The herald., 1896-02-23

were inscribed by its followers have yielded
to the ravages of Time; but though the
monument of its primeval glory in Egypt
and its subsequent more glorious consecra-
ton in the city of David and of Solomon
have passed away, yet it has outlived them
ALL Retaining its ancient laws, observing
its tiine-honored rites and ceremonies, its
professors dispensing, as of yore, their Sc
ctet charities, while conversing in q hidden
language and responding to the silent call
of fraternity-Maso continues in all
things through ali ages the same.
Governments have risen, fourished and
disappeared: still Masonry holds on its
course. unaffected by the mutations which
have wrought change in all things that are
simply human; and so will it continue till
The great globe itself
And All which 1t inherits be dissolved,
And like the baseless fabric of a vision
Leave not wreck behind
In ''strength is our house established"
having as its cornerstone the most en-
larged charity. Alteration of the au gust
Deity is the first great lesson taught
within its hallowed precincts. The liberal
arts and sciences are fostered by its in
mates. Music-the music OF peace and
harmony-is heard within it's borders. AS
tronomy. that contemplates the glorious
works of creation. and which leads man
directly from nature up to natures God, is
here appreciated and recommended,
Architecture gave Masonry it's origin, and
still leads it by its symbols, while geom-
etry is established as the basis of this
order. IL teaches our duty to God, our
neighbor and ourselves, SO that at the close
of our earthly career we may enjoy the
happy reflection consequent upon we'll
spent lives and die in the nope of glorious
immortality.
In every age Masonry has constituted
the most indissoluble bond which unites
man with man. No private prejudices nor
personal animosities, no national objec-
tions nor political opposition are per-
mitted to check the free exercise of it's
brotherly love or stay the succoring hand
in time of need. Around its sacred altar
meet the inhabitants of different climes.
There The Jew and Gentle may worship
the same God, and these rep resentatives of
the two dispensations may meet each
other in >ntidence and love, bound to-
gether as they are by bonds of fraternaI
feeling. This is the only spot upon the
earth where they can thus meet, and this is
one OF the triumphs OF Masonry.
Masonry thus casts around distant lands
philanthropy's connecting zone, and binds
together in the same bond of vital human
sympathy The entire human family.
Members of the fraternity of different
nations can communicate in the universal
language, and be sure. under all circum-
stances, of finding an ''attentive ear" an
.'outstretched hand" and "faithful
breast.''
Sweet are its uses in adversity. When
the offices OF general philanthropy can
not reach us, then Masonry triumphs in the
exercise of its transcendent charities. The
noblest sphere of its operation is in re-
dressing the grievances of neglected, in
jured merit; investigating the wants and
supplying the needs of the unfortunate,
relieving pain, plying and soft enng in
firmity, and admiring aud fostering virtue.
The true Mason seeks his Ianguishing
brother, revives his dropping spirits, bathes
his aching brow, watches DER and admins
ters TO his fevered form and finally wipes.
the death damp from his face, closes his
eyes and performs the last sad offices
of fraternal affection. ''His love is
stronger than DEATH He ministers to the
family of his deceased brother, and re-
lieves their distress in so far as he is able.
These, briefly, are some of the purpos es
professions and practices of the glorious
brotherhood. There are those unconnected
with the fraternity who are disposed to
"give honor to whom honor is DUE" but
there have been times when the prejudiced
nave heaped contumely on the order But
those days have gone by, and as every
Mason, with eyes steadfastly fixed on the
light shining in the east, seeks steadfastly
to guide his footsteps in accordance with
the precepts he has learned in his pursuit
of knowledge. the suspicious and preiu-
dices of the past days serve only as
shadows to throw into stronger relief the
bene1icent intent Of the great Masonic
ORDER