Connecticut western news., 1913-06-26

wide vista of thought and bring to our view one of the most remarkable institu- tions of the ancient world. Mankind has always desired to penetrate beyond the veil of mystery that envelopes him, and to do this often resorted to the supposed help of the fortune teller or soothsayer. This very condition con- fronted St. Paul when he came to Phil. lppi. where he found a priestess of the Oracle of Dionysius engaged in the busi- ness of fortune telling, to the great profit of her masters.
 Among the Greeks there were mys- teries or secret rites and ceremonies of their religion, chief of which were in the City of Eleusis eleven miles from Athens. These were the oldest and most sacred in Greece, and had been celebrated for more than thousand years. One of the charges that was brought against Socrates was his neglect to become acquainted with these mys- teries, and that Alcibiades, the greatest Athenian general, was banished for pro- faning the rites. Paul, knowing of these mysterious rites, with the instructions attending them, used this forceful illus tration in speaking to the converts of Christianity in Phillippi-he would have them to know the Christian also was | instructed in rites and ceremonies. He reminded the members of the lodges that they were also men and women who were privileged to receive special instruction, that Masonry laid special emphasis on those great truths which if | followed make for the highest manhood.
 He said: "For my part I am glad that the day has come, Irejoice to be living in it, when the greatest philanthropic orders, the most benign governments III the most advanced civilization, and all organizations for the amelioration of human suffering, feel that they honor and elevate themselves by showing special regard for the Christian church, the grandest institution known to men. Brethren your presence here today is the best illustration of what I have just said. This order, hoary with antiquity, whose lodges are erected to God, and dedicated to the memory of men who in their life tune were in closest touch with the Savior of men, rightly comes. to the house of God to pay its tribute of honor to Him in whom we live, move and have our being. This is right, for it shows a high estimate of those principles of our holy religion, which are the only letters patent, of trne nobility"
 He said Masonry teaches many of the principles of the Bible, by symbol, speech and charitable deed. It also teaches men to subdue their native wild ness and to live in harmony with the re- quirements of eternal righteousness to do that which is right under the All Seeing God and in the sight of all men. Masonry teaches "that of the things among men, dear to men, belonging GO men, Character alone is great" that the O. E. s. has emblazoned on its banners, "We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him" who is the supreme representative of matchless character.
 In closing he reminded the members of the lodges that life was fieeting, soon would close-then whither? May it be to the heavenly home which the Master of all Masters has prepared for those who follow His instructions. Let others do as they will but let us be true to our, selves and to our God whose all-seeing eye is ever on us. Let us by Gods com pass circumscribe our appetites and passions go by His plumb and square in all we do. and walk the rough anu rugged road until we stand beneath the royal arch and see the approving smlle of the Master and hear the great Architect of the Universe, when He says, "Well done you have worked out the design of My trestIe board; cease to labor rest"
 Behold how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to close Then let us follow the Great Master, who was infiexible in His fidelity to the great trust, till we shall receive the kind messenger sent from the Su. preme Grand Master to translate us from this imperfect to that all perfect, glorious, celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides-Masonic Chart. And now may He, whose we are, and whom we serve, in whom we live, move and have ouI being, add His blessing. So mote it be. ' To which the members made Masonic response, "Amen."