New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-07
EXCESS or ZEAL.

oar first thought very likely will he that an ex-
Of zeal in a good cause Is not possible IL Is
difficulty Of an opposite character which is more
often encountered ia the prosecution or noble enter
prses and the carrying forward of those movements
which have relation the best interest of society
end the world. Indifferentism is the great onsta-
c,c to human progress. There are plenty or people
possessed 81 amiable instincts and generally eood
purposes whom IT is difficult 10 rouse into activity
however noble the or important the cr'sls
hc We say Of such that they have no enthu-
siasm in their they do nothing heartily and
with their might.
Perhaps they are saturated with sehshness so
;hey feel small for the interests which
relate 10 the good Of rociety perhaps they have
trained themselves to that passionless indifference
which takes pride In showing emotion. which
holds the NE 10 calm and measured forms Of ex-
pre- rion depressing the strong tides of thought and
feeling which otherwise would flow forth with
such mighty power
From one cause and another they hold back ser
Vice ana love t. their feiowS exhibiting a cohIl-
ton of indin rentism which Indeed Is pitia0le To ne
Interested ard tneir cooperation secured in behalf
Of a cause or movement 1t Is oniy ~ languid ara
half-hcart"d sori OF way that they engage IN Inc
work To which they are thus committed 49,
Their love of ease ana of ISOLATION. me nani's
disposition. restrain them from becoming thor
ougn.y lutere ted In anybody or anything. ModcT-
OF those who hold in such careful check their
thoughts and feelinss. while they seem to cuttya!e
matters which are OF supreme importance
Masonry has = large class OF inlirerentists among
IT, constituency There are brethren who have
tken all the degrees. and who have been advanced
To- his positions N ne cret who yet seem =, ro o.
are no' reused and thrilled by the teachings OF the
soTyc b r s9T n no t ageP nson
II goes without saying that these torpid souls are
ina every means should be taken 10 Keep the mum
Der ~ Indifferent ones within the nsrrowest limits
There is. however y danger on the other hand
a excess
zeal that ia not according to knowleise Add
son says zeal without discretion is Ike expedi-
tion to man IN the dark Thus rash impulse.
reckless purpose. may lead one 20 intense activity
plshed An overabundant or unrestraned zeal
NAV lead to the ends OF disaster and ruin. Some
motiye rovef IN the minds o, wise men. but Inc
trouble is T. apt to flourish chiefly among fools
This Is exaggerated form Of statement. yet II
suggests What We know 70 be the fact that
Of arrant stupidity often push themselves TO the
front and show the utmost zeal respecting move
ments and enterprises 10 which they are allied
Tho enthusiasts men who are OF furious or merry
nature. and who put their whole hearts into wnat-
ever they undertake. sometimes do harm by the
very intensity % their devotion for principle or
cause ~ Least they fail 10 illustrate In their lives
2 VII balanced and harmonious character
Ne have known brethren who were specially In
wa not 'cmpSre si with iiscTetiSn II vas zeal
quality. It was yet held in such undue quantity TO
pl"iGp' cose Of conduct by no means fay9ra Die
precious. The devoted and impulsIve brother who
goes ABOUT arguing tho benefits OF Masonry, being
Of season 10 proclaim his Identification with the
institution. EXHIBITS an excess Of zeal. II would
be- better that he should hold himself in
s'raint that he should be less ready 10 make ex
preston ~ his Masonic attachments.
Tho ardent craftsman who asserts that Masonry
IS All m" religion which the world requires. who de
clares that the Masonic institution outranks all
other organizations and systems being equal 10 the
church of the Living Gold rselr Is carried by his
enthusiasm 10 greater lengths than wise discretion
would determine. His excessive zeal for grand
and henehcent order may Lead him TO underrate
the claims OF other teachings ana work which
ar hCl fvha aVk Uo foil
20 balance one good thing with another ne neglects
10 exercise wise discrimination In passing upon the
varied contributing forces Of moral and social good
b" allows feeling. prejudice. strong attachment TO
warp his Judgment M least in som" particulars
Some brethren show an excess Of zeal for Ma -
sorry by giving to its work and associations too
maps. make mistake in this direction but We
have known instances where both family associa-
ton~ ana religious Interests have been made TO give
way before the demands that were classified under
the Masonic name. but which would never have
non N"t very long ago We heard worthy crafts
man speaking Of his giving four or five evenings a
Obliged 10 be away from home each day. and
; only be with his family at evening time. Ought ne
not 10 nllot part ~ tho evenings during the week
10 home II he would live through his whole nat
IRE. ought he not 10 attend an occasional public
lecture. religious service. social gathering Of
Surely he ought not 20 give all his spare time 10
lodge chanier and commandery. nor To the meet
ings 81 any secret society in which he holds mem
bership and vhose teachings and ministries secure
his approval Masonry does not ask any to
neglect his business. his home or his moral and
religious duties, IN fostering It's interests He IL
indeed required 70 he devoted to the institution
I'm which he has taken membership hut LEI his zeal
be according to knowledge let him learn how to act
upon one ~ the great lessons OF Masonry the right
dividing OF the time. that he may attend TO all
individual and associated duties giving to each
It's proper place and regard. thus developlng n
strong. symmetrical and harmonious character In
which true zeal shall hold concurrent Jurisdiction
with ether faculties that help to make life useful
and blessed Repository.