Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1897-01-01

times of the greatest ignorance the lamp
of knowledge was kept burning by the
/ brethren, to whom the world owes a
debt OF gratitude that is little suspected.
The study of the sciences, more particu-
larry the science of mathematics, was
strongly insisted upon at the initiation
of members. And i'll their haudsgeometry
| became more than an abstract specula-
ton, being turned to the highest practi-
cal uses. But the secrets of mathemat-
les are no longer the exclusive property
of a body OF men, on the contrary they
are open to all. The truths of the science
served to make the initiated free, but
the gates of education are now open
wide, and masonry as a propaganda OF
culture has passed away for ever. Then
when we consider Freemtsonry from the
militant point of view we find that while
this spirit was an important phase Gifts
evolution, vet it was not of it's essential
nature. There have been oeca sions i'll
the history of the world when justice
was not a prominent feature of local adj
mnistration. In such times and under
such conditions, the Order became a soci-
ETY. for mutual protection. Indeed, we
may venture to assert that Masonry an
ticipated the idea OF universal Justice.
Certainly this virtue is inculated in
the various degrees conferred. But nomi-
nally, at any rate, the principle OF equity
has permeated society, and today the
Order has but little positive value in that
direction. Neither is Masonry akin to the
demon of war. All recognize that moral
power is superior to brute force, and five
hundred years ago the strife of the bat
tlefield was seen to be a mistake and an
obstacle to progress. Certain isolated
events may seem 10 contradict this state
:, ment, but the fact remains an unshakable
truth. The warlikc instinct has always
been strongest where the principles OF
Masonry were unknown, or not applied.
,
mankind is vigorously denied-not equali-
ty of position for that is impossibIe-but
equality OF opportunity, then conflict and
hatred exist. But all that goes to pro-
duce contentment of mind and system
of practical fraternity, Masonry incul-
Gates. And here we once again perceive
| oil hot he. 1,,I
Church, which brings forth nobler re-
suits than III the days of the Templars.
We understand Masonry. then, to have
thrown aside the militant spirit, while
approprating all that was worthy of
preservation, because its mission is
not hatred apd death, but peace and life.
Well, then, if its distinctly religious, edu-
cational and military aspects have dis
appeared, or have become merged into
the lille and custom OF the world, what
remains for Freemasonry Truly its best
and noblest part, Moral Altrusm, the
great fundamental rule and idea of this
wonderful Order. Integrity of life and
DSHSNOiSHCS vi iClloH. 40 bS Tree 10
witness to the practical value OF these
virtues is a mighty freedom indeed. For
no religious system worthy the name has
ever been divorced from actual life, even
if its standpoint has been entirely mega
tive. However a belief may have adj
vanccd or retrogressed, however philoso-
phical and spiritual, or degraded and
materialistic it may have been, yet it has
always claimed Divine sanction for it's
ordinary standards of living. The high
est Altruism is love, and Masonry need
hardly say insists upon its practice at all
: times. And likewise with knowledge
What we declare for today is practical
application OF all things. Astronomy is
no idle amusement, if it were it would
never be encouraged. Its Truths must
make men free, that is, it must give them
power to navigate their ships and to
make weather forecasts. Again, we do
not erect museums for the biologist and
anatomist, as such, but because we be-
lieve their studies will give freedom to the
surgeon and physician. And so with all
things; Altruism is the end and object of
all research. Need say the same of the
militant spirit whenever the perverse cir
cumstances of life raise it from its slum-
bers? Surely it is selt-evident that the
object of war is more lasting peace;
settlement of the disturbing elements OF
society; the spread OF love and knowl-
edge; the crushing out of tyranny and
; injustice. The love of man to man there
fore underles all human effort for good.
The logical conclusion of the Masonic
idea is the truest freedom. At all times
it has borne honorable witness to the
dignity of manhood. 1t has taught it by
precept, Swallowed it by ritual. declaredit
in the thousands of upright members it
has numbered. Understanding that man.
kind is unique in the possession of reason
and social capacity, all its influence has
been in direction favorable to the de-
velopment of these faculties. We have
continually been taught that there is
something for each one Of us to become
in contrast to what he is. Brethren, the
present which we enjoy is the full pos
session of the past Out OF the mistakes,
out of the aspirations, out of the efforts.
and out of the glories of the years de-
parted we reap the Truth; the Ti.nth