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

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interpose to molify the severity of its ad-
ministration. For it should always be re-
membered that
Earthly power doth then show likest Gods,
When mercy tempers Justice"
The truth we teach makes no compromise
with Error. 1t scorns deceit as cowardly
and mean; and holds evasion to be the weak
handmade of the bolder lie 1t permits
nothing false or impure TO touch its stainless
robe; but takes to its embrace all that is
faithful, honest and sincere.
In the principle of Fraternity, Freema-
sonry furnishes another element Of security
to the State. The ties of Brotherhood,
spreading all over the land, are so many
bonds holding together widely separated
and divergent peoples. As every heart
throb is felt from the tips Of the toes 10 the
crown of the head so the heart throbs of
our Order are felt aiar as well as near. Like
the mysterious current which flashes mes
sages of love over mountains and across the
seas so the subtle force of sympathy leaps
from heart to heart.
And if, perchance, sectional interests
should cause political enlargement; and
the conflict of opinions should be followed
by the clash of arms, the spirit of Fraternity
hoyers over the field of strife, and breaihes
its softening influence upon hearts which
having once felt, will always yield to its
power.
During our late unhappy civil war-which
brought destruction, desoation and death to
your beautiful and fruitful valley-there
were many instances of the voice of Mason
ry calling the followers of one dag to ten
der ministration to those who had fallen
while faithfully following the banner of the
foe. In the angriest hour of the canfict
there never was a time when the obligations
of Freemasonry were not recognized. Civil
governments were overturned, churches were
disrupted, society was demoralizsd, but this
Institution stood unshaken and secure
The spirit of fraternity excites a feeling
of charity not alone amongst the Brother
hood, but toward all mankind, And here
again the influence of Freemasonry adds to
the strength and sDlidity of the State. Por
the fabric of civil government can have no
more substantial and enduring buttresses
than a common sympathy between all Of its
citizens.
This charity does not merely relieve phys
ical wants but sooths the troubled mind,
and pours its balm into the wounded heart.
1t is not sounding brass and tinkling Gym
BAR but fuiltoned organ which fills the
air with a sublime anthem, and gives melo-
dy and sweetness 10 life. From its presence
narrow minded bigotry, the nursing mother
of prosecuting intolerance, crawls away to
its dark aud dismal home.
| wonder if we all grasp the full meaning
of charity Is it a ready response to the APP
peals of the necessitous? is it the eyer open
purse, and the ever liberal hand Yes, it is
that. but it is far more than that He who
in a mere perlunctory way ministers to the
wants Of others, may relieve the physical
distress Of the unfortunate; he may drive
the wolf from the threshold, and expel anx-
iety and trouble from the freside; but if
that is ALL his acts lose more than half their
value.
"He gives nothing but worthless gold,
Who gives from sense Of duty.
When Shakespeare said that mercy, or
charity "is twice blessed-it blesseth him
that gives and him that takes" he meant
not that charity which gives without thought
and without feeling which is sent cold and
naked on its mission but a charity SPRING
isg spontaneously from warm and gener-
Gus heart, clothed with the beauty and ra-
diant with the smile OF sympathy; which
hastens with glad alacrily, if only to place
cup of water to a thirsty Brothers lips
This true idea of Masonic charity is beau
tifully portrayed in Loweil's "Vision Of Sir
Launfal.o A rich and noble knight had
made n VOW to go in quest Of the Holy Grail.
With all the pride and pomp Of his position
and wealth, he rode out from his castle,
crossed the draw-bridge, and on his journey
saw. crouched at the roadside, a wretched
leper begging aims. In lordly and repul-
sive way the knight threw him some coins,
and passed on with ayerted face. The years
rolled by, while the knight with steadfast
zeal continued his search for the missing
treasure. After years Of wearisome travel,
after many privations and bardships and
much suffering, the knight grown old and
careworn and feeble, and humbled from his
fruitles search, turned homewards. Again
he encounters the outcast and suffering
leper. But now he sees in him an image Of
The Man Of Sorrows; and dismounting,
hastens to him with words Of heartfelt sym
pathy, and shares with him his last crust Of
bread
As Sir Launfal unused with downc1st face
light shown round about the place
The leper no longer crOuched at his SIDE
But stood before him glorihed,
Shining and fair, and tall and straight,
As the pillar that stood az the beautiful gaze
Himself, the Gate whereby men