The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1907-06-06

monished by the plumb? Is our ex-
ample one of good or evil to our
breathren and those of the rising gen
GRAFTON who look to us for strength and
Are we squaring our lives
by the square of virtue? Are we in
our daily business applying the Gold
en- Rule to our transactions? Are we
ever mindful of our journey to the
grave upon the level of time, and act
ing accordingly? Are we shedding sun
shine and happiness by our acts, or
are we the cause Of misery and woe?
Are we properly using the trowel to
spread the cement Of brotherly love
an affection, binding up the wounds
of the fallen, comforting the heart
good counsel and cheer in the ear
Of the erring? Are we striving to
bring about better understanding of
the true meaning of brotherhood? Are
we circumscribing our lives by the
compasses, keeping within due bounds
toward all mankind, but more espec-
tally those Of the elect? Are we keep
ing spotless the lambskin, our dis
badge of Masonry, the EN-
blem of innocence? Are we practic-
ing that Temperance, fortitude and pru-
dence which are taught even in the
earliest stages of our ceremonies?
Finally, my brethren, we are using
the Holy Bible as the rule and guide
to our faith?
l ask you these questions that you
may ponder over them when We go
forth from these ceremonies. urge
upon you the necessary of a return to
first principles-to the ancient land
marks and tenets of the order.
urge this as necessity because as
Masons we are judged by the unin-
formed not by what We profess to be,
but what in very much truth we are.
The strength Of chain is judged
by the strength of it's weakest link.
1t is so with society or organization
The unworthy member is held up as
the example. He is pointed to as the
highest and best product of the or.
ganization to which he belongs. rhe
Mason brings into disrepute not only
himself, not only the lodge in which
he holds membership, but the whole
institution of Masonry. He generally
wears the largest emblem of the order
and seeks prominent place on all
public occasions. Let me admonish
you to ponder deeply over the beau
ties of our craft, the symmetrical com
pleteness of it's moral teachings. And
let me urge you to follow up this con.
temptation by carrying into practice
in your daily life the splendid lessons
inculcated by our rites and ceremon.
les. In this way you will be following
the example of the founders of the
order and shedding added luster to
our memories.
Take for your examples, your ideals
the great and good men who brought
Free Masonry into being. Emulate
Solomon by comprehensive study of
the arts and sciences. Store your
mind with useful knowledge. Follow
in the foot steps of Hiram Of Tyre by
learning the science of government
and the duties and responsibilities Of
good citizenship. Strive to obtain the
nobility of character which sets apart
from other men Hiram the WIDOWS
son., whose devotion to duty cost him
his life, and who counted truth, hon
or, and fortitude as the jewels above
price.
Be mindful that in Christian lands
MdSOuIy udS lWO pdIlOu SdlutS "
whom all lodges are dedicated-St
John the Baptist and st. John che
The first the fore-runner
and proclaimer of the Christ and the
other his daily companion and be
loved disciple.
And now brethren as we depart
from this place let us not forget that
the three great principles Of our
order are Friendship, Brotherly love-
and Charity. Let us practice all Of
these Masonic virtues. Let us pour
out for our fellow men the corn Of
nourishment, the wine of refreshment
and the oil of joy. Let us prove to
the world at large that Masonry is
an institution builded on a solid foun.
dalton, that it exists for a noble pur.
pose, and that hat purpose is to make
it's members wiser, better, and, there,
fore, happier. 0
STRAYED