MASONRY
by Genevieve
The Masonic Review - 1857
AMIDST the
contentions that for years have deluged the land, the
persecutions that have surrounded it, numerous as the stars
of heaven, Masonry has remained unhurt; although for awhile
its destruction seemed inevitable, yet the dark clouds have
rolled away, and the bright sum of prosperity shines again. It
is a temple with one altar and one God, but illuminated by a
thousand varied lights. Founded upon the broad principles of
true Brotherly Love, it has withstood the venomous shafts of
its enemies, but to reap new glories. "This principle existed
long before kingdoms were founded, long ere peopled marts had
lifted their glittering pinnacles to the sun; before human skill
had reared the mighty pillars of Tadmor, or moulded the
brazen gates of Thebes, the social spirit was abroad, linking
hearts together, shedding new beauty upon earth's loveliness, and
making glad its solitary places." Wherever civilization is
found, there do we see its influence, its bright rays
piercing through the dark clouds of ignorance
and superstition, gilding all with a halo of unsullied glory.
It will march onward with man's progress, as did the fiery
pillar, with the children of Israel, guiding and protecting
him. Many an attempt has been made to crush the time-worn
institution, but still it gleams forth from the darkness around
it, like one of the ever-shining stars "in the vanguard of
man, gliding slow, but guiding sure" to future lands of promise.
Since its birth, nations have passed away like bubbles upon a
stream, and Time himself has become frosted with years, yet its
teachings remain pure and holy, and shall stand
"Till
wrapt in flame, the realms of ether glow,
And Heaven's last
thunder shakes the world below."
"It has moved on to
immortality; while its pathway has been strewn with the rains
of mighty empires, and its skies often clouded with the smoke
from the funeral urn of nations." Time has not marred its
beauty.
"--------- Still serene,
Its unconquered mind
looks down upon the wreck,
And ever stronger as the storms
advance,
Firm through the closing ruin holds its way,
Where
virtue calls it to the destined goal."
Its language is
universal. Its signal of distress is acknowledged by all. The
man educated in the arts and luxuries of life, with him that
boasts no superiority, is placed on an equality. The rich and
poor alike worship at its altars, partake of its veiled
mysteries, and mingle their praise and thanksgivings; thus the
pure, bright tide of Faith and Love must flow onward
throughout all earth's changes to its ocean home, the truth
and beatitude of heaven. Brethren, yours is a holy calling.
With the Bible for your guide, you may go on in your noble
undertaking, administering comfort to the way-worn pilgrim,
drying the orphan's tears, whispering words of consolation to
the bereaved heart, and great will be your reward, if not in
this world, that which cometh hereafter. With hope to
discern, true faith to believe, and fervent charity to sustain,
yon can look forward into the dim vista of the future -
to "that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,"
where, when life's weary pilgrimage is past, will be gathered the
true and the faithful. back to top
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