Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1896-05-06

Do we, as Freemasons, constantly breathe
forth that spirit of charity under which in
tolerance must wither and die? DO we real
ize that we may give our bodies to be burn
ed, and bestow our aims to feed the poor,
and yet have not charity of the highest.
grandest and divinest type?
When Paul saw the opulent and luxu-
rious Corinthians worshiping false Gods in
their splendid temple, he was greiyed. But
he was more grieved when he saw those of
the true faith embittered in strife, and con-
tending some for Paul, some for Apollas and
some for Cephas. 1t was then he wrote that
letter, which for concise logic, elegant die
ton, earnest entreaty, tender feeling, mag
unanimous and liberal spirit never has been,
AID never will be surpassed. Then he drew
that graphic picture of charity, which stands
upon the canvas undimmed by age, unfair
nished by superstition, scepticism Of false
philosophy-a perpetual rebnke TO all that
is sordid or selfish, intolerant, malicious or
charity enyeth not; seeketh not her own
is not easily provoked; thinketh no evil;
beareth all things; believeth all things;
hoptth all things; endureth all things"
How symmetrical and sublime a charac-
ter would that be modelled and controlled by
such rules as these No cruel sarcasm or
bitter irony no readiness TO take or give
offence; no critical watchfulness or unkind
suspicion, no lurking, envy or secret malice,
no eager listening 10, or retailing of idle
scandal no narrow bigotry or intolerance;
but broad and liberal minded, warm heart
ed, loving nature which beauties and en-
mobiles humanity, and makes life brighter
and purer and sweeter
A proper understanding and assiduous
application of the plumb, the compass and
the square will make every Freemason illus
.trate in his daily life the beauties Of the
Fraternity aud will show to the world the
breadth, the wealth, the power, the blessed
ness, the glory of charity.
Brothers of Malta Lodge, as you have this
evening dedicated a new Hall to the services
of our Order, may you dedicate yourselves
anew to a faithful exemplifcation of the
principles you are taught within the Lodge.
Make this the commencement of marvel
ousera of material and moral prosperity and
progress. In all things be fully abreast, if
not in advance of the times. Remember
that the hands cq4IT move backward on
the dial Of time .aTIthe providence of God
the sun cassssie,esd.etill but it ever rolls
on in ceaseless splendor, lighting mans
pathway in an always upward and onward
course, which an immutable decree has
marked out as his inevitable destiny. Civ
lization takes no step backward. Each to-
day is more advanced, richer In reaizations,
fuller of promise than any yesterday. Each
year lifts mankind to a higher plane of op.
portunity, of responsibility, Of duty. If we
prove recreant, Others will snatch the ban
ner from our hands aud lead the advancing
column
Do we realize and appreciate the blessings
and the privileges which in rich abundance
are showered upon this generation Life is
much fuller, nober, brighter and happier
than in any era which has preceded ours
Think Of the wonders wrought by the print
ing press, by the telegraph, the telephone
and the phonograph. In one Of his plays,
Shakespeare makes the Fairy Puck boast
that he could put girdle round about the
earth in forty seconds" This idle vaunt-
ing of the Elphn imp is a startling reality
to-day. Think how the telescope has search
ed out the secrets Of the heavenly bodies,
measured their mountains, mapped the
course Of their streams, and almost discov-
cred the habits Of their people. Think how
commerce has spread and manufactures
have grown, and industries have multiplied
Look at these majestic and magnificent
monuments Of material progress and tell me
when the world has ever seen their paralleF
Then compare the most favored age OF all
the past with ours with respect to moral,
social, humane and religious sentiment and
action. Look at the school houses and COL
leges, the churches, asylums and hospitals,
and the thousand agencies which earnestly
and actively minister to the wants, the weak
nesses. the wretchedness, and sorrows oil our
fellow men. Tell me, was there ever before
such a divine radiance Illuminating The
hearts and works Of man Let US waste no
sentimental sorrow over lost opportunities
TO serve God and man, and win laurel
wreath of glory. The time aud the occasion
are here and now. Let US with glad and
grateful hearts, thank God that we are per-
mitted to live in the Worlds golden age
And let Us see to it that the Thanksgiving IS
proved to be sincere, by lives and labors
which will cause coming generations to look
back and bless US
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