Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1890-07-01
S.. John the Baptist's Day.
m,etratioas Of Christian Vsrlues.

Req. Mr.. Reed Tells Of ne Tendencies 81 fgee-
masonry Toicdzds Manly Character, and
lis Teachings UhderRe Golden Rule. Shaigk
efifs Tentts, dc.
Tuesday last was st. John the Baptist's day,
an occasion Of especial impressiveness with the
Freemasons. The Lodge here celebrated the
day by holding a regular communication with
their p%cculiar rites, and in the evening they at
tended In a body with the lodge regalia, a SER
mon delivered at the Baptist church by Rev.
NJ. s.. Reed. Mr.. Reed is q member of the an-
cicnt order, aud the subject Of dis discourse
was, ''FreemaRonfy, confidence and sympathy
among men" and the text was. Amos VII, Z
and 8. "Thus he showed me and, behpld, the
Lord stood upon q wall made by a piumbline,
with q plumb-Nne4nshis hand.
And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what
seest thou7 And I said, a plumb-line. Then
said the Lord. Behold, I viii set a plumb-line
in the midst of my people Israel I will not
again pass by them any more"
Owing to the excessive hot weather the as-
semblage was not as large as It would other
vice have been, but there was a very aPpre-
ciative audience present. The ladies of the
church had fattefully arranged about the altar
Ebeautiful flowers and potted plants. The ser
vices were begun by the choir singing with
sweet andjoytul music the most charming an
them beginning with those inspiring words,
'How beautiful are thy dwellings, o Lordl"
Mr. Reed. at the earnest solicitation of the
Lodge, has agreed TO furnish tie-sermon for
publication, aud we expect to have it for next
weeks Issue We, therefore, win give only a
brief synopsis of its striking features. Every
one eemcd deeply nterestedjh:th bright and
instructive pictures he presented in a forcible
and eloquent manner. The illustrations were
strong. with rhetorical figures set forth in a
graceful and ornate style. Full light was
thrown on the subject. and every tint was
given its complete effect. Called. he said, for
the drft time to the dificult yet very pleasing
subject Of the evenings Discourse, he would
direct his remarks fist to a consideration of
Frecmasonry, what it is and the secrets, and
then he would speak tn the Freemasons them
selves. He now had an opportunity to disclose
some of the secrets of that time-honored Fra
tcrnity and he hoped to befriend the curiosity
of the wives and the sweet-hearts. Masonry
supplies one of the greatest needs of tho age
not Tie greatest need. for ahe need of the age
could be supplied only through righteousness
under the GROSS and crown of Christ. Bnt
Masonry helps to eliminate from life that fatal
distrust and suspicion which permeates all So
ciety. NE we're led nj one with an
other. to see oTie another eye to eye, ny which
was developed trust. confidence and sympathy
for fellow man. Another secret was viewing
your brother with the t.put-yourself-in-his-
place" theory. Thus arises the juster. view. of
man q correct ceRsHre, a inst estimate and
true help for your neishbor. Its strong fea-
turesy-fhe cardinal doctrines of the Golden
Bnle. The call of the Creator is to production:
Life is n talent that must not be-baried in idle
ness there should be no rust on our actions,
so says Masonry. And in Masonry is striking
industry, self-contrel and charity. Thus are
the tendencies of Masonry toward q strong.
manly character. Its secrecy not an objection;
its secrecy only that retirement which is ne
cessary 20 the requirement of wisdom, the
Strengthening of character and the perfection
oftbe uoblest undertakings. What would She
world and mankind be without the golden
fruit OF silence and secrecy? Would you wish
slanderers. 1betrayers aud traitors Character,
Belf-control, charity grows in secret. The
public even consider That the most despicable
act to be q betrayal of trust and secrets Of bus
inces, and trusts of the heart or of the soul.-
Masonry could not profess to proFide saiqation.
) But It forms a firm Foundation fordm6faf md
spiritual teachings. To the church Of God is
left the control in tho ways Of salvation. Ma
sonry under its rule and guide of the Holy BIZ
: Bile points to the worship of God, and strives
to aid IN fitting the character of man for a
place in the temple eternal in the Heavens
1t seeks to make of mans life hero below
an arch Of great power, inyincible charity rest
Ing npon the mighty pillars of Hope and
Faith. Its early patron Solomon prayed not
for length of years. but for wisdom, that he
might devise in beauty and strength the eIeva-
ton and happiness of his fcllow-men. And in
ike readiness the order sheds the lustre of its
power for friendship and brotherly love among
the needy. Like a grateful stream flowing
through a fertile land runs the course of Ma
eonry bearing through the ages the blessings
OF free spirit. equality, forbearance, love aud
self denial among brothers in every Cline
Such are come of the secrets of Frcemasonry.
as to its tendencies, Influences, power and
blessings. To the Masons themselves he wouAd
say that they must follow the teachings and
go on to the higher blessings of religion. Re
the people of God, who in our midst With The
Plumb-line of His love will lead us to uerfect.
actions through worship Of Him unto eterpal
salvation. Under the touch of a brother,s
grip, our heart would leap to deeds of charity:
bnt We must look beyond our earthly existeuce
the immortal soul claims Its proper devotion
from US. Masonry is a glorious influence, but
it papseth away the clasp of a brothers. hand
Is q sublime Inspiration, but when the sapds of
our life have run from the glass of time,
neither Masonry nor a brothers love can
arouse the dull, cold car of death" When in
spirit we come to cross the dark river to the
shore of eternity. VIC will go unattended by
our blessings of this world we shall then need
the sanctifJing love of God, our pouls must
choose the righteousness of Heavenly peace,
and only by the loving clasp or strong grip OF
the Lion of the tribe of Judat can we be led to
everlasting salvation before the throne of AL
nifty God.
Mr.. George w. Eeisenring, post
master and merchant at