Mystic masonry, or, The symbols of freemasonry and the greater ...

xxxviii
Introduction.
by every just and benevolent means in his power.
The names that are honored in the traditions of the
Lodge and in the history of the Order, belong to
those who have thus achieved enduring fame, and
they are held aloft in the ritual of the Lodge as
worthy of all emulation. But shall neither the
present nor the future add anything to this roll of
honor? or, if need be, to the list of martyrs? Are
the days of noble deeds past with Masonry forever?
and the need of self-sacrifice and devotion altogether
a thing of the past? There was never greater need
than at the present time ; never so great an opportunity
as now for Masonry to assume its true place
among the institutions of man and to force recognition
by the simple power of Brotherly Love, Relief,
and Truth, based upon philosophy such as nowhere
else exists outside of its ancient symbols. If the
majority of Masons do not realize the true signilicance
and value of their possessions, there is all the
more need for those who do to speak out, even in
the face of discouragement and detraction, and do
their utmost to demonstrate the truth. Does any intelligent
Mason imagine that the guilds of practical
Masons of a century and a half ago originated the
Order of Freemasons? There were indeed Architects
and Master Builders among them, but the