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Article AIDS A BETTER LIFE. Page 1 of 1 Article AIDS A BETTER LIFE. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Aids A Better Life.
AIDS A BETTER LIFE .
An Oration hy Bro . IV . L . Bush , Grand Orator , before the Grand Lodc / e of Freemasons in Colorado , 15 th September 1891 .
WHILE thero may be a diversity of opinion among Masonic writers and speaker- * as to the antiquity of Freemasonry , its origin aud early history , thero can be no doubt in the minds of thoso familiar with its doctrines and teachings of its usefulness and ita power to make better . men of those who havo been admitted to its
membership . That the Masonic Order is the oldest of the fraternal societies in existence at tho present time , will nofc bo disputed . If its objects and aims wero not for the betterment of mankind , its life would havo been short . It has stood the test of time . It has outlived persecutions of
tho mosfc vindictive character , and its rapidly increasing membership proves conclusively that ifc is exercising a beneficent influence on mankind , and there is a need for it . We know , also , thafc there has been both wisdom and ingenuity displayed in its construction , as witness its
power to adapt itself to the needs of every country an ) age . Ifc is gaining strength yearly by adding to its membership tho besfc and most intelligent men of fche communities where its Lodges have been formed . Of the
beauty of it ** ritual and symbolism , only thoso who have knelt at tho altar and taken the vows of an Entered Apprentice , ascended the winding stairs and received the ¦ wages and jewels of a Fellow Crafc in the Middle Chamber , and as Master Masons have been admitted to the Sanctum
Sanctorum , can appreciate to the fullest extent . Masonry invites no man to enter its portals . They musfc seek admission iof their own free will and accord . If , after due examination , they are found worthy and well qualified , they are admitted and become workers with ns .
And here , my brethren , ifc may not be onfc of place to say that we should keep the outer door of the Temple carefully guarded . Our strength will not bo in the gaining of members , unless thoso members are good men and true . All
material offered should be carefully scrutinized , and if any flaws are found it should nofc be accepted , that tbe structure may not be marred by the introduction of poor material .
We are told tbat at the building of King Solomon ' s Temple there was not heard the sound of axe , hammer , or any tool of iron , and when tho building was completed its several parts fitted with such exacfc nicety ifc had more the appearance of thc handiwork of fcho Supreme Architect of
the Universe than that ot human hands . It is after this plan that Masonic work is done . There is no noise or bluster ; no pomp or show . Quietly and without publicity are its charitable acts performed . It does not seek prominence in public parades and demonstrations ; on the other hand ,
seeks retirement in its Temples , there teaching friendshi p , morality and brotherly love , and encouraging its votaries to lives of usefulness . Adding to its record of good deeds
day by day , until finally , when the last trump shall sound , and the work is completed , it will form a beautiful , complete and perfect whole , with the appearance that other than human hands were engaged in the work .
As Masons we are taught never to enter upon any great or important undertaking without first invoking tho blessing of Deity . Here , at the very commencemen of our Masonic career , we are shown the reli gions character of the Institution , and are taught that only the
noblest designs are worthy of a place on our tresfcleboard —such designs as we may submit for the approval of our Supreme Grand Master , and ask His aid in carrying out . By a strict adherence to this teaching we will merit the commendation of our fellow men , and will be suitably rewarded when our pilgrimage on earth is ended .
Masonry teaches that all men are created equal , and thafc the internal and not the external qualifications of a man are what the Fraternity regard . Men of every walk in life have knocked at tho outer door and knelt at its altar , and have , through its teachings , been urged on to
higher and nobler aims . In tho Masonic Lod ge all ranks are levelled , all distinctions are done away with . The high and the low , tbe rich and the poor , meet upon the level and parfc upon tho square . Men who are foremost in national , state and municipal affairs find time to devote
Aids A Better Life.
to tbe advancement and welfare of the Craft , and feci honoured by being numbered among its votaries . A Lodge is said to bo a symbol of the world to denote tho universality of Freemasonry is universal . In whatever civilized country we may travel tho hand of friendship
and brotherly love will be extended to us . If sickness or adversity overtake us , we have the assurance that our brethren of the " Mystic Tie " are there to render aid and assistance . From them we receive words of comfort ; and
sympathy to cheer and sustain us . If perchance we are called upon to pass throngh tho " Dark Valley of tho Shadow of Death , " we know that our remains will bo tenderly laid away in due Masonic form .
We are taught to practice charity toward all mankind , more especially to our needy brethren , their widows and orphans . This lesson is impressed on the mind of every candidate in every possible way . The Masonio homes recently dedicated by the Masons of Missouri and
Michigan , the laying of fche corner stone of a home in New York , the homes completed and caring for the widows and orphans in other jurisdictions , prove that tbe lesson is nofc taught in vain . Let us hope that when the time comes , Colorado , by the proper care and investment of tho
fond now accumulating , will be able to build such a homo as will bean everlasting monument to Masonic charity in this jurisdiction . But , my brethren , Masonic charity does nofc consist only in tha giving of alms , or tho erection of homes for the care of indigent Masons , thoir widows and
orphans . It is broader , deeper , grander than that . Ifc means charity for the faults of others , charity for human weakness , charity for tho erring brother who has uot the fortitude to withstand temptations and who need words of
encouragement to help him fighfc tho battle of life . Remember that you have promised to remind him of his errors in fche most friendly manner and assist in his reformation .
If we would be Freemasons in thought , word and action , . as well as in name , we musfc lookdeepur than the ritual . Wo mnst study tho true meaning of the beautiful symbols ancl ceremonies of tho Order . With a true knowledge of
these ever in our minds , thafc our lives maybe controlled and guided by tbem , we will be bound together in an universal brotherhood seeking only tho greatest good for ourselves and our fellow man .
No one claims thafc all Masons reach tho high ideal contemplated and taught by tho Fraternity . Perfection on earth has never yet been attained . Wo do claim , however , thafc it exercises a bsneficent influence ou its members , and that , tho world is better for its existence * . No man can kneel at tho altar aud tako tho sovmal
Masonic obligations , and hear the several Masonic lectures , without being benefited thereby , and through them bo encouraged to a better anil more useful life . And now , my brethren , let us sec to ifc thafc we do our parfc toward keeping up the high standard of the Order .
It has come down to us hoary with age , and with its mosfc excellent tenets unimpaired . Let us see to it that future generations shall receive from us in like manner . As Entered Apprentices , wo should keep the twenty-four inch gauge ever before us , that our time may be so divided as
to bring about the best results obtainable , ever remembering the throe great duties we owe , to God , our neighbour and ourselves . As Fellow Crafts , proving our actions by tho square of virtue , and storing our minds with useful knowledge that we may receive our full wages . As Master
Masons , with the trowel of good example , spreading liberally the cement of brotherly love and affection , that no dissensions may arise in our midst , and the bonds which unite us be strengthened day by day and our Order become a brotherhood iu reality . As we ascend tho three
steps of human life , keeping the lesson taught by tho beehive ever in our minds , that we may not forget that Masons should be industrious . Labouring faithfully , not
only to provide a competence of this world ' s goods , bufc to lay up a treasure of good deeds and actions the remembrance of which will last through time aud eternity . Ever rememberintr that we are under the watchful care of thar
All-Seeing Eye whose rays pervade the inmost recesses of our hearts , that we may have no evil thoughts , speak only kind words , ancl commit , no wrong acts . Then , when wc are cut down by that all-devouring Scythe of Time , will
the hope of immortality be strong within us , and wo shall hear the welcome greeting , " Come , thou blessed of My Father , and inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of tho world . " Voice of Masonry .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Aids A Better Life.
AIDS A BETTER LIFE .
An Oration hy Bro . IV . L . Bush , Grand Orator , before the Grand Lodc / e of Freemasons in Colorado , 15 th September 1891 .
WHILE thero may be a diversity of opinion among Masonic writers and speaker- * as to the antiquity of Freemasonry , its origin aud early history , thero can be no doubt in the minds of thoso familiar with its doctrines and teachings of its usefulness and ita power to make better . men of those who havo been admitted to its
membership . That the Masonic Order is the oldest of the fraternal societies in existence at tho present time , will nofc bo disputed . If its objects and aims wero not for the betterment of mankind , its life would havo been short . It has stood the test of time . It has outlived persecutions of
tho mosfc vindictive character , and its rapidly increasing membership proves conclusively that ifc is exercising a beneficent influence on mankind , and there is a need for it . We know , also , thafc there has been both wisdom and ingenuity displayed in its construction , as witness its
power to adapt itself to the needs of every country an ) age . Ifc is gaining strength yearly by adding to its membership tho besfc and most intelligent men of fche communities where its Lodges have been formed . Of the
beauty of it ** ritual and symbolism , only thoso who have knelt at tho altar and taken the vows of an Entered Apprentice , ascended the winding stairs and received the ¦ wages and jewels of a Fellow Crafc in the Middle Chamber , and as Master Masons have been admitted to the Sanctum
Sanctorum , can appreciate to the fullest extent . Masonry invites no man to enter its portals . They musfc seek admission iof their own free will and accord . If , after due examination , they are found worthy and well qualified , they are admitted and become workers with ns .
And here , my brethren , ifc may not be onfc of place to say that we should keep the outer door of the Temple carefully guarded . Our strength will not bo in the gaining of members , unless thoso members are good men and true . All
material offered should be carefully scrutinized , and if any flaws are found it should nofc be accepted , that tbe structure may not be marred by the introduction of poor material .
We are told tbat at the building of King Solomon ' s Temple there was not heard the sound of axe , hammer , or any tool of iron , and when tho building was completed its several parts fitted with such exacfc nicety ifc had more the appearance of thc handiwork of fcho Supreme Architect of
the Universe than that ot human hands . It is after this plan that Masonic work is done . There is no noise or bluster ; no pomp or show . Quietly and without publicity are its charitable acts performed . It does not seek prominence in public parades and demonstrations ; on the other hand ,
seeks retirement in its Temples , there teaching friendshi p , morality and brotherly love , and encouraging its votaries to lives of usefulness . Adding to its record of good deeds
day by day , until finally , when the last trump shall sound , and the work is completed , it will form a beautiful , complete and perfect whole , with the appearance that other than human hands were engaged in the work .
As Masons we are taught never to enter upon any great or important undertaking without first invoking tho blessing of Deity . Here , at the very commencemen of our Masonic career , we are shown the reli gions character of the Institution , and are taught that only the
noblest designs are worthy of a place on our tresfcleboard —such designs as we may submit for the approval of our Supreme Grand Master , and ask His aid in carrying out . By a strict adherence to this teaching we will merit the commendation of our fellow men , and will be suitably rewarded when our pilgrimage on earth is ended .
Masonry teaches that all men are created equal , and thafc the internal and not the external qualifications of a man are what the Fraternity regard . Men of every walk in life have knocked at tho outer door and knelt at its altar , and have , through its teachings , been urged on to
higher and nobler aims . In tho Masonic Lod ge all ranks are levelled , all distinctions are done away with . The high and the low , tbe rich and the poor , meet upon the level and parfc upon tho square . Men who are foremost in national , state and municipal affairs find time to devote
Aids A Better Life.
to tbe advancement and welfare of the Craft , and feci honoured by being numbered among its votaries . A Lodge is said to bo a symbol of the world to denote tho universality of Freemasonry is universal . In whatever civilized country we may travel tho hand of friendship
and brotherly love will be extended to us . If sickness or adversity overtake us , we have the assurance that our brethren of the " Mystic Tie " are there to render aid and assistance . From them we receive words of comfort ; and
sympathy to cheer and sustain us . If perchance we are called upon to pass throngh tho " Dark Valley of tho Shadow of Death , " we know that our remains will bo tenderly laid away in due Masonic form .
We are taught to practice charity toward all mankind , more especially to our needy brethren , their widows and orphans . This lesson is impressed on the mind of every candidate in every possible way . The Masonio homes recently dedicated by the Masons of Missouri and
Michigan , the laying of fche corner stone of a home in New York , the homes completed and caring for the widows and orphans in other jurisdictions , prove that tbe lesson is nofc taught in vain . Let us hope that when the time comes , Colorado , by the proper care and investment of tho
fond now accumulating , will be able to build such a homo as will bean everlasting monument to Masonic charity in this jurisdiction . But , my brethren , Masonic charity does nofc consist only in tha giving of alms , or tho erection of homes for the care of indigent Masons , thoir widows and
orphans . It is broader , deeper , grander than that . Ifc means charity for the faults of others , charity for human weakness , charity for tho erring brother who has uot the fortitude to withstand temptations and who need words of
encouragement to help him fighfc tho battle of life . Remember that you have promised to remind him of his errors in fche most friendly manner and assist in his reformation .
If we would be Freemasons in thought , word and action , . as well as in name , we musfc lookdeepur than the ritual . Wo mnst study tho true meaning of the beautiful symbols ancl ceremonies of tho Order . With a true knowledge of
these ever in our minds , thafc our lives maybe controlled and guided by tbem , we will be bound together in an universal brotherhood seeking only tho greatest good for ourselves and our fellow man .
No one claims thafc all Masons reach tho high ideal contemplated and taught by tho Fraternity . Perfection on earth has never yet been attained . Wo do claim , however , thafc it exercises a bsneficent influence ou its members , and that , tho world is better for its existence * . No man can kneel at tho altar aud tako tho sovmal
Masonic obligations , and hear the several Masonic lectures , without being benefited thereby , and through them bo encouraged to a better anil more useful life . And now , my brethren , let us sec to ifc thafc we do our parfc toward keeping up the high standard of the Order .
It has come down to us hoary with age , and with its mosfc excellent tenets unimpaired . Let us see to it that future generations shall receive from us in like manner . As Entered Apprentices , wo should keep the twenty-four inch gauge ever before us , that our time may be so divided as
to bring about the best results obtainable , ever remembering the throe great duties we owe , to God , our neighbour and ourselves . As Fellow Crafts , proving our actions by tho square of virtue , and storing our minds with useful knowledge that we may receive our full wages . As Master
Masons , with the trowel of good example , spreading liberally the cement of brotherly love and affection , that no dissensions may arise in our midst , and the bonds which unite us be strengthened day by day and our Order become a brotherhood iu reality . As we ascend tho three
steps of human life , keeping the lesson taught by tho beehive ever in our minds , that we may not forget that Masons should be industrious . Labouring faithfully , not
only to provide a competence of this world ' s goods , bufc to lay up a treasure of good deeds and actions the remembrance of which will last through time aud eternity . Ever rememberintr that we are under the watchful care of thar
All-Seeing Eye whose rays pervade the inmost recesses of our hearts , that we may have no evil thoughts , speak only kind words , ancl commit , no wrong acts . Then , when wc are cut down by that all-devouring Scythe of Time , will
the hope of immortality be strong within us , and wo shall hear the welcome greeting , " Come , thou blessed of My Father , and inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of tho world . " Voice of Masonry .