Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1900-10-05
Masonry is a powerful factor in the
ethical development Of the race.

=
"a. s.sh mans rule aud universal peace
n, like a shaft of light across the land
And like a lane of bcams athwart the Sra
rhr,. ali the circle of tho golden year"
The fifth element ia a progressive
civilization is the religious. Religious
sentiment is closely allied to the ethical
Christ taught that love OF man is Ike To
love Of God. The goal of religious lille
as we'll as of ethical process is the image
Of God. Religion has been called the
M. Of God in the soul OF man. Masonry
is not only a moral but also religious
institution. Belief ia God and in the
resurrection of life is the fundamental
law of masonry. Masonry has con
tributed abundantly to the religious de-
! yelopment of the race. "Pure rehgioh
aud undefied is to visit the fatheriess
and the widow in their affection and To
keep himself unspotted from the world.
Every mason knows his duty to the
afflicted. the fatherless and the widow.
Every Knighted mason remembers his
vow for innocence and virtue. All
know the deep and hidden meaning OF
the lambskin, more honorable than any
other insignium.
If masonry be charged with infidelity,
let il be known that true masons, with
reverence and alteration, ascribe to the
Almighty One the power and honor and
glory by which the lives of masons are
a ennobled and redeemed. 1t is God who
& makes true masons. lie is acknowledged
s the source of all light and life.
. When the story of higher civilization
shall be told, inwreathed i'll every part
; will he found the annals of masonry ;
and the essential element i'll the whole
10 will be that fundamental principle OF
n industrial, political, social, ethical, and
At religious life, and that vital essence OF
"a masonic life, which is .trater"ity.
- In conclusion sincere and signal con
" gratulations are presented in pleasure tc
r the people of Guildhall for the great gift
IA that is to be conferred upon them by hel
m loyal and warm-hearted son. Col. +. I
go Benton for the coming establishment
nf of two benefcent institutions and espe
n. cally for the generous life and active
~ goodwill. which was nourished in tina
m sterling Christian home of the old an'
p. honored Benton homestead and which
~ Loyalty and freely in beautiful requital
"a gives its affection. its wise thought, it
he benevolent plans, and its generous deed
ed to its boyhood home. In truth, like TIN
H. word of the Lord. the life that Guildhal
q has sent forth has not returned unto i
nd void. This building, unique and beau
tiful as it is to be, has an individuality
he all its own. Benton Lodge will hold al
". unique and distinctive position amoh!
as her sister lodges. The Benton Publ
ne Library too, will become characteristic
ms and noteworthy institution. But tn
he most charming. the most beautiful rea
gs ity-the most touching and inspirin
pr future-of the event, which the gram
,r- lodge has consecrated, is the donor
4 8 personality and his simple and true am
ME loving loyalty to the friends of his fathe
and the companions of his boyhood, am
af- to their children.
he When Heaven once spake to Eartl
in its message, borne on the wings of cele
ial tial song, was 'ailory to God in tn
highest peace and goodwill to men.
by Since that divine event goodwill hs
ibe been increasing, and the peace of Go
led has grown in human hearts. This ha
,ry become an age of benevolence. Sue
tic deeds as this of the founder increase
,ry our faith in God and man, makes lii
Jar sweeter, increases the power of good
tic life and fulfils Gods highest law {
ms service. And may our honored and b
the loved brother hear, in the silence of h
for SOUL the echoing of those priceless wor,
lal- as comfort and inspiration evermore
of "Inasmuch as We have done it unto ii
a least of these MY brethren, We have dor
eat it unto ME-"
hat There was not moments inattentio
ING during the delivery of the address, whic
,ns displayed good literary taste, was ric
20 III facts and illustrations and strik ing
'ee- apropos to the occasion. At its concl
ity sion most enthusiastic applause greete
V a :he speaker. The benediction conclude
,pe the outdoor exercises, and the brethre
re- marched back to the court house, Il
ted grand lodge was closed, and all ad Jour
of ed to the Grange hall for dinner. I'll
ladies of Guildhall served in fine sty
So an inviting and sumptuous dinner, TIL
.an reflected great credit on all concerned
md its preparation. The compliments b
Ian slowed We're as sincere as they we
yer hearty. Over $50 were served, and al
wn pie provision had been made to enterta
elf twice that number if necessary. We
the done, good ladies of Guildhal!
So All attending this memorable eve
mill - Ix~....