Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-15

tinually reaching ont into the future. Whils
Conservative of our ancient landmarks art
fundamental principles, time honored ia-
deed, we cannot afford to remain content
With traditions. These may prove for our
institution the dry rot which will pull down
our magnificent fabric.
Or, if we build of stone, each individual
block of granite or marble must be a per-
feet ashlar, true and trusty, fitting and fill
ing its intended space in the grand work
msnship of the editice.
Our ideal should incite to loftier aim and
import nobler action. The uplifting of hu-
manity, making our brother men wiser and
happier, the correct knowledge and zellous
practice of our sublime tenets, these and
the correlated virtues and precep:s should
form our aspiration in this day.
| Let the consciousness that the eyes of a
watchful world are comparing and contras-
ting Git may be- our promise and our pro-
gress.
| Seek not the applause of men for your
reward; but relieve distress, protect inno-
cence, uphold honor, applaud merit, defend
virtue, and the approving conscience i'm
parts the joy which satistieth the heart.
| With such ideals, and in such service,
never forgetting that We are of the father
hood of God and the brotherhood of man,
We need not fear the sneers of the few un-
thinking, soulless. envious people who curse
every live community or organization.
Fear cometh not to
"Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and steady
hands,
Men whom the lust of office will not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Men who have opinions and a will;
Men who have honor men who will not Iie.''
Nor should our cardinal virtues become
the property of the few. As Masons we
have no favored aristocracy who can mon
opolize education, freedom of thought, in
dustry, integrity. liberty and truth. Every
earnest soul, with the inspiration of courage,
devotion, and faith in our magnificent pos
sibilities, may command a share of these
possessions, and by unwearied zeal in this
beneficent work, unsullied honor, with
Faith, Hope and Charity" uplifting
watchwords in this our warfare, shining
brighter and brighter upon our banners,
we may press on to that larger accomplish
ment that awaits the valiant soldier.
1t was but recently, brethren, that got
hint that an address was to come from
me, today, and time has not been given me
from other duties to elaborate any thoughts,
but in these hastily written words bring to
you the rough blocks from the quarry. Take
these hints and suggestions, as you take the
rough ashlar, and in your lives make them
the more perfect ashlars of the living
temples of the soul. and with the divine
model and exemplar as your guide, fit your
minds and hearts as living stones in that
Spiritual Temple to which all true aspira-
ton points, that temple of Light mex
tinguishable, and inexhsustible.
Let us bury the rubbish of the past, and
the present, too, and keep pace with active,
aggressive, busy, humanity, yearning for
"Honest aim and true cnieavor,
Earnest work with patient might,
Hoping, trusting, singing ever,
Battling b'avely for the right
Loving tod and men forgvipg, 81.
Helping weaker feet TO stand,
Make our days life worth living
Make it noble, make il grand"
Rev. J. f. Leland then read the follow
mo original moan,