The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1893-01-03

and another tnlrd 10 relTesninenG ana re-
pose
Again the plumb, a symbol to teach
us to walk uprightly in the sight OF God
and man; the square 10 teach US to
practice honestly in all our dealings
the level to remind us OF the right of all
mankind to equal consideration.
We have also our traditions. The out
side world derides them as mythical
and puerile, but we find in them sub
lime teaching; we find in them ethics
far above any other except the gospel !;
We find in them thoughts above sub
lunary aspirations; we find in them a
guide and inspiration to the noblest
efforts OF humaness.
Ii we believe those traditions feeling
and knowing that their influence works
good, why should the outside world OBJ
iect?
In every word, in every legend, in
every charge and in every lecture in
Masonry nothing is contained except
that which makes man purer and better.
Ali our lore teens with admonitions to
be charitable, to be just, to be honest, to
be temperate, to be loyal, as men and as
citizens.
Then if we choose to place the begin
ming OF our institution as coeval with the
beginning of the world, or with the
time of the flood, or with the build
ing OF the temple at Jerusalem, or
with any time, and accept that as
an esoteric fact, whom does it concern ?
1t is only, the purposes of Masonry
which may concern the world at large.
What are those purposes? Essentially
these: To command the practice OF
charity, not in its narrower, but in its
broader application; to improve the mind
and to preserve the morale OF the men,
bers.
To promote good fellowship and fra
ternal love among men who are not
bound thereto by blood relationship.
To remove irritating differences created
through diversity OF nationality or relig-
ion. To bring all our fellowmen, as far
as possible, to recognition OF the broth
erhood OF mankind and of the necessity
and propriety OF goodwill among all men
and nations To enable us by precept
and example TO curb our passions, re-
press our selfish aims and learn to prac-
tice that consideration toward others
which is distinguishing mark of gentle
men.
These aims are noble and high enough
to condone for the slight offence of pomp
in our traditions, in our rites and in our
regalia. There is a seriousness and So
lemnity in our work which may well ex-
clude the commonplace from our cere-
monies.
The site upon which our temple is to
stand is connected with some historic
of the town OF Honolulu.
Upon this land, where few months ago
the COW of our good friend DR.. McGrew
was wont TO chew the solitary cud and
where now the busy noise of the builders
resounds, stood in olden times Temple
of Thespis devoted to the drama and to
music
In that house many OF the masterpieces
OF the poets were presented for the in
struction OF the art-loving citizens of Ho-
nolulu; in it were heard beautiful strains
OF music, and delightful songs of some
of the great artists of the day.
In that house were evoked touching
of homes and of loved ones far
away from this ultima thule of Western
civilization.
What more appropriate site for our
Masonic temple could have been chosen?
As fellowcrafts we were hidden to culti-
vate the seven liberal arts, among them
grammar, rhetoric and music. And is
there not, moreover, in the Masters de-
gree a drama? A drama most closely
and intimately connected with the tradi-
tons of our order
A tragedy of deepest pathos which
calls forth the heartfelt pity in the breast
Of the initiate, but which bears with it a
solemn lesson of resurrection and i'm
A drama whereof the moral is that man
may perish, but that his spiritual part
and his virtues, that fidelity, truth and
ove remain imperishable.
Our ancient and honorable order has
nad the reproach laid at its door that it |
INDUCES in useless and childish mysti-
,ism. Who that understands the deeper |
import of our legends and the beautiful |
and comforting lessons which we gain |
rom them, will echo the accusation?
Has not the Saviour spoken in para
0les? Are the poems OF the inspired
writer's without merit and OF less value |
han because the noble thoughts in them |
appear in attractive disguise?
There may be myths and fctions in |
'ur ritual, but they detract nothing from |
he noble aims and aspirations OF our in
Our Order has been accused OF !
omenting discomfort, undermining relig- |
GUS faith and creating dangers for States
md Churches. How far from the truth is
his. One of our earliest instructions en-
oins obedience to the law, loyalty to the |
forbearance with those who diff
er from US in creed.
Henry of Beaufort, the Cardinal OF Win
chester, succeeded in suppressing the
meetings and conventions of Masons dur
ng the minority OF Henry the VI. of |
England. After the King attained his
majority he not only caused this order to
,e repealed, but became member and
patron OF the Freemasons, and his sue
:essor, Henry the VII, was one of the
irand Masters of the Order.
In 1899, when secret political societies
mainly OF anarchists, sprung up like
a prohibitory law against
ecret societies was enacted by Parlia-
nent, but the Masonic Order was honor
bly, excepted from its provisions, show