THE MASONIC GRAND LODGE OF MICHIGAN. The Grand Lodge of this State held its annual session for 1873, and adjourned after completing its labors in ample form, having disposed of many matters of great interest for the welfare of the Order in this jurisdiction, and to the satisfaction of a very large attendance of influential delegates from all parts of the State. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year : G. Master-HUGH MCCURDY, Corunna. These officers were subsequently installed, and the following appointments were made : Chaplain-ETHAN RAY CLARKE, of New Haven. G. S. D.-THOMAS RIX, Dowagiac. G. J. D.-G. N. MEAD, Camden. Music Hall, Detroit, where the communication was held, was very handsomely furnished for the occasion with furniture from the establishment of P. Hufnagel & Co. BE A GENTLEMAN.-Says a Masonic exchange: "It is as easy to be a gentleman as it is to be a boor. At least our experience has taught us that for years." As our good natured knight of the Masonic quill has had the "experience" in trying both positions, and "knows how it is himself," we will try to emulate his brilliant example. We clip the above item from the Masonic column of the New York Sunday News. How will one brother of the News decide this momentious question? Will he try by walking both planks, as the "good natured knight" implies that he has himself? THE publishers of the MYSTIC STAR wish to secure a large number of local and traveling agents, 10 canvass for subscribers. We can offer inducements which are very remunerative to those who have energy and perseverance. Address immediately, MYSTIC STAR, 463 West Madison St., Chicago, Ill. THE MYSTIC STAR. March--1873. A MASONIC ADDRESS. We have been favored with the following address, delivered by REV. BRO L. L. ROGERS, of Fenton, Mich., on St. John's day, Dec. 27th, 1872, before the members of the Fraternity, at the Instal ation of the officers of Genesee Chapter No. 29, and Fentonville Lodge No. 109. By a request of many of the brotherhood we give room for the greater portion of this excellent address. We regret that our space is limited, obliging us to take only the most important extracts. [ED.] M. E. H. P., W. M. Com. and Bros., Ladies and Gentlemen: We have convened under very interesting circumstances, and have just witnessed the most imposing ceremonies of human invention. For many centuries, these rites have been observed, and their ancient origin invests them with profound veneration and respect. Kings, Princes and Potentates have never had it in their power, to confer more honorable titles, than are worn by those now inducted into the different offices they hold in this Fraternity. In assuming these positions of high distinction, they have followed the illustrious examples of the most worthy and distinguished men, who have been patrous of this Fraternity. They tread in the celebrated steps of men of high renown, whose names come down from past generations, covered with glory. They have no reason to be ashamed, when they hold positions which others of so high repute have occupied. The companions and associates of men of high degree, have no cause to blush or to be abashed, because of the stations they fill, for they can enumerate in their ranks the worthiest of men. "Were the several 'rolls of the workmen' to be called, who have labored in the erection of our mystic Temple, we should find many honored names upon them, names that have been conspicuous in the history of our race, who are often repeated when the great and noble achievements of the past are recounted. The records of Masonry are adorned with such 1. VOL. XVIII, NO. III-MARCH, 1872. worthies on nearly every page." Distinguished Craftsmen are by no means wanting. They can claim as theirs, "Men whose hearts have swollen with the purest emotions, whose strong arms and great souls have been the bulwarks of their country's rights and freedom, and whose living thoughts on science, philosophy, ethics, have vividly flashed like sunbeams on the intellect of the world. They can claim men who have adorned all professions that were honorable, done credit to every calling that was useful, and won distinction in every field of legitimate employment. Among all these classes, and the most honorable of them all, we find those who were proud to be numbered with the Royal Craft, and hailed as Free and Accepted Masons." Not the least renowned of those whose names come down to us by traditionary legends, is his whose memory we this day celebrate. St. John the Evangelist, has for centuries been held in such high esteem, that all Masonic Lodges are dedicated to him, in conjunction with St. John the Baptist. In ancient times all Lodges were dedicated to King Solomon, and continued so to be, till after the Crusades to the Holy Land, by the earnest and devoted Christians of that day. Certain it is, the Church has something to do with the great work in which they were then engaged, in recovering rule in the place where the Savior died, and Religion was first proclaimed. But many of those who went out, were active members of this Fraternity. Among the various orders of Knights, engaged in those chivalric wars, none were more conspicuous than the magnanamous order of the Knights of St. John. Those of the ancient Craft, who went forth to aid in redeeming the sepulchre of our Savior from the hands of the infidel, of whom there were many, found a reciprocal feeling of brotherly love existing between themselves and the Knights of St. John, whom they met at Jerusalem. They therefore entered into a solemn agreement of friendship, that thereafter all Lodges should be dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist, which usage continues to this day. These were therefore claimed as two eminent Christian Patrons of FreeMasonry. Every member of the Fraternity is constantly reminded of the virtues of these distinguished saints, to whose memory the place in he which convenes, is so solemnly set apart. To keep good the contract into which they then entered, in thus dedicating their Lodges, they are wont to celebrate the days appropriated to these Saints, with proper ceremonies and festivities. The claim that he was an eminent patron of Free Masonry, we have already shown to be very ancient, and reached so far back that there can be but very little ground to doubt its truth. Expressions which occur in his writings in the New Testament, are better understood with this light, by which to interpret them. From the time when it was agreed to dedicate the Lodges to these Saints, there has been represented in every well governed Lodge, a certain Point within a Circle, embordered by two parallel perpendicular lines, representing these two Saints, while the Holy Scriptures rest upon the vortex of it. This emblem is evidence of an early belief of the fact, that they were Christian patrons of Free Masonry. We cannot avoid the conclusion, for as we pass around the circle we must touch the two lines, as well as the Holy Script ures. Can there be any wonder that Free Masons should set a value upon their System? All must see that they highly prize it. They take great pains to attend the meetings of the Lodge. They go through great difficulties to be present. They do not always study convenience, but often overcome and surmount obstacles to be with their brethren. There must be something which draws them there. There are strong attractions which have charms to bring them to their communications. Among the allurements we may notice the following: MASONRY INSTRUCTS THEM TO BE BETTER. It teaches them morality. No man can attend the meetings of the Lodge without hearing Scripture truths well applied. In every particular, he has presented to him the system of morals, in an impressive form. Before him he always sees the Holy Bible open, to instruct him with its great truths. Every well governed lodge is furnished with the Bible, Square, and Compass. The Bible is dedicated to the service of God, and every Mason receives it as the rule of his Faith, and he is taught to practice its holy precepts. It is to be taken as the man of his counsel and the guide of his feet. The Square reminds him that it is his duty to square his actions by the square of virtue. The Compasses bid him recollect that he should circumscribe his desires, and keep his passions within due bounds. Thus the furniture of the Lodge becomes a teacher of great moral lessons, which will lead him to be a better man. There is then a moral attraction to draw the Mason to attend the sessions of the Lodge, though it is sometimes difficult to do so. Every thing which is attractive in morals, draws him to the Lodge. Then again MASONRY MAKES HIM WISER AND BETTER. It imparts knowledge which has been preserved and handed down, through the lodge for three thousand years. It opens the book of instruction to him, and most impressively teaches him lessons which are calculated to enlarge the capacities of the mind, and make them more competent to grapple with the great, and intricate problems of life. No man can be a genuine Mason, without some acquaintance with the lessons taught in Masonry. MASONRY MAKES HIM HAPPIER. It brings him in connection for the time being, with good mer. When he enters the Lodge, he is where no immorality is allowed. It is strictly forbidden by the rules of the Fraternity, that while there, a man should not indulge in any immoral conduct. It then makes him happier to be in a society of this kind. In other places, the bounds of decency and propriety may be passed, and human nature be shocked, but not so in the time the Lodge is in session. It makes no difference, what a man's conduct may be in other places, when he comes to the Lodge, he is bound to be a gentleman. Nothing derogatory to the character of a gentleman, can occur there, without the severest censure. There is one place outside the churches, where loaferism can have no toleration. All uncouth language and actions must be left outside the room dedicated to Free Masonry. The rich greet the poor with the utmost cordiality and decorum. Such associations contribute to the common pleasures of the mind, and the visitor is glad of such happy communications. These things give interest to Masonry and draw the members to the Lodge. He contracts a love for the associations of the place. It is to him a pleasant resort, and he returns to his home feeling happy over the privilege he has enjoyed. Another thing that draws him, is— MASONRY TEACHES BY SYMBOLS. It adopts the emblematic mode of instruction. Lately we hearthe object method of instruction highly extolled, both in the Sunday and day schools. Those who speak so enthusiastically in its praise, forget that the primitive church, and Masonry, for thousands of years have employed this same system with good effect There is not a step of progress taken in the Fraternity, but various and significant emblems are presented to the traveller, to impress some great and important truth upon his mind. The Common Gavel, is employed to break off the projecting corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builders use, but the mason is taught to make use of it, for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting his heart and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting his mind as a living stone, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Such is the lesson taught by it. A Mason cannot see a stone hammer, but he must remember he has a work to do in his own heart, and divest his conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, and then, if true to his principles, he cannot forget that he is fitting himself, by this discipline, as a living stone for that spiritual building. Thus he is taught symbolically, these great moral lessous, and I pity the man who habitually attends the Lodge, and has made such slow progress in learning, that he has not ac |