Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Foreign.
occurring within his own knowledge at the battle of Athens , during the Philclenic war , when a prostrate Greek , one of the chief leaders , was rescued from the descending sabre of a Turk by making himself known as a Mason . Reference was also made to Ireland , in which country , torn as it is by factions , political and religious , Freemasonry was declared to be the only agent powerful enough to reconcile the differences of partyand to make men mindful of the divine precept" AVhshould
, , y we strive ? are we not all Brethren ? " We are convinced that the proceedings of the day must have afforded unmixed satisfaction to every Brother present—a satisfaction which will he largely participated in by the Craft all over the world , who cannot but see with pleasure the prosperous advance of the banner of light in these remote regions . Already a second Lodge is in course of formation , the fees and documents neceisiry to procure the warrant from the Grand
Lodge being ready for transmission by the next ship ; aud we hope that a very short time will elapse before the establishment of a third Lodge will enable 712 to assume the dignity of the Provincial Grand Lodge for the colony of AVestern Australia . May it in the meantime , ancl thereafter , continue to be what it professes—a school for good morals and correct manners , to be disseminated for the' improvement of society at large . Freemasonry is , in itself , of so retiring ancl unobtrusive a nature , that ,
except in the case of processions ( a privilege not conferred upon all Lodges ) , it very rarely comes in contact with the public ; and it is therefore only by those who have the happiness to be members of the Craft , that its beneficial effects are at all sufficiently estimated ; opportunity of descanting on its merits being very seldom afforded . For this reason we should consider it wrong were we to allow the present occasion to pass by without adding a few words in explanation of the general principles and objects of Alasonry . And we know not that we can do
this better than by quoting the following from the writings of a wellknown Brother : — " When its rules are strictly observed , it is a sure foundation of tranquillity amid the various disappointments of life ; a friend that will not deceive , but will comfort and assist in prosperity ancl adversity ; a blessing that will remain with all times , circumstances , and places ; and to which recourse may be hacl when other earthly comforts sink into
disregard . Freemasonry gives real and intrinsic excellency to man , ancl renders him fit for the duties of society . It strengthens the mind against the storms of life , paves the way to peace , and promotes domestic happiness . It meliorates the temper , and improves the understanding ; it is company in solitude , ancl gives vivacity , variety , and energy to social conversation . In youth it governs the passions , ancl employs usefully our most active faculties ; ancl in age , when sickness , imbecility , and disease , have benumbed the corporeal frame , ancl rendered the union of soul and body almost intolerable , it yields an ample fund of comfort ancl satisfaction .
"These are its general advantages ; to enumerate them separatel y would be an endless labour . It may be sufficient to observe , that he who cultivates this science , and acts agreeably to the character of a Mason , has , within himself , the spring ancl support of every social virtue ; a subject of contemplation that enlarges the mind , and expands all its powers ; a theme that is inexhaustible , ever new , ancl always interesting . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Foreign.
occurring within his own knowledge at the battle of Athens , during the Philclenic war , when a prostrate Greek , one of the chief leaders , was rescued from the descending sabre of a Turk by making himself known as a Mason . Reference was also made to Ireland , in which country , torn as it is by factions , political and religious , Freemasonry was declared to be the only agent powerful enough to reconcile the differences of partyand to make men mindful of the divine precept" AVhshould
, , y we strive ? are we not all Brethren ? " We are convinced that the proceedings of the day must have afforded unmixed satisfaction to every Brother present—a satisfaction which will he largely participated in by the Craft all over the world , who cannot but see with pleasure the prosperous advance of the banner of light in these remote regions . Already a second Lodge is in course of formation , the fees and documents neceisiry to procure the warrant from the Grand
Lodge being ready for transmission by the next ship ; aud we hope that a very short time will elapse before the establishment of a third Lodge will enable 712 to assume the dignity of the Provincial Grand Lodge for the colony of AVestern Australia . May it in the meantime , ancl thereafter , continue to be what it professes—a school for good morals and correct manners , to be disseminated for the' improvement of society at large . Freemasonry is , in itself , of so retiring ancl unobtrusive a nature , that ,
except in the case of processions ( a privilege not conferred upon all Lodges ) , it very rarely comes in contact with the public ; and it is therefore only by those who have the happiness to be members of the Craft , that its beneficial effects are at all sufficiently estimated ; opportunity of descanting on its merits being very seldom afforded . For this reason we should consider it wrong were we to allow the present occasion to pass by without adding a few words in explanation of the general principles and objects of Alasonry . And we know not that we can do
this better than by quoting the following from the writings of a wellknown Brother : — " When its rules are strictly observed , it is a sure foundation of tranquillity amid the various disappointments of life ; a friend that will not deceive , but will comfort and assist in prosperity ancl adversity ; a blessing that will remain with all times , circumstances , and places ; and to which recourse may be hacl when other earthly comforts sink into
disregard . Freemasonry gives real and intrinsic excellency to man , ancl renders him fit for the duties of society . It strengthens the mind against the storms of life , paves the way to peace , and promotes domestic happiness . It meliorates the temper , and improves the understanding ; it is company in solitude , ancl gives vivacity , variety , and energy to social conversation . In youth it governs the passions , ancl employs usefully our most active faculties ; ancl in age , when sickness , imbecility , and disease , have benumbed the corporeal frame , ancl rendered the union of soul and body almost intolerable , it yields an ample fund of comfort ancl satisfaction .
"These are its general advantages ; to enumerate them separatel y would be an endless labour . It may be sufficient to observe , that he who cultivates this science , and acts agreeably to the character of a Mason , has , within himself , the spring ancl support of every social virtue ; a subject of contemplation that enlarges the mind , and expands all its powers ; a theme that is inexhaustible , ever new , ancl always interesting . "