New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-24
THE BROTHERHOOD or NAV.

Extract OF Masonic sermon delivered 10y the Rev.
Or aud Brother Joseph SiIverman. at Temple
Epanu- III. the occasion Of IL visit OF Centennial!
Lodge No 1d9
II seems appropriate that YOU should come here
for religion and Frsemasonry are similar. IL NOT
identical IN their objects and means. Here. also
man must pass through three apartments or divi
sions before he can attain mastery On thc ground
floor OF the Temple the apprentices are taught the
instructed In the right OF mind and heart. Of
thought feeling and Will This sacred apartm. nt
chamber Behold ia strength. It's beauty. Her.
wisdom Is enthroned. knowledge Il impaired In the
prayer: instruction and Inspiration and beauty are
given 10 the soul by deprivng II Of AL It's alloy
IS u third realm which IL no, visible. Many 20
through two stages OF religion. but never enter the
s snrG and nrauty and then come in conflict
with the world. with all ~ 'emp'a,ions ~ al
Shall they adhere principle to truth; right. no.
bnv 10 God? The WORLDLY laugh at their pine Iinc,-
and even violence. to induce them to surrender
their spiritual rsT c r az Tbe ea ~ strong
ARE n,m n1 ir,t they d"stro~ ali lust avartce
surrender; give ny their very lives for intrsrity
against wrong error and sin: though deprived of
friends Of material wealth: though buried In
oblivion. through honorable poverty. though hidden
though fallen ana bumbied TO the dust. they are
elevated the modest IL honored. Integrity. truth.
love ard Justice live agrln. and are the true mas
tors Of the soul
Freemasonry has a similar mission. II IS based
;luon traditions that have come down TO US Of the
auclcnt crafts OF actual masOns or builders. The
apprcnilccs were first taught The usr Of ordinary
tools or mplc ylents Then they were instructed In
the higher knowledge OF architecture. and IN the
principles that make for strength and beauty, ana
nnally they were led into the secrets that bound
inc craft together and which they mnst never re
veal even In TIE face Of danger or death. You
must remember that In ancient times skilled WORK,
men were scarce and were compelled 10 'raVel
from city TO city. Their reputation depended upon
the accuracy Of their work. the fatthfulness win
which they carried all their obligations. IN
order to guard themselves against imposition prac-
tised by poor workmen and impostors. those VINO
had L.rn Initiated into the craft OF master masohS
or builders given certain signs ana TOKENS ny
which they could make themselves known 10 theiI
brethren Now symbolic those early guilds oi
build,rs and have society that bullus "a
spiritual temple. eocle:y whose members IN aii
their dealings accurate and consistent. GUIDED
by the square and compass measured by the RUE
OF right and aligned TO the plumblne OF truth
!, society that follows the Hight OF God ana tho
Pible that Is banded together for instruction, mo-
raIiv announcement fellowship and mutual help.
a fraternity whose motto might truly be. How
good and how pleasant At Il for brethren 10 dwell
together in unity. 49,
Those words OF the Psalmist shall be my, text
and the brotherhood OF man my subject All the
teachings OF Frecmasonry tend TO that great end
fraternity Man r. a social animal. ana seeks MS
feIlewA Il seek my brothers," said Joseph. and