The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-13


doctrinating the great principles of be-
nevolence, of leading the people to con-
slider their obi CATION to do good to 9TH
ers in their day and generation, we are
assured that our labor has not been in
vain, for now the State, in its corporate
capacity, claims the privilege of aiding
us N our charity and every religious de-
acmination, as its financial conditions be-
came adequate, has established an asy-
lum for the orphans of its own faith, and
other fraternal orders are now engaging
IN The same good work
And so it has been through all those
centuries since Masonry first began to
teach, by practical illustration, the pre-.
3ept of true benevolence. It's daily work
has been an example stirring people to
deeds of charity. More potent among the
English speaking people whose wider hb-
erty gave greater scope for the doctrine
of human brotherhood, than among the
continental nations, it has, by the 81
lent appeal of its persistent charity, gen
GRAFTON after generation inculcated be-
nevoleHce and influenced communities to
gcod works and eXerted a force towards
the uplifting Of mankind that is utterly
Lcalculable. 1t has played a glorious
art, along with the other forces awak
ened in this period of enlightened Chris.
tianity, in fostering the spirit Of benevo-
ence that so distinguishes this era from
any that has preceded it.
Fortunate indeed was it that our noble
order took such deep hold among the
Anglo SaXons. a race that, because of its
characteristics, could so ardently sympa-
thizo with its higher aspirations. Thu
love of freedom which has ever been fos-
tered by the inhabitants of the British
Isles, is founded on an appreciation Of in
d.vidual liberty which, when correctly in
terprcted, leads to an ample recognition
OF human brotherhood. The great expan-
sion of our order and the period when it
entered on its remarkable benificence,
Immediately followed the troublous times
II the English revolution, when the peo-
pie, having emerged from the turmoil of
these unsettled years, began a new life
" tn new hopes, new purposes and q fuller
understanding of their duties to society
as men and brethren journeying on to
the unseen world.
AS the warm waters of the Gulf Stream
pass along through the ocean, exerting
a beneficial influence along the American
coast, and wonderfully modifying the
climate of Ireland and England, 50 the
current of Masonry, diffusng itself Sc
thoroughly through the life of the English
speaking people, has during all these
years, eXerted a constant and widening
influence among the people indoctrinat-
ing them with the spirit Of benevolence
and with the love Of humanity for human
ity's sake.
Aud this, indeed, is one of the chee
characteristics Of the age in which we
live. II is the triumph of our grand
principle. We witness the splendid result
IN every country, but especially among
the Teoplc of Anglo Saxon lineage. In
England, ireland. Scotland and in these
United States, where the Anglo Saxon
race transplantcd to the virgin soil Of
America has fourshad beyond the most
sanguine expectations OF our forefathers
we behold the full fruition Of the most
benevolent influences. Under the corn
blned forces of modern times that have
tended tofexslt manhood, the Anglo Saxon
race has outstripped the world IN works
Of practical benevoIence. With even
step with our Industrial development ard
with the growth of our unparalleled pow.
ton Of the social condition Of the masses
and a diffusion of education and q prac
teal uplifting of the human race Thu
individual citizen is the atom that is tn
constituent element of society and Of 'he
nation, and in proportion Is the citizen
is improved, so is a nation exalted Nc
where else is this truth mora thoroughly
recognized than in our own country. and
because it has been the cornerstone cI
our national policy, we now behold the
grand result. In power in achievement
III the arts aud sciences, in improved
social conditions, in true religion, deeds
Of charity and works of wide benevo-
lence, America now leads tie world ARD
SITS the pace for all the other nations d
the earth
A short century ago our struggling ant
struggling State were n prey to all sort
OF European influences; today, We over
shadow all other nations and American
4 influence permcates all the countries Of
Europe, and the example OF our people
in being followed throughout tac world
Our government. resting on the virtue an(
Intelligence and the manhood OF our peo
pie, has become the admira ton of all the
people OF the earth; and the right o
each individual citizen TO participate il
bis own government. is being recognized
among the mere enlightened nations.
On this firm rock of just recognition
Of the inherent rights Of humanity, the
frame work Of our government and The
structure of our social conditions, arr
, substantially based; and the storms y
time cannot prevail against 1t. AS bril-
liant and glorious as has been the rapi.
rise of our republic, like some great
comet that comes unheralded into ou
solar system, the marvel of all obsei'
vers, it is so steadied by the eternal ;ha'
sustain it and give it force and power
that it's course will ever be preserved
and it will press onward and upward tt
the highest realms of greatness, grandeur
and glory. As Americans who love then
country as Masons sympathizlng with al
this progress in enlightenment, and II
all these works of benevolence that ado
such lustre to the name OF our Amer
can citizenship, we behold this great
ness, this marvellous development, witt
patriotic pride and rejoice in the belle
that still more glorious development
| &c