New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-12-05
DEPARTMENT
THE MORAL STRENGTH OF MASONRY.

THE MORAL STRENGTH OF MASONRY.
Loaded with the charms Of antiquity MASONRY
attracts those who love to dwell IN the pas' anu
delve in the ancient and antique. FASCINATED
nv Its mysteries and by its secret ceremonies II
attracts the student. though. sad TO CONFESS 'o'
often, also the curious. but the ouiK OF us men"
beers. the vast majority OF those VINO apply io'
admission, and who become devoted meHoeIs'
are attracted by the moral force OF masonry u!
the strong moral fertilization which SURROUNDS
the institution and the strong moral CHAR
II throws around the individual member a sneet-
anchor Of safety and rock. very safe c"aoe''
to cling 70 at all times.
rb. moral character exerts and shows Its In
duence upon the individual. upon community
.rd unon a nation. The brilliant speaker Is
listened TO with admiration; we look In amaze
ment upon the tricks Of the willy politician. we
like TO associate with the wit or with the
learned. but we love the man OF moral char
sc,er the man of truth. we seek his friendship.
We are proud to call him friend and brother, we
cling TO him with hooks OF steel The rather.
with strong moral force will rear good FAMILY;
the head of a firm with moral strength VIII
exert his good influence throughout all his pusi-
ness connections: the golden thread OF truth OK
moral propty, will wind around and around
and may be seen and felt down to the very OF
Ace-boy. The head Of any body Of men, the
chief Of any organization. with moral character,
will gather around him the best men IN that or
ranization and will exert a far-reachng lhhu-
ence for the good Of all concerned
The Queen Of England Is not generally cred
tied as being a brilliant woman. or grea'l!
skilled in statecraft,, but she is beloved as d
good woman with strong moral iorce, ana Mili
all the proffigacy of the English arstocracy
and the many scandals that occur ana are
brought before the public. Victoria has kept the
Court OF St James In the purest moral Amos
phere and never a breath Of scandal dared 10
leach the sacred circle Of her family; and all
this was accomplished by the moral force OF her
unimpeachable character. and the entire nation
has benefited by the glorious example set then
by the good Queen - ,, . 49,
moral force Of a mans character. Inc time
for electing officers is upon US during the pres
ent month the various positions IN our loa,es
will be filled by the vote OF the brethren Inc
master the wardens and all the officers are 10
he chosen anew Bring none to the froit OUT
he who is honest and honestly devoted TO the
hest interest of the fraternity. II may be a par
donable pride to boast of the skilful ri'iaiist
who occupies the east of your lodge. Or YOU RAY
feel secure under the guidance OF the man WITH
legal lore and we'll versed in Masonic ,uslspru-
dence but place your confidence in me nan
with moral force of character. He can be relied
upon at all times and under all circumstances,
and will in the end be of much more credit
TO YOUR lodge and to Masonry than the brilliant
Influence wealth.
Your lodge will benefit much more by having
a master of undoubted probity. Of good forceful
morals, than by "pomp and show" Never place
ability above honesty in Masonry-honesty first
and always foremost Select carefully, choose
wisely and you Will have nothing TO regret;
but keep the maxim before you that Masonry
must ever shine and be appreciated by the man
Of truth by the man with moral force OF char
acter and that these will attract and hold
others Of like calibre, of like standing and char