DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.33567#0100
38
in the support of their theories given us much that is visionary. We all know that when we enter the held of
speculation there is really no limit to the extent it may be carried. Cast your eyes upon the fleeting clouds
of the firmament as they pass along, give the imagination full play, and you create many fantastic and strange
pictures ; curb the imagination, look again, they are after all only clouds. Do not understand me as detracting
in the least degree from the importance of these discoveries. They may have within them elements which may
prove much, but I do not think we should hastily decide that they are conclusive.
" The antiquity of Masonry in its principles we must with one voice concede ; for the spirit of our
institution includes all that is good and elevating to the human race, and, as a system of morals, ranks with
religion, leaving each one in that respect to be governed by the dictates of his own conscience and in accordance
with his peculiar belief. I should be glad if from the discoveries which have been, or may yet be made,
we might be able to successfully trace the history of our institution back through the past, for we all have a
particular veneration for age. It is a principle which is imbued into our feelings at early childhood and grows
with our years. In the proper regard which we have for antiquity do not let us rest upon and be content with
that; the present is given for our held. We are to improve our opportunities, labor in the carrying out of the
vital principles of our organization, and by so doing make a record which shall endure through the ages to come,
so that when the monuments and temples have crumbled to dust, the good deeds of Masonry shall stand out on
its escutcheon brighter and brighter with the passing years. The effect of these discoveries will be productive
of one result at least. It will awaken new zeal in the student, and it is possible that some things which may
now seem to be curious may lead to further discoveries which will demonstrate a connection between the ancient
and modern that we are not yet prepared to admit. You will understand that I am expressing individual views.
When I first heard of these discoveries I gave them no consideration whatever, and while I have had no
opportunity to thoroughly examine them, yet there are some peculiarities which seem to me worthy of the
careful consideration of the Masonic student. Let them be tested by the crucible of time, which may yet
eliminate the dross and present the truth in its purity. The world we live in is made up of the occurrences of
the past, and it is the work of the investigator, the geologist, the astronomer, the philosopher, and the student
in any specialty, to examine, to dig out, to look into, to consider, and to analyze that which has been covered
up by the operations of nature or the lapse of time. Every year presents new facts, develops new truths, which
enlighten and render intelligible many things which have for ages been shrouded in darkness, or subject to the
claim of speculation. Our world, which seems complete in itself and is remarkable for its achievements,
appliances, and results, has passed through wonderful changes; and while we boast of the intelligence of the
nineteenth century, yet when we uncover and bring to light the buried treasures of the past, we find that even
with our boasted superiority we do not equal the skill of the ancients. The monuments of the past are to be
considered by us as representatives of some grand historical event in the history of those nations, or as memorials
of their knowledge perpetuated in the form of stone. The history of the world has not yet been written, neither
has the history of Masonry, and even though ' the mills of God grind slowly/ yet all incongruities will finally
be reduced to an even and consistent nature, and the almighty power of truth shall prevail. In conclusion,
brethren, there is nothing done in Masonry that is not for a purpose and is not designed to impress its
lessons upon us. What is the design upon the trestle-board to-day ? What has been brought prominently
before you on this occasion? What thought is uppermost in your minds? Is it not that a man's work in this
world lives long after he has laid down the implements of labor, and that his influence does not entirely cease
with the termination of life's powers ? This obelisk erected thousands of years ago is not without its lesson to
us of to-day. The ancient workman did not build for an age, but for eternity. So with us, brethren ; we may
not consider that our efforts amount to much of themselves, but nevertheless every one has his influence, and
in a greater or lesser degree we contribute to the aggregate whole. Let it be our endeavor therefore to lay the
foundation of character on a broad, sure, and deep foundation; let it be such as will bear the application of
the plumb, square, and level ; let us continue to build upon that foundation a character which is above reproach
in the sight of Him Who ruleth all things. And, when finally we have completed our task, erected a monument
of moral grandeur and symmetry, achieved something which is for the welfare and advancement of the human
race, then in after years the coming generations will treasure our memory, imitate our example, point to our
deeds, and draw inspiration from our age as worthy of their veneration. Such a monument will be more
enduring than even that of stone; and the chiselled record, long after the tracings upon the stone shall have
become obliterated, will stand out in its original sharpness, telling of grand enterprises and noble works, which are
the real monuments of a successful life. Let us therefore labor faithfully in the present, looking forward to the
reward promised to him who performs his whole duty, and the past, present, and future of each and every one
will entitle him to the salutation : ' Well done, good and faithful servant.' "
The benediction was then pronounced by R. W. and Rev. Brother J. Bradford Cleaver, Grand Chaplain, and
the ceremonies were concluded.
The only thing remaining to complete the structure on which the obelisk was to stand was to
move the pedestal from its temporary resting-place near by on the west side of the foundation to its
in the support of their theories given us much that is visionary. We all know that when we enter the held of
speculation there is really no limit to the extent it may be carried. Cast your eyes upon the fleeting clouds
of the firmament as they pass along, give the imagination full play, and you create many fantastic and strange
pictures ; curb the imagination, look again, they are after all only clouds. Do not understand me as detracting
in the least degree from the importance of these discoveries. They may have within them elements which may
prove much, but I do not think we should hastily decide that they are conclusive.
" The antiquity of Masonry in its principles we must with one voice concede ; for the spirit of our
institution includes all that is good and elevating to the human race, and, as a system of morals, ranks with
religion, leaving each one in that respect to be governed by the dictates of his own conscience and in accordance
with his peculiar belief. I should be glad if from the discoveries which have been, or may yet be made,
we might be able to successfully trace the history of our institution back through the past, for we all have a
particular veneration for age. It is a principle which is imbued into our feelings at early childhood and grows
with our years. In the proper regard which we have for antiquity do not let us rest upon and be content with
that; the present is given for our held. We are to improve our opportunities, labor in the carrying out of the
vital principles of our organization, and by so doing make a record which shall endure through the ages to come,
so that when the monuments and temples have crumbled to dust, the good deeds of Masonry shall stand out on
its escutcheon brighter and brighter with the passing years. The effect of these discoveries will be productive
of one result at least. It will awaken new zeal in the student, and it is possible that some things which may
now seem to be curious may lead to further discoveries which will demonstrate a connection between the ancient
and modern that we are not yet prepared to admit. You will understand that I am expressing individual views.
When I first heard of these discoveries I gave them no consideration whatever, and while I have had no
opportunity to thoroughly examine them, yet there are some peculiarities which seem to me worthy of the
careful consideration of the Masonic student. Let them be tested by the crucible of time, which may yet
eliminate the dross and present the truth in its purity. The world we live in is made up of the occurrences of
the past, and it is the work of the investigator, the geologist, the astronomer, the philosopher, and the student
in any specialty, to examine, to dig out, to look into, to consider, and to analyze that which has been covered
up by the operations of nature or the lapse of time. Every year presents new facts, develops new truths, which
enlighten and render intelligible many things which have for ages been shrouded in darkness, or subject to the
claim of speculation. Our world, which seems complete in itself and is remarkable for its achievements,
appliances, and results, has passed through wonderful changes; and while we boast of the intelligence of the
nineteenth century, yet when we uncover and bring to light the buried treasures of the past, we find that even
with our boasted superiority we do not equal the skill of the ancients. The monuments of the past are to be
considered by us as representatives of some grand historical event in the history of those nations, or as memorials
of their knowledge perpetuated in the form of stone. The history of the world has not yet been written, neither
has the history of Masonry, and even though ' the mills of God grind slowly/ yet all incongruities will finally
be reduced to an even and consistent nature, and the almighty power of truth shall prevail. In conclusion,
brethren, there is nothing done in Masonry that is not for a purpose and is not designed to impress its
lessons upon us. What is the design upon the trestle-board to-day ? What has been brought prominently
before you on this occasion? What thought is uppermost in your minds? Is it not that a man's work in this
world lives long after he has laid down the implements of labor, and that his influence does not entirely cease
with the termination of life's powers ? This obelisk erected thousands of years ago is not without its lesson to
us of to-day. The ancient workman did not build for an age, but for eternity. So with us, brethren ; we may
not consider that our efforts amount to much of themselves, but nevertheless every one has his influence, and
in a greater or lesser degree we contribute to the aggregate whole. Let it be our endeavor therefore to lay the
foundation of character on a broad, sure, and deep foundation; let it be such as will bear the application of
the plumb, square, and level ; let us continue to build upon that foundation a character which is above reproach
in the sight of Him Who ruleth all things. And, when finally we have completed our task, erected a monument
of moral grandeur and symmetry, achieved something which is for the welfare and advancement of the human
race, then in after years the coming generations will treasure our memory, imitate our example, point to our
deeds, and draw inspiration from our age as worthy of their veneration. Such a monument will be more
enduring than even that of stone; and the chiselled record, long after the tracings upon the stone shall have
become obliterated, will stand out in its original sharpness, telling of grand enterprises and noble works, which are
the real monuments of a successful life. Let us therefore labor faithfully in the present, looking forward to the
reward promised to him who performs his whole duty, and the past, present, and future of each and every one
will entitle him to the salutation : ' Well done, good and faithful servant.' "
The benediction was then pronounced by R. W. and Rev. Brother J. Bradford Cleaver, Grand Chaplain, and
the ceremonies were concluded.
The only thing remaining to complete the structure on which the obelisk was to stand was to
move the pedestal from its temporary resting-place near by on the west side of the foundation to its