The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-17

tive; and these are again subdivided,
that Is craft or operative Masonry, into
three distinct branches: the manual, the
instrumental and scientific. For a con-
siderable time previous to the building
of King SOlomOn's Temple the societies
of architects and builders had become
celebrated throughout the ancient world;
our ancient brethren worked in both
operative and speculative MaSonr
Since III the craft has been working
in speculative Masonry, though we still
hold fast to the ancient emblemS and
symbols. As Fraternity we are not en-
gagged in squaring stones and hewing
timbers, but | will here say that it is
the duty of every Mason to lend his
moral support to any practical measure
that will rebound to the benefit of the
inhabitants of any community in which
he may reside. AS Masons we have
secrets, and these secrets are lawful
and honorable, and not repugnant to the
laws of God or man. They were en-
trusted in peace and honor to Masons of
ancient times and having been faith
fully transmitted to US it is our duty to
convey them unimpaired to the latest
posterity. Unless our calling were
honorable we should not have lasted for
! so many centuries, nor should we have
been honOred with the patronage of 80
many illustrious men in all ages who
/ have ever shown themselves ready to
/ promote our interests and to defend us
/ from all adyersaries. We are assembl-
| ed here today in the face of you all to
lay foundation stone. 1t is not for a
church of God, nor is it for a Masonic
1 Temple. will term it, if you please
Temple of Justice Within these
walls, those that violate the law will
have to here answer for their crimes
and misdemeanors. In the course of
/ events sad and trying scenes will be
witnessed. This all Of the good citizens
! and MaSons Of our county cannot pre-
vent Crime to a greater or less extent
( will continue until not one stone of this
structure shall be left resting upon
| another, so it is up to all men and
MasOns to set a good example.
| To the members of Oakland Lodge
and visiting brethren. to all Masons
/ whitherSoever dispersed, myself includ-
ed, | wish to say few words. Yonder
| in the Northeast resides a man who is
nearing the close of an eventful life.
| He has ever been ready to fight for
J pA lilNlblt III llldl WHICH, ne lilOuB III
was right whether on the field of battle
or in the halls of congress. He is en-
gagged in his last battle which is with
the scythe of Time. He has, think,
| passed his four score years To what
branch of the Christian church he be-
| longs, know not, but | know him be a
Mason as true as steel-not perfect for
| projection on this earth has never yet
been attained by mortal man. In de-
! livering a Masonic address he uttered
! the following words; above the dome Of
our mystic temple rests shadowy form
| clothed IN garments woven from the
twilight, and half radiant with the glory
that shall hereafter be revealed. it is
emblemaUc of Charity, the very key
stone to our mystic fabric, and the
brightnest gem that can ornament the
character of any man.
Now, my brethren, do we practice
what we preach? Masons | believe, are
always wiling to aid the poor and the
| distressed, but do they remember in all
ages men have differed, that they still
differ and honestly differ. Is it right
is it charitable, for any of US to censure
and condemn any man because he hon
/ eStly differs Withus about any measure?
| Would 1t not be will for all MaSonS to
set a good example and settle their
differences one with the other outside the
walls of this building? When men of
every class, rich and poor, | care not
what sect, what secret society they
may be members of, or not members Of
any, can fairly and squarely act with
each other and do unto each as you
would that they should do unto you,
then and not till then, shall crime cease.
One thing more and ! am done: | be-
lieve the gentlemen who sit in judg-
ment over our courts in this judicial
district are capable. and just, and up
right, square men, if you please, and
when their places have to be filled by
others it is to be hoped that they will
be men Of the same calibre.