Cañon City record., 1902-06-12

Unlike any other secret organiza-
tion known to man, the Masonic Fra
ternity cannot with any degree of
certainty trace the date of its origin
TO any given period. Some Masonic
writers claim the science existed when
Moses led the Children OF Israel out of
Egypt, other Masonic writers, emin-
ent for their researches. claim for IL,
co-existence with the Creation, which
was the prelude to all mortal knowl-
edge; and yet Others claim that 1t
originated at the building of King
Sclomon's Temple.
But for the purpose of this article
IL matters little what the eract date
say. that Freemasonry has lived long
enough to command the respect of all
nations and all people. and has out
lived its enemies, and those who
sought to destroy 1t. Since there
were unfortunate human beings on
this earth, there have been Masons TO
protect and console them; TO combat
wrongdoers; to correct injustice and
oppression; to protect the weak and
innocent; to comfort and support the
needy: to sooth and cheer the be-
reAved: to feed the hungry, and 10
reduce all manner Of evils that have
existed on the earth.
Frecma-onry includes within its
circle every branch of useful learning.
and when its rules and teachings ar,
observed, IL will b. found friend
that will not deceive, n blessing that
will rcmAin under all circumstances
-Frs-ersakopry gives TO Ipap real dis,
tincfive education. that better fits
him for the duties OF society; Il
strengthens the mind. and payes the
way to peace aud hnppincss; it softens
the temper and governs the passions,
and in every civilized country king
and patriots, diyines and Legislators.
have been its promoters. and have
deemed 1t AN honor TO protect its
tenets. and TO associate with its mem
bars. |, An be said without fear
Of successful contradiction. that he
who lives aud acts agrccably TO the
doctrines and teachings Of Freemason.
~, has within himself support to
every social and moral virtue, and Is
the fo-ses-or of u scientific knowledge
that will b. ever new and always in-
teresting.
Rev. Charles Brockwcll, a minister
Of the Church of England said in one
Of his sermons: II have had the
honor of being member of the
Masonic Fraternity for many years,
and can, and do. own in the presence
Of the Grand Architect of the Uni
VERSE; that i coald never observe
ought therein, but what was justifiable
and commcndAbIe.
Rev. Thaddeus NJ. Harris. one OF
the distinguished divines of this
country said: ''Its laws are reason
and equity; it's principles benevolcnce.
and love: its religion purity and truth /;
its intention peace on earth: and its
disposition good will to men,"
General La Fayctte said: The
leaulnH star Vi tht ofhsi n Phhi"'
throphy, and its principles inculcate
an increasing devotion to the cause
of virtue and morality"
George Washington wrote: Be
ing persuaded that n just application
of the principles upon which the Ma
sonic Fraternity is founded. must be
the promotion of private virtue. and
Of public prosperity. l shall always
be happy to advance the interests of
the Society, and to be considered by
them ms n deserving brother.
Judge II. p. II. Bromwell, of Den.
yer, once said to the writer: Free
masonry is the successor of nothing on
earth, and will be continuing its
blessed designs and teachings when
all else on earth has passed away"
Hundreds of testimonials similar
to the foregoing, giving surety to the
reader or student, of the purity and
excellence of the teachings and de-
signs of I'rccmasonry, could be offered
in abundance, were it necessary to
sustain the claims made for the true
character of the Institution.
Among its most distinguished char
actcristics may be mentioned its co.
operation with pure religion, in toach-
ing and broadening the principle of
the brotherhood of Cod, and the
.sBrothorhood Of Man" without en-