New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-07-25
TPTE MASONIC WORK.

While a correct knowledge Of our ceremonies
and familiarity with the ritual of the degrees is
essential and important, yet it is the least and
easiest duty 10 discharge That which we call
work is not the work of membership but
= the work of the lodge only. Our individual work
IN it's broad. comprehensive and true sense. is
the interest and collective development of kind
ness and benevolence for mankind in every rela-
ton of life.
70 this work every Mason has declared Of his
Gown free will' 10 be the motive. and only one he
had, when he sought admission and pledged his
endeavors to faithfully eXemplify in spirit,
in deed. the obligations he assumed in each de-
gree OF his advancement 1t has ever been such
with every initiate since Masonry had its origin.
and apty represents the quality and character and
intentions that pervade the system of Masonry In
all its various departments, and for the reason
that Masonry has the world as its field Of opera
ton and humanity the candidate and subject To
instruct and enlighten the novtiate. and alike the
initiate, and teach him that Masonry regards
and is promotive of the temporal and future hap
pness of mankind. General observance among
many OF our lodges goes to show, appre-
bend. reluctantly. that the work of too many of
the lodges is the only duty discharged, and with
the Master and Wardens. with few exceptions the
only duties taught the initiates, wholly neglecting
the great truths inculcated by the symbols of
the different degrees They too often forget that
the candidate for admission comes asking for the
light which Masonry has TO give, and who too
often leaves the lodge-room with the faintest
conception, If any all, Of the true light which
Masonry designs to impress upon the senses" of
its votares How many Masters and Wardens
and laymen there to-day who fully compre
bend what true light in Masonry means? How
many who, beyond what is printed in monitors,
can stand up before the novitate and elucdate
and make plain to the understanding and pract-
cal, the beautiful system Of Masonry from
actual knowledge. learned from their
searches In the schools of thought and investiga-
ton where Aristotle and CONTIGUOUS consumed
the midnight OIL and sat in wondrous awe at the
feet of the Gamaliel OF pagan darkness and the
mystic clouds that obscured their mental vision.
10 learn without guide, except from the stars of
heaven. before which they bowed in subdued
alteration and their incognate convictions. born
OF the soul to learn something of the elements of
that moral philosophy which they had but feebly
discovered and called 1t truth and the golden
gateway 10 immortality from the brain of these
old pagan philosophers sprang the fundamental
principles OF moral philosophy, as taught from
and and has been the guide OF ali who have foowed
them in the schools or moral and intellectual
eriuTe WITH the Occult left out than ard me
ancients;. but the treasures which they have
Constitute considerable portion Of our education
to-day, and the thoughts and doctrines of those
best represent "occultism' give an idea of
its meaning and application to and for the Ma
sonic student And 10 those OF US who would dis
cover and possess the kernel. rather than the
shell hidden in the ornate drapery OF alegory and
the emblems Of speech which as men and
Masons must continue study and for the reason
the pagan world produced men of genius and hap
pened 10 live before us on the globe and before
the light OF civilization and Christianity and
straight" captured the soul in the halls Of
thought TO give Us clear glimpses OF heaven and
immortality
Again. how many who chosen year after year
as our Masters 10 teach as moral educators and
irLress the candidates before them for instruction
with the important fact that prayer is essential
element IN Masonry; and we may well ask. how
many inform themselves Of the great moral truths
taught by the symbols or fraternity but con-
tent themselves Win mere SeIni-famliarity with
the rites and cabal!sm of our sublime rituals?
IT, then. those IN authority are not able to teach
how can we expect tho membership 10 become
jealous in the observance and discharge OF their
duties and. most OF ali. realize the magItude and
sacredness OF their obligations?
Too many OF US seem 10 think that in becoming
Easons We secure personal advantages and protec-
ton with no duties 10 perform or work TO do I'm
the advancement OF humanity and in the field OF
Masonic labor or even the cultivation of brotherly
love.
This is a mistake that has wrought great evil TO
the OF Masonry. How easily this could be
prevented II in the EFFORT TO secure material the
building up OF lodges less readiness was mani
tested By those. TO put IL plainly, who recruit from
among the profane. securing unworthy men, who
really profane. and known such, and not
deserving association among good men whose
character and worth cannot be. after utilization.
misinterpreted by the world at large. by the COM
muniy In which they have lived. and from their ac-
coptance their judgment is formed guilty of com
mingling with men Of bad repute. and whose repu-
tations reproach and faint 10 any people
and disgrace In lodges they OUT OF
them. JOHN II. ANDERSON
lie Roy N Y.