Masons, Death of Distinguished-Dr. Kane and A. P. Pfister

121

343

364

454

397, 436

327

124

447

14

113

330

329, 386
97, 180

176

168

69

89, 136, 225, 319, 364

101

343

156

74

194

234

60

62

58

47

120

265

VOL. II. DETROIT, SEPTEMBER, 1856. NO. I.

The most exalted theme that can engage our attention, is the condition of human nature.

"The noblest study of mankind is man"

a study that has taxed the intellects of philosophers for thousands of years, and yet presents a vast field for research, which is unexplored. It is a lamentable fact, the causes of which we need not discuss, that in every country and every state of society throughout the world, an immense amount of crime and misery exists. The seeds of sin are daily sown and are constantly springing up and bringing forth fruits of sorrow and anguish. Man wars against his brother-man, and the individual is too often guided by his own selfish interests, however great may be the injustice done to others. Such is the condition of human nature after centuries of progress and improvement.

It is now established by experience beyond dispute, that mankind cannot advance in civilization, in intelligence and goodness to any considerable degree without the aid of some kind of government. 1-VOL. II. NO. I.

Hence, for the accomplishment of almost all purposes, men in civilized countries combine and form societies. In our own land, they are numerous. They concentrate action and cause the views of the majority to control and regulate the conduct of individuals who might otherwise exert little influence for good. Governments and societies are necessary helps to improve man; they are necessary helps to make him more intelligent and morally better. As their true object is to combine his efforts for the promotion of worthy aims, and to prevent his interests clashing with those of his neighbor, there has arisen the maxim, "that government is best which governs least"-which restrains the individual as far only as is necessary for the public good. We need not say that this is generally advocated by the citizens of our Republic.

Of all human establishments intended to promote the welfare and happiness of our race, the institution of Masonry stands pre-eminent. Considering the end for which it is designed, it is more faultless than any other organization. One great evidence of this is its existence. to-day, after having been subjected to every vicissitude which time and opposition could create. Age is cited to prove the purity of political governments and ecclesiastical societies; with what propriety. and force, then, may it be adduced in favor of our Order! Individuals differ as to its origin; while some gaze through the long vista of ages and trace its history beyond the temple of Solomon, each one can behold it extending back for centuries till it gradually disappears, as it were, in the mist of time. It is generally admitted that Masonry has come down to us from remote ages, having withstood every opposition and persecution from that of popes and princes to that of an indignant people in this land of liberty-having "survived the lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance and the devastations of war." More conclusive evidence could not be adduced to refute the arguments of our opponents. But we have not said all-our Institution does not found her claims on a negative character. Masonry has not merely out-lived the most powerful dynasties and the most distinguished nations of the earth; she has not merely survived the most stupendous works of art, reared by the utmost exertions of human genius and intended to endure for ages yet to come; she has done far more; she has left her foot prints bright and enduring on many ages; she has left behind her a glorious history, whose every page is emblazoned with deeds of charity and brotherly love; she has followed in the bloody path of unrelenting war, and like a good angel administered comfort and consolation to the widow and orphan; she has

dwelt alike in the palaces of royalty and the huts of poverty, alleviat ing the distresses of their inmates and teaching them principles of the purest morality; she has gone beyond the sphere of refinement and plenty, and, like the pioneer with the bible in one hand and the olive branch in the other, she has been the first to plant her foot among the rude and barbarous, irradiating the darkness of ignorance and bigotry, and scattering in her path-as it were brilliant and priceless gems-the thousand virtues which ennoble and purify man. Such is the character of our time-honored society in the fifty-seventh year of the nineteenth century. In comparison with it, all other institutions are short-lived and fleeting; it alone stands a relic of the past, possessing the vigor and freshness of youth and adapted to all times and every people. Its good work is not finished, and will not be till the predicted millennium shall arrive, or time shall be no more. As long as the human race exists and is subject to the influences of its present impulses and passions, so long will Masonry continue to shed her rays of peace and comfort among mankind.

Leaving the individual, as a general rule, free to adopt such political, theological or social views as he may deem best, Masonry impresses upon his mind those great truths which find a ready response in the hearts of all good persons. Bringing together under such influences "men of every country, sect and opinion," it causes them to mingle as brothers. What other institution presents such a spectacle or such results? Not one. It cannot fail to be obvious to the most cursory observer, whose mind is free from bias, that Masonry has done, and is doing, much to preserve peace among nations, to subdue passions, and insure tranquility among men of the same country and community. Such an influence, she exerts without interfering with the duty which any member owes to his God, his country, his neighbor, his family or himself. In this respect, then, we claim that she has conferred priceless blessings on our race, which should entitle her to everlasting praise.

We have not space, nor is it necessary, to dwell upon the silent and unseen influences which our Institution constantly exercises for the benefit of mankind. On those who enter her portals, she throws a brilliant and life-giving light. On their minds, she forcibly impresses the great moral truths which seldom fail to guide their steps. It is folly to claim that the mere fact of passing through the forms and ceremonies of our Order, makes a man morally a Mason. This we do not claim; we do however believe and assert. that but few who belong to the Institution and visit Lodge meetings, are not thereby made