THE BUILDER FEBRUARY 1916

WASHINGTON, THE MAN AND MASON

BY BRO.GEO. H. SAWYER, IOWA

"Native goodness is unconscious; asks not to be recognized, 
But its baser affectation is a thing to be despised.
Only when the man is loyal to himself shall he be prized."

Here and there on the world's calendar of time the finger of the
Almighty has during its progress over the pages rested with
peculiar significance and left its imprint indelible and
unmistakable. These imprints mark the red letter days of history
and of progress. Sometimes the day thus set apart by the Master
Builder commemorates some deed or battle which he would have us
recognize as a milestone of advancement on the highway which leads
to that last great day when God shall be acknowledged in deed as
well as word the Father of us all and when all men shall be as
brothers.

But again this finger print is occasioned by the dedicating of a
date as the birthday of some man or woman destined to perform a
mighty service for God, humanity and the world. Strange it seems
that the little month of February should commemorate the births of
the two greatest men whose names adorn the pages of American
history. Should any one presume to doubt that an All Wise God has
from the very beginning guided this nation of ours, let him study
with care the biography of Washington and of Lincoln and learn
there the lessons that He would teach. Never should honor be paid
the memory of one of these noblemen on his natal day without
mention being made of the services of the other.

Washington and Lincoln --what names with which to conjure. God
intended the latter to supplement the work of the former and that
their memories might be preserved in common, he caused their natal
days to be in close proximity on February's meagre page. Washington
born in honor and in plenty, and Lincoln in humility and poverty,
teach us the lesson sorely needed in these latter days that
patrician and plebeian, rich and poor, high and low, are
distinctions not to be reckoned with in anything that pertains to
things American. Then, too, how similar and yet how vastly
different were these great Americans. Here again can God's plan be
read. At a period in the world's unrest a man was needed whose
heart beat in close accord with manhood's struggle for equality,
and yet a man withal whose dignity, seclusion and apparent
sternness of character forbade at all times a familiarity which
meant anarchism and destructic. In witness of this note well the
horrors of the French Revolution. But in Lincoln's time a purely
local measure in a certain sense demanded a man who training,
manner and method made him familiar almost to contempt. Austere
dignity and seclusion wou have made a Washington in Lincoln's time
a farce and Lincoln in Washington time a national tragedy. To
Washington the Father and Lincoln the Savior of our country we bow
in humb reverence.

While as a nation we this day pay homage to the memory of
Washington, is peculiarly fitting that Masons we meet in our
various Masonic homes and in solemn quietude around our several
altars contemplate the virtues of this man and Mason; this great
character who exemplified every virtue which Masonry inculcates. So
intimately are the history of Masonry and the life of Washington
interwoven that th seem but the web and woof of the same fabric.
The year 1732 marks the birth year of Washington, and about that
date for the first time recognized Masonry makes its formal
appearance on American soil in the form of established lodges. 
From that date until the present time Masons and Masonry have
played important parts in the wonderful history of our republic.
This is not the occasion for the lauding of this order nor does the
institution need or demand public commendation. As we review the
history of the past, however, we cannot but be grateful that Masons
have been permitted under the providence of God to contribute as
they have to liberty and progress as exemplified in the development
of the United States. Let us be thankful that not one word in the
obligation that we take nor one act in the mystic rites which we
indulge conflicts in the slightest degree with our duty to God, our
country, our neighbor, or ourselves, but rather fosters and impels
the noblest and the best in the way of social, civic, and religious
advancement.

Briefly let us call to mind a few of the events in the history of
our country in which Masons and Masonry have played important
roles. The Boston Tea Party of 1773 perhaps will for all time be
shrouded in mystery and yet it is scarcely to be doubted that
Masonic brothers wont to meet in the rooms above the Old Green
Dragon Tavern of Boston could have lifted the veil of mystery had
they been so disposed. It was a Masonic messenger in the person of
Paul Revere who on the "18th of April in '75" carried the message
flashed from the tower of the Old North Church on that historic
night so many years ago. Bunker Hill was forever consecrated by the
shedding of precious blood. Masonry here offered as its sacrifice
the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts in the person of Gen.
Warren, whose name is ever mentioned in every account of that
memorable engagement. By a strange coincidence it happened that on
the very day that Warren fell, another brother in the person of
Washington received his commission as Commander in Chief of the
American forces. The Declaration of Independence is acknowledged
the world over to be the most profound exposition of civic and
religious liberty that was ever penned by man. History and
tradition inform us that among the signers of that era-forming
document were several leaders of public thought to whom Masonic
teachings were a constant source of inspiration.

On the roll of Masonic honor in connection with the Revolutionary
War besides the aforementioned are to be found the names of the
following whom we delight to designate as brothers: Benjamin
Franklin, the astute diplomat and statesman; Baron Steuben, the
Prussian drill master; Gen. Israel Putnam, the two Randolphs,
Edward and Robert Livingston, Gen. Knox, and last but not least the
great LaFayette, the companion and confidant of Washington who in
the dark days of intrigue vindicated the character of his brother
when wrongfully traduced. To him America owes a debt of gratitude
beyond measure. To what extent the fraternal bonds buoyed up and
encouraged these men during those long eight years can be
understood somewhat by a review of the correspondence of the times.

On the 30th of April, 1789, Washington took the oath of office as
the first president of these United States. The ceremony was a most
impressive one. The oath was administered by Robt. E. Livingston,
the Chancellor of the State of New York and the Grand Master of
Masons in that state. The Bible on which rested the hand of
Washington as he entered into that solemn engagement had been taken
from the altar of St. John's Lodge No. 1 of New York City. Having
taken the oath, Washington in reverence kissed the page of the
sacred volume. The leaf whereon his lips had rested was then folded
and after the ceremony the honored volume was returned to its
cushion of crimson velvet on the altar where it remains until this
day.

On two other memorable occasions in the career of Washington as
President did Masonry play an historic part. On the 15th of April,
1791, with Masonic ceremonies was laid the southeast cornerstone of
the District of Columbia from which point was surveyed the area
comprising the federal grounds, the location of which had with
deference been left to Washington; and again on the 18th of
September, 1793, with the most elaborate and impressive of Masonic
ceremonies Washington as Grand Master protem. laid the cornerstone
of the Capitol building itself in the city which bears his name.
At least eight brother Masons since the days of Washington have
occupied the president's chair. From first to last the history of
Masonry in America has been an honorable one.

But it is to Washington, the man, that we wish this day to pay our
homage. Someone has said that the perpetuity of this nation depends
upon the spirit and the manner in which the American people observe
their patriotic days. If this be true it behooves us to look well
to the charge that the rising generation lacks in these three
essentials--restraint, respect and reverence. Lord Brougham has
said that "The veneration paid to the immortal name of Washington
will ever be a test of the progress which our race makes in wisdom
and in virtue."

We have stated that Washington exemplified every virtue which
Masonry inculcates. At the age of 20 he sought admission into the
mystic order and soon after the attainment of his majority he was
made a Master Mason. The teachings of the order impressed him
deeply and his connection with it was intimate and constant. The
story of his life is too well known to justify repeating. We can
profit most perhaps by causing to pass before our eyes some scenes
which tend to show the man and the virtues which were his.

The home life of Washington affords a beautiful picture of devotion
to wife and mother. He was an ideal son and husband. What tribute
could be greater ? He was a man passionately fond of his home and
nothing on earth would have been so in harmony with his conception
of a happy and contented life as to have been permitted to have
spent his days in the supervision of his beautiful Mt. Vernon
estate. But during the forty seven years from the time of his
majority until his death at sixty eight, public duties of the most
exacting nature forced themselves upon him, and hardly did he
retire to peace and quietude at any period but that some new duty
confronted him, and when duty called, personal comfort and
preference were laid aside. Extracts from letters written by him to
personal friends at the close of the war breathe the satisfaction
he felt at being able once more to live the private life. One of
these extracts reads as follows: "The scene has changed. On the eve
of Christmas I entered these doors an older man by nine years than
when I left them. I am just beginning to experience the ease and
freedom from public care which however desirable take some time to
realize. I hope to spend the remainder of my days in cultivating
the affections of good men and in the practice of domestic virtues.
I have not only retired from all public employments but I am
retiring within myself and shall be able to view the solitary walk
and tread the paths of private life with a heartfelt satisfaction.
Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased with all, and this,
my dear friend, being the order of my march I will move gently down
the stream of life until I sleep with my fathers."

But how soon this dream was shattered. There followed the stirring
days of the Constitutional Convention and the eight years of the
presidency. Again he retired voluntarily to private life, but once
more came duty's call. Scarcely had Adams been seated in the
president's chair when France assumed such a belligerent attitude
that war clouds hung thick and heavy. Washington received and
reluctantly accepted the command of the provisional army against
France and repaired at once to Philadelphia to perfect plans for a
military campaign. This was at the age of sixty five. Fortunately
the sentiment of France changed and Washington was spared. But all
this teaches well the lesson to man and Mason that when public
responsibility seeks the man he has but little right to resist the
call.

Two of many beautiful pictures tell the story of Washington's
devotion to his mother. The fall of Yorktown had been accomplished.
The war was over. His journey from New York to Virginia had been a
continual ovation. At Fredericksburg he stopped to visit his aged
mother. He allowed no pageantry or pomp to mar the scene. She was
alone. Her aged hands were busy with household duties as he crossed
the threshold. She smiled as she turned to greet him. A mother's
embrace and kiss were more to him than the flying of banners and
the blare of trumpets. Not a word was said of the mighty conflicts.
To her he was not the humbler of Great Britain's power. He was the
son for whom she had sacrificed and who in manhood's years had
crowned her life with glory, not as commander-in-chief of the
American army but by virtue of a pure and upright life. With a
mother's solicitude and only as a mother can, she noted the furrows
which seven years of the nation's sorrows had plowed deep upon his
brow.

That evening a gala event was planned in the city in honor of
Washington's presence. The distinguished men of this and other
nations who had accompanied Washington to the city, together with
the brilliant company of Virginia's best, were in the receation
hall. Mother Washington consented to be present although she said
demurely that her dancing days were over. Leaning on the arm of her
son she emerged among the happy group. A beautiful picture she made
dressed in the plain but becoming gown of the Virginia lady of
olden times. With quiet reserve and dignity she met the flower of
Virginia society and the polished attentions of gallant French
officers present. Courteous she was but with naught of haughtiness
as their compliments fell upon her. At an early hour she retired
saying simply that she wished the company much joy in their
entertainment but it was time for old folks like her to be in bed.
Again on the arm of Washington she left the room. To the army
officers present who were familiar with the artificial distinctions
of society life in the old world this scene was a revelation. With
wonder unrepressed they said among themselves that any country
which produced mothers such as that would never lack for
illustrious sons.

In the spring of 1789 on his way to New York, the Federal Capital,
where as President-elect he was to take the oath of office,
Washington once more, ever mindful of filial duty, stopped at
Fredericksburg to see his mother. He came to explain to her that
again his country demanded his services but that he would soon
return. With prophetic vision she interrupted: "You will never see
my face again; my great age warns me that I shall not be long for
this world. But go, George, fulfil the high duties which Heaven
appears to assign you, and may Heaven's and a mother's blessings
attend you." Washington hid his face on her shoulder and wept. Her
prophecy was all too true. In a place of her own choosing near a
ledge of rocks where she was wont to go for prayer, her body rests-
-a spot made sacred to American liberty by a mother's prayers for
her son as he bore the nation's burdens.

Washington is said by some critics to have been stern, cold and
unresponsive. Perhaps in a measure the charge is true so far as
outward manifestation is concerned. But we must remember that this
was a transition period from the artificial dignity and pomp
surrounding power as manifested in office, and that growing desire
to break from all such artificiality and to reduce all to the level
of absolute equality in form and effect. Neither extreme is safe
nor can long exist. One of the greatest secrets of Washington's
power lies in this very element. But that underneath a stern
exterior there beat a brother's heart let no one doubt. If doubt
there be, read again the story of Valley Forge. During that awful
winter Washington's headquarters were at the home of a Quaker
minister. One day, 'tis said, this good old Quaker, while wandering
in the woods, accidentally came upon the person of Washington
absorbed in audible prayer. The minister is reported to have
remarked after this experience that he never from that moment
doubted for an instant the outcome of the struggle for such prayers
must needs be answered.

"Oh, who shall know the might 
Of the words he uttered there ? 
The fate of nations then was turned 
By the fervor of that prayer."

Perhaps the scene which tells most of his inner heart life is that
enacted at Fraunces' Tavern in New York City December 4, 1783. The
occasion was the gathering of the principal officers of the war to
take final leave of their commander. "As Washington entered the
room and stood before them for the last time he could not conceal
his emotions. Filling a glass he raised it and said: 'With a heart
full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you; and most
devoutly do I wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and
happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.' And
then, his voice trembling with emotion, he added, 'I cannot come to
each of you, to take my leave; but shall be obliged to you if you
will come and take my hand.' Gen. Knox stood nearest him.
Washington grasped his proflered hand, and, incapable of utterance,
drew him to his bosom with a tender embrace. Each officer in turn
received the same silent, affectionate farewell. Every eye was
filled with tears, every heart throbbed with emotion, but no tongue
interrupted the tenderness of the scene. To those who had known him
only as a stern commander, it was like Joseph's making himself
known to his brethren; but to those who had met him as a brother in
the lodge room it was but the renewal of the mystic grasp, and the
well known silent embrace they had known before."

"Weeping through that sad group he passed, 
Turned once and gazed, and then was gone--
It was his tenderest and his last."

Another virtue taught by Masonry is that of benevolence. To what
extent this was exemplified in Washington's career let the
following excerpt from a letter by him at the beginning of the war
give testimony. This letter was written to the one in charge of his
estate at Mt. Vernon and at a time when the demoralized condition
of his army might well have demanded his whole time and thought.
"Let," he said, "the hospitality of the house be kept with regard
to the poor. Let no one go away hungry. If any of this kind of
people should be in want of corn, supply their necessity, providing
it does not encourage them in idleness. I have no objection to your
giving my money in charity when you think it will be well disposed.
I mean that it is my desire that it should be so." This together
with the fact that for all his sacrificing service during the war
he would accept nothing but his expenses puts to shame the graft
and greed of public life today.

His eight years of the presidency having passed, how eagerly he
sought the quietude of Mt. Vernon and the happy private
companionship of his wife. In a letter he expressed it thus: "To
the wearied traveler who sees a resting place and is bending his
body to lean thereon I now compare myself." But political enemies
forgetful of his services and sacrifices were seeking to malign
him. To his everlasting credit and greatly to his comfort he was
able to say that "conscious rectitude and the approving voice of
his country" removed the sting of criticism.

Less than three years were allotted to Washington's life in
private. His fatal illness began on the evening of December 12,
1799. The physician gave no hope. " 'Tis well," said Washington, "I
am not afraid to die." At the foot of the bed, her face buried in
the curtains, the faithful wife prayed in silence that the end
might be a peaceful one. Her prayer was answered. "It is well, all
is now over. I shall soon follow him. I have no more trials to pass
through." Thus went out the life of Washington.

And his soul, naked and alone
Appeared before the Great White Throne 
As pure and spotless, we believe
As the leathern apron he'd received 
So many years before.

With full Masonic ceremonials, together with the burial service of
the Episcopal church conducted by his pastor and Masonic brother,
his body was laid to rest in a tomb near which it now reposes. The
Bible on which he had taken the oath of office as president was
brought from the lodge room in New York and played a conspicuous
part in the ceremonies of the day. Washington's war horse,
riderless that day but carrying saddle, holsters and pistols, took
its place in the procession.

What wondrous changes in these more than a hundred years since that
far off funeral day. From a struggling nation among the humblest in
history to a world power whose influence is second to none is the
record of our rise. But in this very thing lies lurking our
greatest peril. That the virtues of Washington and the ideals for
which he and his compatriots fought may be preserved unsullied, let
us here and now as citizens and as Masons rededicate ourselves to
the service of God and humanity and thus in the truest nse do honor
to his memory.

"God of our fathers, known of old 
Lord of our far flung battle line-- 
Beneath whose awful hand we hold 
Dominion over palm and pine--
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, 
Lest we forget--lest we forget."

HOMER'S WAR-FILM

Each host now joins and each a god inspires,
These Mars incites and those Minerva fires,
Pale flight around, and dreadful terror reign;
And discord raging bathes the purple plain.
Discord ! dire sister of the slaughtering power,
Small at her birth but rising every hour,
While scarce the skies her horrid head can bound
She stalks on earth, and shakes the world around.
The nations bleed where'er her steps she turns
The groan still deepens and the combat burns. 
--The Iliad, Book IV, Pope's Translation.

HEAR OURPRAYER

From prejudice, bitterness, unkindliness, deliver me. Make me
charitable in thought, slow to condemn, and may my heart and soul
be free of the poison of malice, intolerance, bigotry and hate.
Amen.
--John T. McCutcheon.

