New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-21
TIE DTTT or THE LEADERS.

Mankind IS prone 20 Imitation. and IN much Of
ne &c irresponsible for the shadows IN his char
scter and the train Of his existence. From in
fancy we catch the ideas and conform 70 the
manners Of parents and friends. As we
r-ess onward N life we follow and copy those
whom We respect and esteem supe-iors. ven
a-a+e IS instructors and leaders, or love as
friends This works through example slowly,
gradually and ins.-iously, but yet very power
fully. The man is the reflex frst OF his sur
roundings in youth; second, Of his friends in
manhood and lastly Of those whom he looks up
- those whom he has enthroned in his mind and
conscience as his superiors and his leaders
Men becorrs leaders in society, in business
ard in Masonry By force of circumstances, by
force OF character. by superior knowledge and
experience. and BY the earnest and sincere de-
votion TO the cause. and they may be and often
are held responsible by their followers for the
success or failure Of the cause. There exists in
the human mind a sentiment OF elevated and
instructive admiration for the more stern and
positive side Of our nature. We admire the
force4ul man. the daring soldier. the bold and
fearless leader. the outspoken and open brother
at all tines and are generally willing 10 ask and
accept his advice in many things.
Upon the parent Of the child then and the
leaer Of the man rests the responsibility Of the
Impressions left upon the younger element upon
the followers And In Masonry. as in the church.
Or In all those organizations which are placed
above the sordid materialisn Of everyday life.
which have for their aim a higher and nObler
sphere more than ordinary responsibility rests
upon the leaders, upon the elders. for the younger
.thren receive now the imprint Of the veteran,
ana when they IN turn become the leaders Of the
craft and assume the place OF The veteran work.
er these impressions received to-day viii work
good Or harm tomorrow according 70 the iniu-
ences used to-day.
u Masonry, more than anywhere else. only
the very highest ideal aim should be placed be-
fore he members Of the craft All the brethren
should have the great aim. the ultimate object.
the attainment OF truth and charity. and here
ure can do much good in giving and leaving
healthy and sound impressions upon all the earn
workers IN the craft. These are. first the Past
Masters. and. second, the veteran workers IN the
ClarTies. as Well the regular organized vet
erau associations. Much responsibility rests
upon these 10 guide the brethren il the right
path ana raise the banner Of Masonry O. its
higher and higher ideal. II i true thar every
body has some influence. everybody can do some
good even The newest and youngest entered
APPRENTICE" but It is natural that 10 the elder
to the veterans. 10 the Past Masters and 70 the
banner carriers 10 the leaders. must first look
for advice. Cor guidance and for those honest,
true Masonic sentiments which viii ever carry
masses Of the craft with them: while there these
brethren have the honor Of their positions upon
them rests great responsibility. and much OF
the good and welfare of the Masonry Of tO-rnOr
row depend upon their actions Of to-day.