New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1888-06-06
The Design and Scope Of
Hee-MnsOas9'y.
ewritten for the Review by H. A. subilia. )

Freemasonry is moral institution,
established by yirtuous men, with the
praiseworthy design of recalling to our
remembrance the most sublime truths,
founded on liberality, brotherly love
and charity. 1T is a beautiful system
of Morality, yelled in allegory and il
lustrated by Symbols Truth is its
centre. the point whence its radii di-
verge, pointing out to its disciples
correct knowledge of the Great Archi-
tect of the Universe, ana the moral
laws which he has ordained for their
government.
Origin Of Masonry and its advantages.
From the commencement of the world
we may trace the foundation of Mason.
ry. Ever since symmetry began and
harmony displayed her charms, the Or.
der has had a being. During many
ages, and in many different countries,
it has fourished, No art. no science,
preceded it. In the dark periods of an
tiquity, when literature was in low
state, and the rude manners of our fore
fathers withheld from them that know
ledge we now so amply share, Masonry
difused its influence. This science un-
yelled, arts arose, civilization took
place, and the progress Of knowledge
and philosophy gradually dispelled the
gloom of ignorance and barbarism.
Masonry is a science confined to no
particular country, but extends over
the whole terrestrial globe. Wherever
the arts flourish, it fourishes too. Add
to this, that by secret and inviolable
signs, carefully preserved among the
fraternity, it becomes a universal Ian
guage. Hence many advantages are
gained the distant Chinese, the wild
Arab, and the American savage, will
embrace a brother Brton, and know,
that besides the common ties of human
ity, there is still a stronger obligation
to induce him to kind and friendly Of
fees. The spirit of the Illuminating
priest will be tanned, and moral
brother, though of a different persuasion,
engage his esteem, for mutual tolera-
tion in religious opinions is one of the
most distinguishing and valuable char
acteristics of the craft. AS all religions
teach therefor, if a brother be found to
act the part of a truly honest man, his
private speculative opinions are left to
God and himself. Thus, through the
influence of Masonry, which is reconcil-
able to the best policy, all those dis
putes which embitter life and sour tenn
pers of men, are avoided; while common
good, the general object is zealously
pursued.
From this view of our system, its
utility must be sufficiently obvious.
The universal principles Of the art unite
in one indissoluble bond OF affection,
men of the most opposite tenets, of the
most distant countries, and of the most
contrary opinions, so that in every na-
ton a Mason may find a friend, and in
every climate a home.
Such is the nature of our institution,
that in the lodge, which is confined to
no particular spot, union is cemented
by sincere attachment in the cheerful
observance of every obliging Office.
Virtue, the great object in view, lu-
minous as the meridian Sun, shines re-
fulgent on the mind, enlivens the heart
and heightens cool appreciation into
warm sympathy and cordial attention.
Before / proceed with the explana-
tions of the working tools and emblems,
it is proper to acquaint you, that the
lodge is furnished with unerring rules,
whereby a freemason shall form his
conduct. The Book of the law is laid
before him, which he should carefully
study that he may not say that through
ignorance he erred.
The rule, square and the compass,
are emblematical Of the conduct we
should pursue in society To observe
punctuality in all our engagements,
faithfully and religiously to discharge
those important obligations, which we
owe to God and our neighbors; to be
upright in all our dealing; to hold the
scale Of Justice in equal poise; to
square our actions by the unerring rule
of Gods sacred word; to keep within
compass and bounds with all mankind !;
to govern our expenses BY ovr incomes;
to curb our sensual appetites; TO keep
within bounds those unruly passions
which oftentimes interfere with the en-
joyment of society and degrade both
the man and the Free-mason J: to recall
to our minds, that in the great scale Of
existence, the whole family of mankind
is upon level with each other, and that