New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-02
MASONIC DEPARTMENT
PROTECT THE TREE.

1t is seid that by cutting off the branches
the tree vii, grow better and become stronger
and even more branches will sprout out 10 re-
place those which are cut off, but no one has
set asserted ;hat the branches can be saved by
cutting down tho tree
In Masonry the groundwork. the foundation
"The Tree" is the lodge all other so-called Ma
sonry are branches thereof; the Royal Arch
branch increases only in proportion with the an
nual increase Of membership as reported In
Grand Lodge proceedings Knights Templar in
crease in membership. but only In exact proper
ton to the increase OF the foundation. the
lodge hence each branch in Masonry Is prima-
rily bcholden 20 the lodge as the bottom, the
foundation the tree Of Masonic life and knowl-
edge The true teachings Of the craft are founo
there and tend upward and onward Deep
down in the hearts OF the brethren Is the love
FOR the lodge. the root from which are seen the
branches which spread with civilizing influence
all the world
The ancient Scandinavians had beautiful
myth a Saga" in the yggdrasil tree or ever
blooming ash whose top rose TO the hignest
heaven. and whose roots struck down deep INTO
the earth Gradually. slowly hut from age 10
age its branches. loaded with benedictions,
spread out over all the world. the deHgnt OF
gods and men. diffusing life. knowledge. beauty
and fragrance throughout the universe Ana
all this glory and these capabilities TO bless were
the secret "Nornas. gnomes. spirits OF IRE anu
light who secretly but perpetually watered its
roots from deep hidden wells. and thus preserves
its vgor. its vitality and It's great usefulness
This mysterious yCgdrasil tree Illustrates our
ancient craft and symbonca'ly represents Ma
sonrv. Like this tree. the ever-bloomlhs ASH Oh
eternal life and benedCton. Masonry, Wheh the
world was Young in the youth of humanity
arose among all the nations of the earth ana I's
ever green branches spread their lgh' over al ,e
world to bless II and 10 beneft III. ana D! the
col n VOtariCS, by the silent SSrNlCe,
the steady work of its "Nornas. Its spirit IL
dfused order and beauty. virtue ano cN lIiza
ton over all the lands II taugEl tne "oIlu
universal tolerance equality before the law love
Of mankind and reverence TO Co.. ana, aDoIe
all. Masonry more than any other agency taught ,,
mankind that silent. secret charity. WElcn truly
besses him that giveth well as him tha' re-
ceiveth and the evcr-faithful. ever-present anu
ever-watchfu "Nornas." the ever-zeaious work
ers In our QuarTes. stand ready ever away
10 water the roots Of our yggdrasil. that lts
branches may continue TO grow together ana II,
unison with the tree. and spread ana press an
the world The secret Nornas. the everything
sDirits never died. but kept on ever Watching
the tree Of life. Masonry never dies Brethren
NAV come and go. and generations pass away,
but the spirit Of Masonry lives on hves ever 10
enread its blessing all the world ana It's
secret diligent and faithful workers. It's Nornas,
will keep on watering its roots untll us pehehls
sbaI reach and penetrate the darkest spots on
The globe, and enlighten the gloomy places Oh
ignorance. bgotry and superstition, uhtii us
humane its CvZing influence Is fet ana aG
.Enovledged in every land. until every man IS
free until every man looks upon his feiiow-inan
as a brother. worshipping the Great Am the
great Unseen. and loves all his children as his
brethren. IT,. -.
once and once only. in heaven itself was
there a rebeliious Norma. fractions spirit VINO
would prefer to water one branch alone lnsteao
~ Ali the tree but he soon found that in spite
of his attention this branch wthered and re-
ceived no nourishment from his care, put the
tree itself the yggdrasil. kept on gre wing, pc
ing watered by ''all" the Nornas who loved the
tree above all Its branches. and they assembled
near one Of the deep and hidden wells whlch
gave eternal life TO their beloved tree. and pro
nounced the fractions and rebellious sprlte
guilty and condemned him 10 wander evermore
upon earth. but away from the blessed ygg
drasil. He can never breathe under the neaVehly
shade of the tree. nor inhale Its divine ira
GRANGE but wanders around, ainless, restless
and despised by all his former brethren. ano is
known as an unaffiliate Mason.