New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-01-09
MODERN AND ANTIQUE.

The Masonry OF antiquity and the Masonry
a, today IN all IS essential ranihcations ana
teachings. II not IN usages. Is just the same
Tho march o., civilization undoubtedly has added
many Injuries in the form Of ceremonies. pu'
no, IN solemnity and sacredness Masonic
u-,,Ars would be doing good service with their
mems 70 point q tendency OF some Brethren IN the
,o8seroom during the ceremonies TO their lack
=, reverence and seeming disinterestedness in
,ba lessons 10 humanity for which they are as
semhled to be part Of
AGAIN many Masonic writer's employ much
time and expend both labor and Ink to prove
~ dlsprove the antiquity OF Masonry. Ihers y
no doubt that the institution is ancient. as II
has existed from time immemorial. ana there
{. abundant proof that no one living can tell
the exact period OF its first foundation Ihis
,sne the fact and few we think will dispute
q Uhv waste time and labor upon what cannot
be positively proven?
II is the Masonry Of to-day that should en-
gag. the attention OF craftsmen. It's purposes,
.sva,,aees and sins-not when and where It
.v,s,ed in the past That Masonry has done
much 70 enlirhtcn the world must be apparent
o-sn N the Youngest made member Its teach
,ngs a. reverence for the Deity and brotaery
love toward every man has made II the insti-
,ufion that has OUtlived even dynastles ana ma
lis IllDC4itS O. llJ4 Al4ANf cti'di4NS anu
re,titude o.. life and conduct have supported II
amid many trials and prosecutions; So mat 10
day the institution hour.shes al over the world
wherever civilization extends and Is respected
and esteemed alike by prince. peer ana peasant
Then should not every Mason conslGer me
teachings II Masonry and put them IN prdcuce
rather than bubble about the antiquity OF the
institution? The settlement Of the question VIII
not clothe a single Masonic orphan or feed q
solitary Mason's widow. /; will not add even
one cent To a charity fund or bury dead
brother IL will not furnish home for any de-
creuid Mason or enable him 10 pass his declln-
Ing years free from want.
How much better then. Will II be Tor those
who love the institution 10 devote their ener-
eies L. the advocacy Of Masonic love and Ma
yond the grave 10 the boundless realms OF eter-
nity"-and 70 the incubation Of the principles
Of bro,herly love and relief We may search
The world over for antiquities, but they merely
crafty curiosity when found. The practice OF
true Masonry will enlarge the heart and make
men wiser Il will enable them 10 become bet
ter fitted for the society u each other and teach
them 10 respect each others feelings on ques-
tons where men prone 10 differ
Then let each brother practise out or the lOdge
what Is taught within II. and leave the question
OF the antiquity Of Masonry 70 the past Let
them look 10 the present and see II they cam
not perform the true Masonic part in some way
or other. We are sure there are many oppor-
tunities constantly presented TO us without
Nasons taking much trouble to find them, and
bv following them ont they prove 10 the
world that Masonry is indeed the institution u
claims % be to-day. and never mind the hoary
past, Lee; that rest. and do the work that is
before you. and do 1t to-day.