The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1892-12-28

and intimately connected with the tradi-
tons OF our order
\ tragedy OF deepest pathos which
calls forth the heartfelt pity in the breast
of the initiate. but which bears with it
solemn lesson OF resurrection and inn
mortality.
\ drama whereof the moral is that man
may perish, bat that his spjr tual part
and his virtues, that fidelity, truth and
love remain imperlshable.
Our ancient and honorable order has
had the reproach laid at its door that it
INDUCES in useless and childish mysti
cism. Who that understands the deeper
import of our legends and the beautiful
and comforting lessons which We gain
from them, will echo the accusation?
Has not the Saviour spoken in para
bles? Are the poems of the inspired
writers without merit and OF less value
than because the noble thoughts III them
appear in attractive disguise?
|. There may be myths and tictions in
our ritual, but they detract nothing from
the noble aims and aspirations of our in
stitution. Our Order has been accused of
fomenting discomfort, undermining reig-
ious faith and creating dangers for States
this. One OF our earliest instructions en-
joins obedience to the law, loyalty TO the
country, forbearance with those who diff
fer from US in creed.
Henry Of Beaufort, the Cardinal of Win
chester, succeeded in suppressing the
meetings and conventions of Masons dur
ing the minority OF Henry the VI. Of
England. After the King attained his
majority he not only caused this order to
be repealed, but became a member and
a patron Of the Freemasons, and his sue
cessor, Henry the VII was one of the
Grand Masters of the Order.
In 1899, when secret political societies
mainly OF anarchists, sprung up like
mushrooms, prohibitory law against
secret societies was enacted by Parlia-
ment, but the Masonic Order was honor
ably excepted from its provisions, show
ing pretty clearly that our Order has not
favored sedition or lawlessneSs.
The fact that Masonic tenets discoun-
tenance bigotry and intolerance has Gre
ated prejudice against masonry in the
minds OF bigots and fanatics, and those
who weakly follow them. Our Order has
been accused of eXerting deleterious in
huence upon us in our public relations
and functions.
Those who are of US know how ground
less those charnnS are They know that
We are taught to fulfill our duties with
answering rectitude and impartiality,
but always with charity toward the weak
and erring. We do not cOuntenance OPP
preston, or cruelty, or crime, or vice in
our Order, but in the exercise of that
virtue which is the foundation and rea-
son for the existence Of Masonry in the
exercise Of charity, we try to save, to
redeem, to console, to encourage the err
ring brother, without, however, interior
ing with human Justice.
This is not defense against cavilers.
In the consciousness of the probity of our
aims and deeds, our Order needs no de-
tense. The binding force which unites
us as though we were brothers by blood
and affinity, is charity, the ever recurring
lesson in our Masonic life is TO restrain
our passions and that to curb that strong
est of our impulses-our selfishness. We
have been accused of exclusiveness. AS
in natural relationship, we usually give
greater scope TO affection and consider
ateness to our relatives, 50 it is true that
in our Masonic relations we are more
strongly inclined to those who are ac-
copied in our brotherhood, than to those
who are not bound to US.
The reason OF this IS not only that we
expect and know ourselves to be entitled
to reciprocal consideration, but because
we are assured that those whom we aid,
comfort and sustain are generally worthy
Of it.
Mistakes may occur. All human
schemes and contrivances are imperfect.
Perfection by the grace of the Grand
Master OF the Universe we may, and
hope to attain hereaiter-not in this life.
But as a system to join in universal
brotherhood all free, educated, yrtuous
and unselfsh men regardless of religion,
regardless of nationality, regardless OF
station, regardless OF wealth-none other
has ever approached FTeemasonry in
promise or for hope OF fruition.
No other attempt has ever been made
by the civilized part of the human race
to smooth the approach of man to man
in fraternal affection and loving forbear-
ance, and to carry out Christ'5 COM
mands OF love for our fellow men.
The tender solicitude OF Masons Tor I'M
fortunate and sick brothers, and for the
widows and orphans OF departed mem
bers of the order; the ready and gracious
help and consideration which they &C.
cord 10 brother Masons who are
strangers; the patient forbearance which
they show TO weak and erring brothers
who are not past redemption; the courte-
GUS Difference to those who are OF differ
ent creeds, political opinions, or nation
atty, all these are the result of Masonic
teaching.
Nor do We conine our charitable acts
to our own Masonic family exclusively.
Whenever and wherever the cry OF dis
tress proclaimed a public calamity, the
Masons were in the van with others in
procuring and carrying relief to the
stricken communities.
Whenever and wherever institutions
for the advancement OF education or the
relief Of the sick were created by public
contribution, the Masons stood side by
side with other generous men in promot-
ing the work
Ii such is the effect of Masonic lessons,
We can well overlook the SCOTS at our
claims for antiquity, at our peculiarlties
OF ritual and language, and at our harm
less pomp.
Upon the heaven implanted founda-
ton OF charity our house is built Not
alone tina, charity which Is prompted by
the sight OF suffering and misery, not
alone that charity which is evoked be-
cause we feel that fate has dealt more
Kindly with Us than with those whose
misfortune appeals 10 our generosity,
but that higher charity which in the
words OF the gospel covereth a multi
tude OF siG5.
That charity which leaves pride be-
hind, and making US conscious of our