goes, the institution is brought into disrepute. And if the moral gangrene is permitted to extend, and is not checked, in due time the system will be condemned by the ignorant, the selfish and unfaithful, as in times past. As lovers of Masonry in its highest phase of purity, we must keep an eye single to the character and worth of the material, that is brought forward for the symbolic walls of the Temple. If we lose sight of the real value of what goes into the edifice, it will most assuredly fall. It will fall like the superstructures erected by selfish sects and parties. When Masonry, by its members loses sight of every moral principle, like nations and parties, it will come to naught. Let nations through their rulers, and law-makers wink at corruption, and the government will run into extravagance, and ruin. Pollute the populace by rulers, and the nation falls. There will be no government, except as the heel of power, is upon the neck of people. And as we see the curses that are at work, which destroy republics, it behooves every true Mason to reflect candidly, ere the Fraternity drift down the same stream, and become overwhelmed in the whirlpool of ruin. If members seek favor and gain as does the politician, like evils of corruption will follow, and undermine the foundation of our glorious system. There is no more direct road to decay, than a scramble for position. A bargain and sale for office in any form whatever, is the lightning trains to corruption, and the downfall of moral virtue. To get up a corner for an office in a government, and support a kind of a "board of trade" system, when the bids go up and down with the bulls and bears, it must and will corrupt these engaged, and bring disgrace upon themselves, and the system they represent. It matters not where we find their corners, and those strifes, if in the Masonic Fraternity, a polluted stream will flow therefrom. The Institution of Masonry is a perfect despotic government, firmly fixed upon moral principles. In all of her teachings, she despotically adheres to truth and integrity, at the same time leaves every one free to go or come. And as there can be no office seekers or politicians in despotism, so there can be no seekers for office in Masonry. Masonry elevates for merit and worth, and elects such to govern. While she is a true system of despotism, she discards the idea of hereditary right. No one is eligible to the office of Master but actual Past Masters, Past Wardens, or Present Wardens, who have been regularly elected and lawfully installed.-Minnesota. To which the committee on Jurisprudence add : Except at the first election of the officers of a lodge." 66 THE A. AND A. S. RITE. ** We refer with pleasure to this Ancient Rite of Masonry, and its progress in the Jurisdiction of Illinois and in the city of Chicago -Chicago to-day boasts of one of the largest organization of this Rite in the world—and that organization is Oriental Sor *** Consistory S* P *** R *** S * and its co-ordinate bodies, being composed of intelligent and experienced Craftsmen; with officers who understand their work and their duties. Its meetings are always interesting and instructive, and Oriental Consistory to-day (with its co-ordinate bodies) is wielding an influence for good, that is felt in all circles of Symbolic Masonry in this jurisdiction. The recuperative powers of their bodies since the great fire have been wonderful, as they are at the present writing, in a better financial condition than they were previous to the fire. It is expected that by June next, their new Temple on Monroe near State St., will be ready for occupancy, which, when completed, will be one of the finest and best arranged halls in America; and especially arranged for the work of this Rite, where all the degrees from the 4th to the 32d inclusive can be worked and exemplified. At a recent meeting of Oriental Consistory, it was resolved to fully arm, equip, and adopt a uniform, which should be appropriate and in keeping with the high grade of Masonry; and in accordance with said resolution, the Illinois Commander-in-chief has issued an order for all the members to arm and equip themselves immediately, and which orders are being duly executed; and when fully uniformed, will present an appearance in harmony with their title -SP R* S ***—and equal if not superior to any Chivalric Order in this country. ** ** ANNOUNCEMENT. We are happy to announce to our friends and readers throughout the Northwest, that Brother A. S. Wadhams, of Chicago, the well known dealer in, and manufacturer of, all kinds of secret society regalias, lodge furniture, etc., has taken an interest in the MYSTIC STAR, and it will hereafter be published by Newman, Wadhams & Co. Brother Wadhams large varied experience and acquaintance among the Fraternity, will add much to the influence and interest of the magazine. THE JONESVILLE GRAPE. Notwithstanding our journal is principally devoted to the interests of the Masonic Fraternity, yet we feel justified in noticing this valuable acquisition to the grape family. It is a new variety that has been thoroughly tested in the vicinity where it originated. It is owned by brother C. H. GREERMAN, of Milton, Rock Co., Wis., who is a worthy member of the Craft. This grape possesses many superior properties above many other kinds for this northern climate. For hardiness to stand the extreme cold winters, it resembles the wild grape vine. It is a fast grower. Its fruit ripens as early as the middle of August. It is about like the Concord in size and flavor. It is equally as good, and a more prolific bearer. The fruit can be kept as long as any other kind. With all these superior qualities, we feel safe to recommend it to all who are desirous of cultivating this delicious fruit. The facts of its living through the cold winters of the North, its early maturity, and great bearing properties, are sufficient to induce every one to try it in their respective localities. Bro. C. H. GREERMAN sells them for $1 a single root, or $10 per doz. We will vouch that what he says can be relied upon, This grape originated in JONESVILLE, Wis., and has received the very highest recommendations from distinguished horticulturists. BIND THE MYSTIC STAR. Every subscriber ought to preserve the numbers of the MYSTIC STAR, and have them bound at the end of the year. We have arranged to have a lot of Emerson Binders made, of special size, for the MYSTIC STAR. This binder is the best we have ever seen; it consists of stiff board-sides, with cloth back and gilt title, like an ordinary cover or sides. It is so arranged that any number of the magazine can be inserted and firmly fastened, and others added from time to time until the year is complete. It is so simple and so easily done that any child can do it. The price of the binder is fifty cents each, to be had at this office, or sent free by mail, upon receipt of price. Send for it and try it. WASHING MACHINE. THE ELLIS WASHING Patented March 25th, 1871. MANUFACTURED AT GALFA. ILL., BY ELLIS, SELLON & CO., THIS ***** (aly merite the atom of the, It's andebtedly the best It has found its way to the brimes of more than All who have secured machines speak of it in 24XX) Yams the pass 12 mats, It has no equal. It does all the work the highest terms, in regard to its wasb nz withunt the use of tob or washboard, washing the finest fabric without the least inIt is a machine that Jury. It is easily operated; a child can work it to perfection. everybody should have, being substantially made, perfect in every part, and nicely Boshed. FIRST PREMIUM AWARDED AT THE FOLLOWING FAIRS FOR 1872 ...Du Quoin, I!! ....Canton, Ill Sangamon County Fair,........Springfield, Ill Jefferson County Fair........ Mt. Vernon, Ill Scott County Fair,............Davenport, Iowa ......Ottawa, Perry County Fair Bats #... Mataan County Wair,.........Bloomington, Ill. Fulton County Fair,.... Knox County Wair, ......Knoxville, Ill. Marer Gomity Wair,................. ..Aledo, Ill. ..........Dizon, Ill. Tas County Fair.... Aurora #air,..... ..Aurora, Ill. The following are a few of the many persons who have voluntarily passed their opinions in reference to the Ellis washing machine. They are farmers of Illinois, and perhaps well known to many of our readers. We could add hundreds of such statements if room would permit: MONMOUTH, 111., Nov. 10, 1871. R. G. PATTON. MILAN, Ill, Oct. 12, 1871. Merare, Elle, Sellon, Wiley & Co.-We have tested the Ellis Washing Machine, and find it to do the work just as you represent. We have no fault to find whatever. I can sell many of them here for you. Please send me one more, large size. Very respectfully, A. W. WRIGHT. WYOMING, I., Dec 20, 1871 Messrs. Ellis, Bellon, Wiley & Co.-I am ou They of macl ines; ship half dozen right off more than satisfy the people. SAMUEL SMITH. ELLIS, SELLON, & CO., Galva, Ill. THE MYSTIC STAR. April--1873, EARLY IMPRESSIONS OF MASONRY. How well do we remember the awful and mysterious feeling with which, in our sunny days of boyhood, we looked upon the man who was in possession of the secrets of Freemasonry; and still the wonder grew upon us whether the day would ever arrive when we ourselves should don the apron and make one of the chosen few. Our immediate paternal ancestor was a Mason, high in the Order, but he seldom spoke of it, unless when drawn out by a vigorous sally from his beloved better half, or one of her fair visitors. To do them justice however, their arguments seldom extended beyond those stale jokes which have been current against the craft for ages. His Masonic sensibilities were more seriously affected, and his indignant defense more frequently called forth by the ingenious libels of a neighboring relative who, having in his days of youthful gallantry committed some grievous escapade, was blackballed in the county lodge, and thus was generated in him a feeling of enmity against the Order, which, upon every occasion, he poured forth with all the power of a scholar, and all the bitterness of a cynic. Yet he seemed to gain but few adherents, and these among the gentler sex,-bless them! they generally side with the weakwhile the eulogiums he drew forth in defense of Freemasonry sunk deep into the minds of the listeners, and upon ours left an impression which time cannot efface. On many occasions we ourselves have been made the starting point of attack, when our cynical kinsman, placing his hand upon our head, would indulge somewhat after this fashion: "My dear boy, I hope you will have too much sense ever to have any thing to do with this tomfoolery called Freemasonry; it is a mere apology 1. VOL. XVII-NO. VI-APRIL, 1873. |