Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-01-17
EASTERN STAR.

Miriam Chapter, No. 1, meets on
Tuesday evening. at which time there
should be every member present 10 ar
range matters. if possible, 10 gather in
TO the starry constellation many more
of the Masons. their wives, daughters,
sisters and mothers into one grand
Masonic family in Wheeling, to assist
the lodges in their work of charity and
benevOlence, and which can be seen
without a magnifying glass by brother
Masons both east and west OF us, and
of the latter part of our great land, 1t is
said. the Chapter in some Jurisdictions
outnumber the lodges, and in them also
they have builded, and are conducting
the affairs of Masonic homes for the
benefit of the aged brethren Of the
Masonic craft, and yet with no proyis-
ion for the womankind of the MosOnic
household. who have the same privi-
lege to enter and to be sheltered from
the cold charities of a selfish world.
NOT ONLY WORK. But ACTION RE
CURED.
Every intelligent craftsman knows that
II is not essentially necessary that a de-
gree should be worked at every meeting
10 make gatherings of brethren 10 not lose
their interest in Masonry, for matters per-
tainiDe. to the history and literature of the
fraternity might be discussed, lectures
might be given. portions of the work might
he exemplifed. and thus the lodge might be
entertained in the highest measure. More
over a. small ledge of a score of members
assembled when congenial in their nature
and I'm the correct manner of doing bust
ness. is more enjoyable and not as un-
wieldv to be governed as foun or five
times that number of bowling dervishes.'
one of our most learned and Jealous
brothers saws: Don't let your lodge over
grow and run 10 seed, but hoe out the
weeds. make clean the soil. and then plant
only good. sound and choice fruit. Ihen
the world art large will admire the quality,
n well as the quantity, OF your members,
and feel the benefit of their ennobing
deeds of love and charity when they see
them prevailing everywhere. Quantity
will not then be regarded with suspicion.
one of the strongest guarantees OF the
continuance of harmony and peace ana
good fellowship is the fact that Masons
possess the spirit of reconciliation which
enables them. between individuals and be-
tween lodges, to harmonize. settle ana
adjust differences; that spirit which al
lows brotherly love TO prevail everywhere.
Masonry is surely gaining ground every
where year by year. Its votaries gain
wisdom from its teachings and by the ala
of il become themselves teachers, and the
world is made better from their mingling
together
W. j. Hughan. Masonic historian of
England. has truly said: In former times
the fraternity was wholly Christian, but
for nearly two centuries It has been cos
mopolitan. Though wider in scope and
influence. all our ceremonies and degrees
are based on portions Of the Volumes of
the Sacred Law and no man can cross
our threshold without avOwing his trust
I'm God The Israelites. the Parsee. the
Nahomedan AMI the Hindoo as well as the
Christian. are welcomed TO our ranks pro
vidad they believe in the glorious Architect
OF heaven and earth. AMI practice the sa-
cred duties of morality man with no
religion cannot become a Freemason. nor
can he continue TO be one. We meet how
ever. on neutral ground, for no theological
or political discussions are ever allowed in
our Masonic lodges. For that time being
we know neither creed. color or cline, for
Masonry is universal
MASONIC FAITH.
By the act Of depositing sprig Of acacia
IN the grave of a deceased brother the liY-
ing Mason bears witness to his faith in
the immortality OF the human soul. the
rover Of the Creator. and mans depend
ency upon the divine viii. So. too. does
this little green sprig guide the Mason
into a re-birth. It takes him from the
darkness OF ignorance into the light Of a
pure life. and when mortal cares beset
our path it whispers sweet consolation 10
US and tells us Of the glories of another
world. Yes, the green sprig from Ma
-or'c standpoint e very precious. It never