New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-17
RLTE LODGE MASONRY.

A. = r,,le man {. progressive and is continually
aiming higher and higher. Masons are no exception
70 the rule | feaI too many Masons only use the
Rluo Lodge as a stepping-s;one TO attain the
higher degrees they do not stop to study and I'M
nrass upon their hearts and minds the teachings
Of the Blue Lodge. They dc not ascertain before
proceeding further II their foundations are plumb.
square and level: II. unfortunately. they are not
the temple may some day overtorple and bury
them IN the ruins Let look well 10 our begin
ming and gee what are some OF nrs: teachings.
Masonry Is not intended 10. nor does Il, super
sede religion: II is simply code Of ethics. moral
law designed TO improve and elevate mankind Tho
three Great Lights are given 10 US Tor the ioHow'
ing reasons: % TO be a rule and guide TO our
faith and practice; % TO square our actions with
the world and go to keep US due bounds with all
mankind.
We are taught to reverence Deity and to put
our faith and trust IN Him: to never usa HIS hoiy
name except with that reverence and awe which IL
due from the creature to his Creator and yet. how
many men. calling themselves Masons use the
name OF the Most High God in the most wicked
and trivial manner?
The teachings of Masonry are IN exact accord
ance with the teachings OF Holy Wit. do unto
others az We would that men should do unto you"
We are taught 10 nave an attentive ear That we
may hear the cry OF distress or the sob Of sorrow
that we may hear the voice Of wisdom speaking
TO US from age and experience. and that we may
listen TO the Instructions Of those In authority
over us We are required 10 be guarded IN our
speech that we may guard we'll the secrets OF our
he loved order that the peace OF the Fraternity
may not be disturbed. Silence Is discretion. but a
n"t''tlsr cannnf ne depended on our great Nph'
exnr.ssly telis us not 10 let right hand know
what Our left hand dOeth, or In Other words not
To- nrocaIrn to The world our deeds Of charity and
Sf he Again We rear in tones alcllated
to reach and touch our hearts. BE ye faithful TO
each other" The question naturally arises. Are
other Of our faults? Do We Try, to advise and en-
always In business transactions act on the
square. and rather give than take IN "a a
other AS one brother in blood would do 10
a bs sect M of a qs heart And We as Ma
sons would he more deeply Interested IN II than az
ne word Desldes IN my ''i',I We ON ~
deavor to live nearer the Divine Injunction then
eager and anxious TO embrace each other with a
warmth and cordially 20 which am afraid we
To lie good men aud true IS among the first les
sons taught in Masonry. II this lesson was well
as II should be there would not be much OF that
s9 disd ans' our weaufu world Methinks il We
all could be good men ana pne men, ihcn we nnsnt
iously searched for by the ancients; sincerity and
plain dealing would characterize all our trahsac
be united in promoting each others welfare we
would rejoice IN eacA others prosperity and en-
iiual ard temporal. But know am asking too
much IT Is impossible for all 10 ~ INK and act alike.
be like the Holy one who went about doing
good.
We are also taught the duty Of charity. exempt.
fed by impressive lesson. When want and
aaiiction lay their heavy hands upon our brother
LET US be ready 10 assist encourage end cheer
him. but let 1t never be done grudgingly. for what
H. more calling woundng to n sensitive nature
than 10 feel that the assistance was given because
our laws require IL. Nay. let give freely and
willingly. God has blessed our lot and store SO
1t Is expected OF all good men and true. that We
win contribute to the relief Of our distressed
| brother not as loan or a charity. but his
night and our duty. The principal round OF the
symbolic ladder Is charity; IT Is that charity that
Will cover our brothers sin. that puffeih not lp
ana inaketh not afraid. and is patient and long
suffering.
Another important lesson Is taught through the
means OF the rough and the perfect ashlars The
rough ashiar is stone just from the quarries,
without any specific form and unnt TO be used in
| the construction OF work of art. In Masonry IL
| represents man fresh from nature. No softening
influence OF Deity has had any effect on him; his
better nature has never been stirred by that
fraternal feeling which We call brotherhood: he
knows not what II Is TO have that sympathy for
his feow-man. that fellow-feeling. that com
miseration for another'e woes, that OF the
Mystic Tie have or are supposed to have. To
such We ought 10 be able to make mani