraternity. In the selection of officers
by our constituent Lodges, too little care
is exercised. Qualifications which
might be available for the chairman OF
q ward club are not the character re
quired of the Master or Wardens. Once
elected, these officers should attend to
their Masonic duties with as much
energy and zeal as they give TO their
several vocations in LIE. Especially
should tht Y make it their business to
visit the sick, comfort the afflicted and
relieve the destitute;" not in that osten-
tatious manner which defeats any posi-
BILE resulting good, but with that true
spirit of charity which ''letteth not the
right hand know what the left hand
doeth." Were Lodge officers, from
Master to Tyler, faithful in the perform
ance of their known duties, the world
would see fewer Masonic ruins.-From
Correspondence g.. L.. louisiana.