1869.J
Appendix.
199
From the address delivered by him on the occasion, we quote the following: "One thing will abide with us, and will remain ul1changed throughout all time, unshaken by the storms of the ,vorld, untouched by change of form-the sublime Idea oj .JIasonry! If she may have been in former times or may be novv momentarily obsoured by dark clouds, her light continues to shine unchanged. Like the sun, she breaks victoriously through the enveloping veil of clouds, and continues to enlighten the mind and ,varm the hearts of those who zealously seek her. If the Masons of to-day pursue different roads in search of the true and eternalligh t, they A.LL will come near to it, so far as that is perlnitted to mortal man on earth, if they only keep constal1tly in view the true polar star, that thro\vs light on the precipices and cliffs so that they may be avoided. "For although the essence 路of matter, and it encompasses the greatest spiritnal blessings of lifo, nlanifests itself to our mortal eye under CQver of a certain form, yet this forlu is essence itself, even if it is changed by time, or forms itself differently ill the views of individuals. As the Iigh t of the sun shining througll a prism reflects seven distinct colors, and stilll"emains the pure sunlight, so may the light of lYlasol1ry assume various shapes, according to the conception of the tiInes and the various systems. None of these forms can clain1- that it alone is the autllorized and enduring one, and no l\;fason may look down upon his brethren because they deem their system, differing fronl bis own, orthodox.
"The loud calls for refornl in Masonry that have manifested themselves of late cannot be called unjustifiable. But they will become such, if attempts are made to touch not merely the external shell, but also the true, inner substance of Masonry. It will beconle such, if it makes demands vvhich will drag the beauty and dignity of the noblest of all arts down to a level witll the common; if it attempts to divide the sublhne doctrines of our art, of its inner sub.. stance, the peculiar and intimately connected venerable symbols &11cl forU1S. Let us oppose such attempts, DIy dear brethren, as we bave lleretofore done, with courage and firmness. Do not let us l,)hut our eyes against th.at whicll we must acknowledge as good and beneficial to ~!asonry. Do not let us hold fast with obstinate contrariety to blsignificant peculiarities that have nothing to do with the spirit of Masonry, and which, as the offspring of the times~ may die ,vith time.. But do l10t let us permit the glorious edifice which our ancestors have erected with so much self-sacrifice for the $ublime objects of our Order, and With all th,w mental POW~$, and wbi(}h they have transmitted to us, with the sacred injunction to p:reserve in all its dignity, to be shaken, or perhaps altogether de-