The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-08-30
Friendship.

which the foundation OF his order rests.
No argument is needed to substantlate this
statement, nor indeed is there loom for
difference of opinion, that each word, line,
paragraph or sentiment brcathes sincerity
in its fullest meaning
| believe sincerely that the membership
of each lodge believe in that sentiment and
endeavor to carry it out m the rendition
of the work of the First Rank The Page
leaves the castle hall with this beautiful eH-
ample before him, having formed the opln-
ion that here is something that means
some good to its members. With the IN
formation given him that Friendship is
the corner stone of the Order, and that
our members are Sworn to eNe!cls 1t TO-
ward each other" He is admonlshed to
keep sacred this lessor" and so he goes
awav with an invitation to dtteEG the next
convention for further insight into our at
fairs and with the hope that when ne re-
turns. something more beautiful, II posi-
BILE. will be presented to his expeetant mind
Upon presentation you ask l:n, and he
agrees to guard the good name OF mem
ber' and not to speak i'll OF bin. He IS
plainly told that he is not here to provide
measures for the members, but for other
and more serious reasons, all gong to
make for his good He is advised to do
snoble things" not in jest, but IN earnest
hat he
no unpleasant recollections ot his journey
through the ranks of Knighthood;" and
that our purpose is purely and simply to
elevate, to make happy and letter the con-
ditions of mankind.
These are the things which appeal to him,
and which should be rendered with all
solemnitv and freedom from horseplay.
There is a tendency prevalent in many
lodges TO nlisinterpret this work, and make
h,lmor of the humilating condition which
NAV have come to the in:ciate. [ believe
this is an eror and it should not occur. 1t
is. first the duty of the officers to adhere
strictly to the ritual and therein you will
find prohibitive clause provided for of
fensive remarks"
Let US look at it, however from the
standpoint of the benefit OF the injury to
the Order, as the case may be. take 1t
that all of us would prefer that the work
be beneficial.
A man who pleased, VINO has recog-
nized an effort to do him some good, to
teach him serviceabe lesson. who can
hold his head up among his fellows with
out being ridicued, surely has respect for
the institution, and if he respect it-he be-
comes more persistent .nernfer. He is
benefited the lodge is benefited, and the
Order is benefited
On the other hand, if he is insulted by
reference to his alleged malicious pur-
poses, scornfully spoken Of because OF
some particular business he may be engaged
IN. threatened with violence or expulsion,
or thousand and one other silly things, IS
it assured that his respect will be gained?
And if not, what do you gain, except a
member who has no respect for you.
Is it not true that it takes but small
provocation to induce such a member to
lapse his membership? Does it not as
matter of fact figure largely in your sus-
pension list, or among you inactive MEM
bership?
| look upon the conditions existing as
being brought about by failure to read
between the lines and to properly interpret
what is meant by "impromptu ceremony
or, those who have charge II the work. SIM
ply follow questioning past, present or f'-
ture results.
To the ordinary mind, in applicant for
membership in the Order expects to ride
the goat" TIe is generally fearful of this
and those of us who are in harness should
draw the line" at the beginning of the
ceremonies.
We should first be sincere in our be-
lief. that seriousness and solennity with
perfection in rendition makes the best MEM
her and will make US proud of having in
troduced our friend to the Order.
Use your influence with hose in charge
to select the best talent you have If you
can not arrange for them from your own
members, call in some one to help you.
Make it clear that change III method is
advised and give it trial
| make the statement, without tear OF
contradiction that there is lot one word or