The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-12-25

EfSSElzA the earth to form ''society''
&S7JT they associated themselves
U.s. for mutual profit or pleasure. In
S3 human societythere have always been
~ many grades. Those of the highest
intellectually naturally sought each other
and found pleasure in mutual intercourse,
while the less gifted took their places on
lower levels. Those who occupied the
higher platforms banded themselves to-
gether in a brotherhood from which others
were excluded. Such was the origin of
secret societies.
The Oldest voluminous records we have
of secret societies, or mysteries, are those
Of Greece, which date back about 5000
years. These Grecian societies were more
the adjuncts of religion than the embodi-
ment OF the idea of fraternity, although
the latter sentiment was developed in them
at later date. With crime and the conse-
quent consciousness of guilt came the feel
ing Of the necessity of some way to regain
what was lost. The Greek mysteries,
or secret societies, were the re-
plies given to the craving of the
Greek mind for more intimate
communion with its gods. Their declared
object was to restore ''man's soul to that
state from which it fell, as from its native
seat of perfection" The obligations of the
initiates were to lead pure and virtuous
life and the societies were the repositories
of higher religious truth than the multi
tude knew of.
Pythagoras introduced the idea of fra
ternity and the duties man owed to his fel-
low ba .
and practiced purity, justice, abstemious-
ness and truth in the midst of an age OF I'M
usual excuses, corruption and deceit. The
teachings of the secret societies have al
ways been OF a higher moral tone than was
prevalent in the world. AS the ancients
advanced in civilization and emerged from
darkness, some secret society was always
the leader. At first the numbers belonging
to these organizations were small, as but
few dared to lift th veil that hid the face
OF Isis from the vulgar gaze;" but these
societies have been OF incalculable benefit
to mankind and the wisest and best of
men have been their founders and
chief members. Not only does this
apply to the ancients, but in
modern times the best and foremost men
of all nations, sages, statesmen, authors
and ministers of religion in every cline
gather around the affairs OF the different
organizations. There must be something
good, some everlasting truth at the fouu-
dalton Of institutions which have with
stood the attacks of hosts of enemies and
the vicissitudes of time for thousands of
years and are to-day more vigorous, more
flourishing and spreading more rapidly than
at any time of their previous history Like
the grand utterances of Isaiah, the almost
divineIy inspired verses of Homer and
the creations of the thousand-souled Shake
speare, they will last whilst the world
lasts because there is truth in them; not a
truth for any one age or any one century,
but truth for all mankind; their princi-
pies are true forever.
Modern secret societies have no secrets
IN the sense that the societies have any
principles they would keep from the world.
Their principles and aims are freely pub
lshed to all men. They simply strive to
impress on the minds of all who enter
their portals these principles in a
way that they will never forget
them. This is done by the use
of certain symbols and symbolic
acts. These, with the means
of recognition are the only secrets they
have. BY symbols is more effectual way
of teaching than by words. Fantasy, with
her kaleidoscope forms, plays into the
dominion of reason and not the logical fac
ulty but the imaginative one; it is that
rules men even TO themselves unconscious
t =.
sciously or even unconsciously live, work
and have their being. Instances of thous-
ands of soldiers being cut into mince- meat,
all for possession Of "a piece of glazed rag
which they called their aag,n are not by
any means rare. The possession of the
flag after all, is but a mere fantasy.
Hence it is that members of the secret or
ders being impressed and inspired by the
symbolic teaching hold to the truths thus
taught, and for their PRINCIPLES are ready
to emulate the soldier fighting for the pos
session of his colors.
The great aim of the secret orders of to-
day is TO bring about state of things such
as will enable man TO go to his fellow with
confidence and trust in him implicitly.
Nothing OF a sectarian or political character
is allowed to enter their portals. Friend
ship, love, truth, charity, fraternity aud
benevolence are their ruling principles.
liberation in religion, obedience to law
and loyalty to government are taught. Mu.
tual assistance in all the affairs of life is
cardinal principal with all the orders
Their laws are in accordance with reason
and equity. Their doctrines inspire purity
Of thought and life, and love of truth. Their
intentions are peace On earth and good will
howard men.
Owing to peculiar conditions which have
existed in Utah, the establishment and
growth Of secret societies in the territory
has been slow and difficult. The Mormon
population have been closely united in a re-
ligious brotherhood. the like of which does