-
Articles/Ads
Article Untitled Article ← Page 5 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Untitled Article
motive power for what , in our neighbour , might at first view appear to be a fault , and thus we forbear to give either credence or utterance to that which might have a tendency to detract from his fair fame or good reputation . In the exercise of this virtue it is that we learn
to regard the feelings of ever-failing human nature , not with the stern eye of never-erring rectitude ( for' who is he that dares to say , "lam upright ? " ) , but to regard a Brother who may have slightly deviated from the paths of extreme right , as having been placed in a situation of temptation , which from the imperfection of his nature he has not been able to resist . It is in the exercise of
this virtue that we learn to lend a ready ear to the wants of a poor and distressed Brother , who may be suffering under severe trials and misfortunes , and instead of coldly passing by on the other side , to come forward , not only with words of consolation to soothe his wounded spirit , and pour into his dejected soul oil and wine ; not only with advice to guide and direct him in the path that is freer from
the thorns and briers of adversity than the one he has been pursuing ; but so far as is consistent with our circumstances , and the cause of the misfortune of our distressed Brother , to afford from our surplus stores of this world ' s goods , that which shall bring comfort to his body . It is in the exercise of this virtue that around us are erected , and still are rising , those noble Institutions destined to
become monuments of that virtue which we so abundantly profess ; and to hand down to future generations unmistakable evidences of the utility of our Order . I mean those Masonic Institution ^ for the reception of the aged and infirm amongst us . It requires no effort on my part to point out to you the good effects that must ever result from such Institutions , for each of you , Brethren , will reflect
occasionally , that however happiness and prosperity may dawn upon you now—however bright the meridian sun may now shine upon youyet a time may eome , —and the wisest of us knows not how soon , when the dark cloud of adversity , which , unobserved , may have been gathering around you , may suddenly burst upon you , and overwhelm your fondest hopes and highest ambitions in its relentless storm ,
leaving naught behind but regrets for the past , and but small hopes for the future . It is , therefore , for such as these , that from our Masonic funds we provide a bright star of hope , which the weary Brother may look forward to , in the comfortable assurance that , at least , after a well-spent life , the few years that may be spared to him may be passed in the peace and quietude of Masonic benevolence .
But not only is it to the aged and infirm amongst us that Masonry confers its blessings ; but to the rising generation it holds out its hand , laden with benevolence , and in its tender grasp holds childhood , caring not only to supply the body with food and raiment , but also to
heap up in the granary of the mind that which shall hereafter bring forth its fruit in abundance . It is thus that for those amongst us who may not be enabled to give their children that education which shall fit them for society , or who may be snatched away by the hand of death before they shall have been able to provide their education ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Untitled Article
motive power for what , in our neighbour , might at first view appear to be a fault , and thus we forbear to give either credence or utterance to that which might have a tendency to detract from his fair fame or good reputation . In the exercise of this virtue it is that we learn
to regard the feelings of ever-failing human nature , not with the stern eye of never-erring rectitude ( for' who is he that dares to say , "lam upright ? " ) , but to regard a Brother who may have slightly deviated from the paths of extreme right , as having been placed in a situation of temptation , which from the imperfection of his nature he has not been able to resist . It is in the exercise of
this virtue that we learn to lend a ready ear to the wants of a poor and distressed Brother , who may be suffering under severe trials and misfortunes , and instead of coldly passing by on the other side , to come forward , not only with words of consolation to soothe his wounded spirit , and pour into his dejected soul oil and wine ; not only with advice to guide and direct him in the path that is freer from
the thorns and briers of adversity than the one he has been pursuing ; but so far as is consistent with our circumstances , and the cause of the misfortune of our distressed Brother , to afford from our surplus stores of this world ' s goods , that which shall bring comfort to his body . It is in the exercise of this virtue that around us are erected , and still are rising , those noble Institutions destined to
become monuments of that virtue which we so abundantly profess ; and to hand down to future generations unmistakable evidences of the utility of our Order . I mean those Masonic Institution ^ for the reception of the aged and infirm amongst us . It requires no effort on my part to point out to you the good effects that must ever result from such Institutions , for each of you , Brethren , will reflect
occasionally , that however happiness and prosperity may dawn upon you now—however bright the meridian sun may now shine upon youyet a time may eome , —and the wisest of us knows not how soon , when the dark cloud of adversity , which , unobserved , may have been gathering around you , may suddenly burst upon you , and overwhelm your fondest hopes and highest ambitions in its relentless storm ,
leaving naught behind but regrets for the past , and but small hopes for the future . It is , therefore , for such as these , that from our Masonic funds we provide a bright star of hope , which the weary Brother may look forward to , in the comfortable assurance that , at least , after a well-spent life , the few years that may be spared to him may be passed in the peace and quietude of Masonic benevolence .
But not only is it to the aged and infirm amongst us that Masonry confers its blessings ; but to the rising generation it holds out its hand , laden with benevolence , and in its tender grasp holds childhood , caring not only to supply the body with food and raiment , but also to
heap up in the granary of the mind that which shall hereafter bring forth its fruit in abundance . It is thus that for those amongst us who may not be enabled to give their children that education which shall fit them for society , or who may be snatched away by the hand of death before they shall have been able to provide their education ,